Lauryn qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2022 from Anglia Ruskin University and has been working at Cromer Vets ever since. She enjoys all aspects of nursing, from consulting to monitoring anaesthesia. Lauryn has a particular interest in ultrasonography, laboratory sampling, and exotic animals. Passionate about mental health, she openly shares her own experiences and now advocates for others as a Vetlife representative.
Please summarise your journey / biography:
From a young age I was passionate that I wanted to work with animals. Instead of undertaking A-levels, I decided to study a level 3 extended diploma in Animal Management. After this, I went to university and achieved an honours degree in veterinary nursing with animal behaviour.
Since graduation, I have taken it upon myself to become an advocate for those suffering with their mental health. Alongside my day-to-day role as a registered veterinary nurse (RVN), I volunteer as an area representative for Vetlife. This involves communicating closely with individuals who may be suffering and vulnerable. I have also written articles surrounding mental health within the industry published with the British Veterinary Nursing Association’s Veterinary Nursing Journal (VNJ).
Describe your typical day from waking to sleeping:
On a typical day, I wake up around 5.45am to walk my little Jack Russell, Aster, before I start a day of work. My shifts vary so every day is slightly different! I am lucky enough to take my dog with me to work so she joins me for a shift too. I work any time up until 6.30pm. After this, I will walk Aster in the local area surrounding my workplace. Some days I will go for a run or to the gym following work, this is an activity I do for my own mental health. Usually, I am in bed by 9pm as I really do worship my sleep!
How would you describe yourself in a sentence?
Empathetic, always wanting to do my best and make a change.
How would others describe you in a sentence?
‘A kind, loving and caring person who is dedicated, passionate and brave but needs to believe in herself more’ – words from my mum
What has been your top success and what have you learned from this?
My biggest success has been opening up about my own mental health. Although this was a scary experience, I feel that it has been important to share my struggles with individuals that may have experienced similar feelings. It has also been valuable as evidence for myself to see how far I have come. In multiple scenarios, I have proved my anxieties and imposter syndrome wrong. Unfortunately, sometimes I still let these anxieties win which is something I am working on.
I have recently also been awarded Pioneer’s 30 under Thirty award. This award is dedicated to recognising young talent in the industry. I am so grateful to have been nominated and very shocked – this may be my imposter syndrome talking!
What has been your biggest challenge, setback or failure and how have you overcome it? How did you grow or change as a result?
As previously mentioned, my own mental health has been a struggle. This is the reason I am so passionate about raising awareness and helping others. Unfortunately, I often feel that I am undeserving of good things and imposter syndrome beings to creep in. Although it may not always seem it, I have a constant battle in my head and sometimes find it exhausting filtering out the overthinking. On a regular basis, I worry about what others think of me. This is something that I am working on and have noticed it benefits me to talk about my worries. I feel that exercise settles my mind when I am feeling this way too. I am learning not to worry about other people’s opinions.
What compromises have you had to make and what, if anything, could have helped?
I am fortunate enough to have not made many compromises. When I was at university, I had to work unsociable hours in order to cover my rent in Cambridge whilst also studying full time. This meant I was tired a lot of the time. I am sure in my future there will be more compromises I have to make!
What advice would you have given to your younger self, that you would now give to others wanting to follow your path?
It may feel like a struggle at times, but you are more than capable. You are also very deserving of all the good things that come your way. Tough times shall pass.
I couldn’t have got where I am today without…
My family
What are your three top likes?
Fitness
Animals – cliche I know!
Eating good food
What are your three top dislikes? (This can be anything from learner drivers and traffic queues, to cliched advice you hear).
Lack of respect for the profession aka vet bashing
Mushrooms
People that don’t indicate when driving
Vetlife is an independent charity that provides free and confidential support to anyone in the UK veterinary community who has emotional, health or financial problems.
Today, the charity is providing more support than ever. 2024 was Vetlife Helpline’s busiest year with 5,111 contacts.
Many thanks to Lauryn Read for sharing her story to inspire veterinary women to aspire and grow into their full career potential.
If you would like to share your story please get in touch at info@veterinarywoman.co.uk
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