The month of May marks Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month, and we are celebrating the incredible work done every day by our veterinary nursing teams across the VetPartners family.
Whether they’re working in small animal practice, in equine practice, referral centres or as practice managers, our nurses are a talented and versatile bunch!
Here, some of our nursing colleagues give an insight into the diversity of their roles and how they’re developing their careers at VetPartners….
THE PRACTICE MANAGER
Tracy Volante – Practice Manager at The Ark Veterinary Practice, Stratford-upon-Avon
Tracy has over 25 years of experience in veterinary nursing, having worked in small animal, equine hospitals and emergency clinics, making her well-equipped for her current role as Practice Manager at The Ark Veterinary Practice.
Q How did you progress your career from veterinary nursing to practice manager?
Having done a wide range of roles, I have a broad understanding across the clinical veterinary industry and have developed strong leadership skills. When an opportunity arose locally for a practice manager, I was recommended to VetPartners by a friend, and I was successfully appointed for the role.
Q What are your priorities for your nursing team?
Balancing the team with a diversity of experience and skill sets, ensuring they feel supported and listened to, helping them find job satisfaction and reward and empowering them to continue in their learning journey. The sky’s the limit for RVNs, and I want my team to know that.
THE SMALL ANIMAL NURSE
Abigail Hick – Senior Surgical Nurse at Chantry Vets, Wakefield
Abigail qualified as a registered veterinary nurse in 2018 and has been part of the team at Chantry Vets since 2016 where she is now a Senior Surgical Nurse.
Q What would your advice be to someone wanting to begin a career in veterinary nursing?
It would be well suited for someone hard-working, empathetic, and resilient. The job is tough, but it is really rewarding to see the difference you can make to a patient and the happiness this brings to owners.
Q How did you get to where you are today?
Hard work and dedication are two things that I believe have gotten me to where I am today. I often take up extra training opportunities to ensure I am always keeping up to date with the latest skills and knowledge to allow me to continue to provide excellent care for my patients and support my team members in the best possible way.
THE EQUINE NURSE
Anne-Marie Sturt – Equine Veterinary Nurse and Clinical Coach at Liphook Equine Hospital, Hampshire
Anne-Marie started her first role in 2013 at Liphook Equine Hospital and went on to qualify as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2021. She has since progressed into clinical coaching and is also a Training Coordinator, supporting new starters in the practices yard team and managing her own group of yard nurses.
Q When did you first begin your career in equine veterinary nursing?
I started out working at a livery yard, where I had lots of involvement with helping vets from Liphook Equine Hospital which inspired me to become a veterinary nurse. Since starting here in 2013, I haven’t looked back.
Q What does a typical day in your role look like?
My day begins with catching up with any office-based work first thing in the morning and making plans for any training that my team members need. I also have a weekly tutorial with my two students and offer them support on a daily basis.
THE REFERRAL NURSE
Michelle Jones – Theatre Nurse at Rutland House Referrals, St Helens
After qualifying in 2003, Michelle started her first role in opinion practice and has also worked in general practice before starting at Rutland House Referrals in 2007 in her role as a Theatre Veterinary Nurse.
Q How did you get to where you are now in your career?
I started my clinical development by undertaking a certificate in dentistry and then found my passion for surgical nursing and anaesthesia which led me to gain the Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing and following this a BSc (Hons) degree. The practice has supported my progression through helping me with several qualifications to enhance my knowledge. I pride myself in providing the best care possible for all the patients I see, and I think the courses I have completed assist with this.
Q What is your favourite thing about your job?
Most of my patients are in for corrective surgery so are often in pain and a large part of my role is making them feel as comfortable as possible. I find it really rewarding when patients are discharged and knowing I have played an important role in their recovery.
Article written by Rachel Neill, VetPartners PR & Communications Executive. rachel.neill@vetpartners.co.uk