Carly Kilby is a Registered Veterinary Nurse and BVNA Regional Representative, and has been qualified for 18 years. Here, Carly shares her advice to add to our ‘Pocket Guide to Day 1 as an RVN’.

“Whatever you think will happen on your first day as an RVN, probably won’t! Whether you trained at the practice or are starting at a new one, you will come across something that will surprise you. Don’t be put off. You know this. And if you don’t, it’s another learning opportunity. Don’t be scared, don’t worry, work together, ask for help, put what you know into practice.

“Day 1 shouldn’t feel any different, but you will put extra pressure on yourself now as the expectations will be high. Hold your head high. You’ve studied hard for a long time; your qualification is well deserved. But don’t expect to know everything. I’ve learnt more over the past 10 years (been qualified for 18 years) than I did in the first half of my career.

“Don’t put pressure on yourself to study more to find a niche. Use your skills and knowledge to make your day run smoothly and take each day as it comes, emergencies and all. It’s only once you have been doing something for a while, will you recognise what it is you want from your qualification. That’s the time to pursue your niche.

Day 1 is only 12 hours; you have many more days to shine.”

Find out more about how you can get involved in #VNAM2023 here.