A celebration of vet nurses and the varied roles that they take on during their careers is the subject of a new video produced for Vet Nurse Awareness Month (VNAM) by IVC Evidensia. It starts with the line, “I am so much more than just a vet nurse”.
The theme for this year’s VNAM is ‘Empowerment’, and the hope is that this video will shine a light on all the roles that vet nurses occupy in their careers, including being “a clinician, a friend, a mentor, a coach, a leader, an innovator, a lifesaver.”
Jessica Hotchin, Acting Chair of the IVC Evidensia Nurse Board, commented on the creation of the video: “In making the video, we wanted to make IVC Evidensia vet nurses feel supported in their roles, whilst showcasing the development and career opportunities open to them.
“Whatever exciting path they choose in their nursing career, whether that’s specialising or generalising, working in practice or moving to a management position, we’re here to support them every step of the way.”
Footage included in the video features many vet nurses describing their specific roles, which include being a Clinical Manager, a Farm Tech, a Referrals Nurse, a Student Nurse, an ECC Nurse, a Consulting Nurse, an Equine Nurse and a Mental Health First Aider.
Vet Nurses take the spotlight
Participants in the inspiring video all had a hand in making it a success and have shared their personal journeys as Vet Nurses and what advice they would give to those thinking of pursuing a similar career path.
Emma Maidment, the ECC Nurse featured in the video, elaborated on her experiences and career as a Vet Nurse:
“I have been a Veterinary Nurse for 34 years plus my 2 years as a trainee nurse and I still enjoy my job as no two days are the same and even after all this time there are new cases to be seen.
“Since Covid I have been working locum shifts for Vets Now, which has expanded my ECC Knowledge and is something I plan to continue in the future, as I enjoy the fast pace of the work and the shift content is so varied.
“If someone was considering becoming a nurse, I would advise them to do some work experience in a variety of practices to make sure it is the right career for them.”
“My advice to someone interested in a veterinary nurse career is to get as much exposure and experience in practice prior to starting training so you can really see what it is like and what is expected.”
Chrissie Poke
Chrissie Poke, a Clinical Manager featured in the video, had this to say about her career progress: “I have been a RVN for 12 years and worked in the veterinary industry for 16 years. I have been at CHVG (Clent Hills Vet Group) since 2014, I became Branch Head Nurse after few years and then Head Nurse of CHVG in 2019.
“I have recently progressed to Clinical Manager, and I love my work with animals. However, where I take most pride is in helping others develop their skills and allowing them the opportunities. This is why I wanted to progress to management to help make those changes possible.
“My advice to someone interested in a veterinary nurse career is to get as much exposure and experience in practice prior to starting training so you can really see what it is like and what is expected.
“If you can get a job as a VCA this will massively help you get a better understanding of patient care and day to day veterinary so that when you start your vet nurse training, you can relate in back to what you have done or seen in practice.
“Also never be afraid to ask a question, we have all been there and know how it feels to think is a silly question – it never is!”
Aside from being a celebration of vet nurses in all forms, the video also highlights the contribution nurses make to the industry and how they are very much the bedrock of practices operating in the UK today.
To find out about Vet Nurses in IVC Evidensia and the Nurse Board, created to further the commitment they have to developing and empowering vet nurses, you can head to the website here.
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