I completed my veterinary nursing degree at Harper Adams University and completed my sandwich year placement here at Hollybank! I qualified in the summer of 2022 which was when I returned to Hollybank as an RVN. Since qualifying I have really enjoyed getting stuck into the RVN role and putting all that I have learned at university into practice. I have particularly enjoyed meeting and getting to know lots of our lovely clients and their pets during nurse consultations as well as spending quality time with our inpatients during both day and night shifts and nursing them back to health. I also have interests in canine behaviour and am looking forward to utilising the behaviour referrals advice service to offer support to our clients whose pets may be experiencing behavioural issues.

I have also been keen to learn more and improve my nursing skills through carrying out CPD. I have so far completed a course in anaesthesia to increase my knowledge and better enable me to provide our patients with the best anaesthetic experience possible. I am currently undertaking an Oral Care Nurse certificate which will allow me to perform dental scale and polishes on our patients. As RVNs we are required, by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, to carry out 15 hours of CPD each year. This enables us to keep our knowledge and skills up to date as well as giving us the opportunity to explore areas of interest further.

I am really enjoying my first year as an RVN although, as with every new role, there are challenges to be faced!

Completing my training during covid meant that life as a newly qualified nurse in more ‘normal times’ was very different. Clients are now actually allowed in the building and in appointments with their animals, which meant having to adjust to not having another member of the team holding patients and having an audience whilst carrying out nursing consultations – something that I did not experience during my training. However, I have really enjoyed being able to communicate more easily with clients (without all the PPE!) and really getting to know them and their pets. Communication is a hugely important role of the veterinary nurse and being able to build up a rapport with clients enables them to feel comfortable with us so that they can ask any questions they may have and makes them more likely to trust and implement the information/advice that we give.

Another challenge that comes with being a new grad veterinary nurse is no longer being under the direct supervision of your student mentor, it can be a bit daunting initially  but becomes less so as your confidence improves and we always work under the guidance of  a veterinary surgeon.

Lone working e.g., night shifts can also be a little daunting at first but being able to spend quality time getting to know your inpatients; their likes and dislikes; and how they perk up once they start feeling better can be a valuable and rewarding experience! It is also reassuring that one of our vets are always on-call should we have any concerns.