From a young age, I always knew I wanted to work with animals, but I wasn’t sure which path to take. After years in education, I had an interview at The Veterinary Hospital. Following a tour of the practice and seeing the level of care they provided, I knew this was the career for me. 

Tell us about your career journey. 

I studied Animal Management at Bicton College, followed by a Foundation Degree in Veterinary Studies. I then moved to Yorkshire to complete a Degree in Animal Behaviour and Training before settling back in Plymouth to decide on my career path. I started as an Animal Nursing Assistant for a few months before beginning my student nursing. The course was challenging, but I enjoyed every bit of it. Once qualified, I moved to our Plympton branch to become Lead Nurse and manage the branch. 

What led you to focus on surgical care? 

The position actually fell into my lap - it began as maternity cover. The role brought me back to the main hospital, where I assisted the Head Medical Nurse in supporting our team of RVNs, SVNs, and ANAs. Once the maternity cover ended, I continued in the role long-term. By then, I was already deeply invested in supporting the team in both medical and surgical capacities. 

As Head Surgical Nurse, what does a typical day look like for you? 

Rather than being in theatre, I spend most of my day in the prep room, running the surgical list. I’m responsible for booking all operations at the practice, including sterile theatre procedures, X-rays, ultrasounds, and dental work. This allows me to plan the day for both the nurses and vets. 

My mornings start at 7 am with patient admissions, which I really enjoy. It’s a lovely time to connect with clients and their pets. Once admitted, each patient receives a clinical exam and is placed in the ward with the ward team. Surgery begins at 9am, and I coordinate with the surgical vet to discuss the day’s plan and operation order. The entire team works together to move through the list, from pre-meds to surgery, recovery, and finally discharge. I oversee the flow, ensuring the next patient is prepped and ready when the team exits theatre. 

What specific skills or qualities are crucial for someone pursuing a career in surgical veterinary nursing? 
Teamwork is at the top of the list. You won’t get far without the support of your colleagues to keep the day running smoothly. Patience is essential too, working with different vets and nurses means adapting to various styles. 

There are also certificates in surgical nursing to help further your skills, or leadership CPD courses if you’re interested in moving into a managerial role like mine. Above all, attention to detail is vital - from counting instruments to maintaining sterility throughout the day. 

What’s the most fulfilling part of your role?  

I absolutely love my job and come in with a smile every day. No two days are the same, and I thrive on the pace of a busy surgery schedule. The most fulfilling moment is always reuniting pets with their owners; seeing the joy on both sides is incredibly rewarding. 

Emergency surgeries are particularly impactful. For example, when a dog that’s been lethargic and vomiting undergoes an exploratory laparotomy and we discover a foreign body, it’s fascinating to see what they've swallowed! We’ve found everything from stones and corn on the cob to socks and children’s toys. 

Dentistry is also very rewarding because the results are immediate, pets come in with bad breath and leave with minty-fresh mouths! 

How has your career progressed since entering the veterinary nursing field? 

It’s progressed quickly, but I think that’s because I’m quite driven and actively pursue what I want. I was only an ANA for a few months before starting my student nurse training. After qualifying, I managed our largest branch surgery, then moved back to the hospital to take on the Head Nurse role. I’ve never regretted any of the steps I’ve taken, they’ve all shaped who I am today. 

My role as Head Branch Nurse was instrumental in shaping me. I was mentored by two brilliant vets who supported and guided me to become the best nurse and leader I could be. The role also helped me develop strong organisational skills, especially when managing surgical lists and coordinating a team. 

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in surgical veterinary nursing? 
Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential. You need to gel with the team. Patient safety is always the top priority, and staying calm under pressure is a must, particularly during high-stress situations in theatre. 

Looking back, is there anything you wish you’d known when starting out? 

I probably would’ve started with the ANA apprenticeship straight from school. I completed my degree in my twenties and then had to start from scratch in nursing; it would have saved a lot of time to start earlier. 

What keeps you inspired and passionate about your work? 

It’s a mix of my love for the team I work with and my passion for the patients. 

Tell us about Plymouth Vets! What kind of cases do you see at the practice? 

We’re a small animal practice focusing on dogs and cats, but we also see a large variety of exotic species thanks to two of our vets holding certificates in exotics. This includes rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small furries, as well as reptiles and birds like macaws, bearded dragons, and chameleons. 

Our new hospital here in Plymouth is a state-of-the-art facility designed to give our patients the best possible care with the latest diagnostics and treatment options. We have a brand-new CT scanner, which is really exciting, especially for exotic species and orthopaedic cases in cats and dogs. The hospital’s set up with separate wards for dogs, cats, and exotic animals, plus multiple procedure rooms, so everything runs smoothly and each patient gets the care they need. 

How would you describe the culture at the practice?  

The culture is warm, supportive, and team-focused. My favourite thing is the people - I genuinely enjoy coming to work because of the team atmosphere. 

Being part of this new hospital means we can offer more advanced services and referral-level care right here in Plymouth, which is fantastic for our local community. 

What do you enjoy about the local area? 

Plymouth is beautiful! Dartmoor is on one side, the sea on the other, and you’re right next to Cornwall. There’s so much greenery and natural beauty. 

Tell us about the new hospital facilities. 

As mentioned, we’re moving into a brand-new building with upgraded facilities, including a CT scanner, individual operating theatres, and species-specific wards. It’s an exciting time for the practice. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work to recharge? 

I have two beautiful nephews I love spending time with, along with my Westie, Hamish, and a new kitten named Ember. Hamish is a 6-year-old Westie who’s calm and well-behaved. he loves carrying his ball around and showing it off. Ember is just 10 weeks old, but she's a total mischief-maker and a huge timewaster! She’s playful and is getting to know Hamish. I also have three guinea pigs - Rolo, Waffle, and Fudge - who live in my lounge and go wild whenever they hear the rustle of a kale packet, as if they haven’t already been eating all day! 

What hobbies and interests do you have? 

I enjoy walking Hamish, reading, and going to the cinema. I’m also a big Disney fan and love going on family holidays to Florida.