Leona Anderson, BVNA Regional Rep, has worked in veterinary practice since the age of 14, qualifying as an RVN in November of 2018. As well as having an interest in anaesthesia and analgesia, she also enjoys diabetes management and diagnostic imaging.

Here, Leona describes her journey as a student veterinary nurse.

“My journey as an SVN… Where should I begin? Let’s start just a little while prior to my studies as a student veterinary nurse. At the age of 14 I went for a weeks work experience at my local veterinary practice; from there I was offered a Saturday job as a cattery assistant, and was allowed to stay back and assist the vet/see practice where needed in the afternoon. I continued coming to this practice for work experience during my school holidays, where my passion for the profession only grew. Along with my Saturday role, I also picked up reception shifts after school, again preparing me for my studies to come.

In 2016 I started my SVN journey (city and guilds diploma in level 3 veterinary nursing) at SRUC Aberdeen and my first year was anything but easy! Struggling with severe anxiety, I found it really difficult to adapt to college life; as much as I loved my days in practice the stress of college seemed to leave a dark cloud over my head. Due to this I also struggled with exams in my first year, sometimes taking multiple attempts to pass, also making the prospect of ever becoming a Veterinary nurse something of a dream. Had it not been for an amazing support system around me of colleagues, assisting me with tutoring sessions (each taking on a different body system to assist me with!), my friends and family that I cried too, I am certain I would have never made it into my second year. For all of their help, I am eternally grateful.

Once first year was completed and passed, I finally started to believe in myself. I became more self assured, knowing where I wanted to go as a future RVN, and set goals for myself. I passed the whole of second year, including my OSCEs in the first sitting; something I didn’t think to be possible in first year.

My journey as an SVN was anything but a smooth one, but, I think it does show that if you believe in yourself, it will make the world of difference. Never be ashamed of making mistakes, as that is how you learn, and never be afraid to ask questions. If you are, maybe look for a different training practice, as you should never be made to feel like a fool during your training; after all, ‘everyday is a school day’ and we in the veterinary profession should always be striving to learn and improve ourselves and the profession.

I was officially placed on the register in November of 2018; marking the start of my RVN journey.”

Want to learn more about what it’s like to be an SVN?

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