May is Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month (VNAM) and this year’s theme is Empowerment. VNAM is a great opportunity to shine the light on the unsung heroes of the Veterinary Profession and you can read Tabitha’s story below as she reflects on her journey from student to where she is today.

‘Are you going to study further to become a Vet?’, ‘I want to see a vet, not a nurse’, ‘Don’t you enjoy just cuddling puppies all day?’ Believe it or not, these are some of the common questions and comments that Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) like me regularly get asked when in practice.

It is commonly misconceived what the role of a Veterinary Nurse really is, and Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month is a fantastic opportunity to shed light on the profession. So, what exactly does a veterinary nurse do? Well, the role of a veterinary nurse can vary depending on the setting they work in, but generally, veterinary nurses work alongside veterinarians to provide medical care to animals. They perform a wide range of duties, from assisting in surgeries to providing nursing care to hospitalised animals. They also communicate with pet owners, educate them on how to care for their pets at home, and assist in diagnostic testing and treatment plans.

I qualified in 2019 with a Diploma from the College of Animal Welfare in London. Since qualifying I have developed a keen interest in surgery and have recently passed my surgical nursing Schedule 3 Qualification. This achievement marks an important milestone in my career and opens new opportunities for me by allowing me to get stuck in with the surgical side of the role.

With this qualification, I now feel more confident to undertake Schedule 3 procedures under the guidance and supervision of a veterinary surgeon. These procedures include minor surgical interventions, such as suturing wounds, lump removals, tail amputations and other exciting procedures. The sense of achievement and empowerment I get as an RVN seeing a patient back after I have performed surgery on them is second to none.

As the marketing manager for my practice, I have also gained a unique perspective on the veterinary world. I am able to use my knowledge and insights to educate clients and colleagues on the importance of veterinary care for their pets as well as being aware of the commercial aspects of running a successful clinic. My combined knowledge in both veterinary nursing and marketing has enabled me to develop effective marketing strategies for my practice and take on a more senior role in the practice.

Going forward, I plan to complete a qualification in Veterinary Business management and have just finished my clinical coach training meaning I’m well-equipped to start training the next generation of Student Nurses coming though. This is a proud ‘pinch me’ moment when reflecting on all my hard years of training. From logging my first NPL submission (fire extinguishers- boring!) to now training new students in practice- without singing The Lion King, it feels very circle of life!

I am excited to continue to expand my knowledge and skills and I feel proud to be part of a practice that supports my professional development and encourages me to pursue my passions. I am eager to see where my career in veterinary nursing and marketing takes me next.