I've always been interested in working with animals for as long as I can remember but until I was around 16 years old, I didn't realise that the role of a veterinary nurse even existed. I knew I wanted to go to university so I started doing more research into veterinary nursing courses and figuring out what study route would suit me best.

I studied a Foundation degree in Veterinary Nursing Science at Nottingham Trent University before spending two years in practice, waiting for their BSc Top-Up course to start. After completing the BSc Top-Up degree, I used this as a springboard to gain my Master's degree in Endangered Species Recovery and Conservation, Diploma in the Veterinary Nursing of Zoological and Exotic Species, and my Nursing Certificate in Anaesthesia and Analgesia.

For me, to be a veterinary nurse is to be the communication bridge, or translator, between the veterinary surgeon and the client, whilst maintaining the patient's needs at the forefront of your mind.

What do you enjoy most about being a veterinary nurse, and what keeps you passionate about the role?

Whilst I do have an anaesthesia/theatre bias, I particularly enjoy the constant learning that the role provides. Veterinary medicine is evolving rapidly and as someone at the forefront of patient care, we have to be open to learning and adapting to new evidence as discoveries are made. Similarly, teaching is a real passion of mine, whether it be to a colleague, a student, or a client. For me, teaching the reason why we do something a particular way is just as vital as teaching the method itself as it helps us to remember and also to apply critical thinking when faced with a situation that might not allow us to do something that certain way.

What has been your proudest achievement during your time with IVC so far?

I have many but one of my proudest achievements is my Highly Commended RCVS Knowledge Award 2023 for the work I carried out on peri-operative temperature audits. This is something that I put a lot of work into, and had a really evident impact on patient care, well-being, and outcomes.

What does your role as a Theatre/Cardiology RVN involve on a day-to-day basis?

My current role is really diverse which is something I really value. On my theatre/anaesthesia days I'm involved in setting up for surgeries, cleaning equipment, placing intravenous and arterial catheters, performing local anaesthetic blocks and, of course, monitoring anaesthesia and sedations for a wide variety of patient signalments. My cardiology days look very different. These mostly involve co-ordinating the running of the day's cases with the vet and trying to accommodate any additional cases that may have been admitted to the hospital but also involve taking blood samples, performing ECGs and blood pressure readings, and assisting with echocardiograms. Occasionally, we may have a case that is admitted with concurrent cardiac disease but requires anaesthesia for investigations of another disease/disorder, in these cases I am often involved in the anaesthesia of these patients which means I get to combine both disciplines!

How have your additional qualifications shaped your career and clinical interests?

My additional qualifications have helped me to not only access further knowledge and apply more advanced skills but they have also helped open doors for me that may have otherwise been difficult to open. For example, when I was studying my BSc Top-Up, my interest in exotic species and anaesthesia led me to carry out my dissertation in conjunction with Twycross Zoo. This opportunity enabled me to partake in a work shadowing placement, provided me with experience of several exotic species, and I have since been able to build on this experience by volunteering on projects abroad and working with species such as tapirs, penguins, and sea turtles. Without my additional qualifications in exotic animal nursing, anaesthesia, and conservation, these opportunities would likely have been unavailable to me.

As part of Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month, what would you like people to better understand about the role of veterinary nurses?

The role of the veterinary nurse is diverse and can look different from one clinic to another with some nurses specialising in certain areas, and others finding joy in working in all areas. Veterinary nurses are highly skilled, knowledgeable, and dedicated individuals who, despite the fairly common rhetoric about "cuddling puppies all day", perhaps have the greatest impact on patient outcome and well-being.

What advice would you give to student or newly qualified veterinary nurses looking to develop their careers?

Don't be afraid of working hard to get what you want and make sure you take opportunities that are presented to you. Asking questions, sharing knowledge, and not being afraid to admit when you don't know something are all valuable skills to master because you never stop learning in this job.