Siobhan Doolin, a Registered Veterinary Nurse with a passion for theatre, shares her journey at Northwest Veterinary Specialists. In this career profile, she reflects on the inspirations that led her into veterinary nursing, the path she’s taken, and the challenges she’s overcome along the way.
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m a 25-year-old theatre veterinary nurse at Northwest Veterinary Specialists (NWVS). I am from Liverpool and pet mum to a crazy Labrador called Nyla!
What inspired you to become a theatre nurse?
Ever since I started my veterinary nursing degree in 2020 I knew I wanted to work in theatre. The first surgery I watched was an eye enucleation and seeing how the surgeons and nurses work as a team to provide the best care for their patients inspired me greatly. I am extremely passionate about patient advocacy, which has also driven me forward to become a theatre nurse.
Can you tell us a bit about your journey to become a theatre referral RVN?
I originally visited NWVS on an open day to tour the hospital and was really impressed by its facilities and work ethics. After this I did some research and came across the Post Registration Programme (PRP) which Linnaeus offer to assist newly qualified nurses in gaining the necessary knowledge and skills for a successful career in referral nursing. I received some amazing support from the whole hospital and theatre team, so after completing the PRP, I continued to work with NWVS as a multidisciplinary nurse. My love for theatre nursing only grew, so when an opening for my dream role as theatre nurse role became available, I was quick to apply for it. To my complete surprise I was successful in my interview, and I am now a theatre referral RVN!
The PRP is a 12-month programme and was a perfect way to gain experience in a busy referral hospital. I enjoyed every moment – it was challenging, exciting and extremely rewarding. I was able to meet other PRP nurses on development away days and weekends to share experiences and to support one another. There was also plenty of clinical and pastoral support which was great, not just to build my skillset but also my confidence. I would highly recommend it to any newly qualified nurses who aspire to become a referral RVN.
What is your favourite part of the job?
It has to be the patients I work with and giving one-to-one care. I enjoy both anaesthesia and scrub nursing and the theatre role gives me the best of both worlds.
What would you say to others thinking of pursuing referral nursing?
It is the most exciting, rewarding yet challenging career where you can develop your nursing skills and provide the best care possible to your patients. It’s a lot of hard work and perseverance, and I am so proud to now be a theatre nurse. If I can achieve this, then anyone can – anything is possible if you work hard enough!
Describe your typical day from waking to sleeping?
In the morning I’ll head to work where l change into my theatre scrubs and enter the theatre area. Whether I am on a scrub or anaesthesia day determines what type of cases I will be working on. The best part of my working day is the variety of cases that I get to see as a theatre RVN, as no two days are the same. Once I have finished my shift I head home, make dinner, spend time with family and prepare for the next day.
What advice would you have given your younger self, which you would give to others wanting to follow your path?
Be honest with yourself and do not let anyone say you cannot achieve something. In high school I was told repeatedly I would never go to university or become a veterinary nurse. It even went as far as me being enrolled as a private student so my grades would not affect the school’s score. I went on to get A grades in my A-levels, went to university and I am now doing my dream job as a theatre referral RVN. You can do anything if you work hard and don’t accept no for an answer. I hope to inspire other newly-qualified nurses who are lacking confidence to believe in themselves and to pursue their dreams.
What has been your biggest challenge to date and how did you overcome it?
It has to be trying to overcome my fear of monitoring general anaesthesia. I used to feel quite out of my depth following a negative experience when I was a student. With the help and support of the nurses and anaesthetists at NWVS and the extra skills I gained during the PRP, my confidence grew tremendously and anaesthesia has now become one of my favourite areas.
What are your three main likes?
Taking Nyla on walks, travelling and scuba diving.
And three dislikes?
Plastic waste, clutter and traffic.
How do you relax after a stressful day?
I do a lot of meditation at home with meditation music on when I get stressed. I try and forget about the stressful parts of my day and focus on the positives!
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