Sarah Holliday GradDipVN, CertNES, RVN is a veterinary nurse who has built a career spanning clinical practice, leadership and oncology specialism. After qualifying in 2008, she progressed from primary care into a head nurse role before moving into referral practice at AURA Veterinary, where she developed her expertise in medical oncology.
Now a Veterinary Technician Specialist (Oncology) and President of the British Veterinary Nursing Association, Sarah combines advanced clinical knowledge with a passion for leadership, education and professional advocacy.
Please summarise your journey / biography:
When asked at school to choose an industry for work experience, I knew I wanted to work with animals. I spent two weeks gaining insight – one in a dog grooming salon and another on a farm. As soon as I was old enough, I took on part-time roles in a cattery and as a kennel assistant in a local veterinary practice, confirming my passion for veterinary nursing.
In 2006, I began my training as a veterinary nurse in a small animal practice in Surrey, qualifying in 2008. I then spent several years in primary care, progressing into a head nurse role where I developed strong leadership skills. Alongside this, I gained additional qualifications in feline and canine behaviour, as well as nursing exotic species.
I have always been passionate about broadening my experience. In my spare time, I previously worked with the Kennel Club veterinary team at Crufts and volunteered with the Zoological Society of London and the Wildlife Aid Foundation, which led to an opportunity to visit an African wildlife sanctuary in Malawi.
After working as a locum nurse, I transitioned into referral practice, joining AURA Veterinary, an oncology and soft tissue hospital. I progressed to become a senior nurse in medical oncology. Over the past decade, I have specialised in oncology, achieving my VTS (Oncology) in 2023, alongside the VMG award in leadership and mentoring. I have lectured internationally and published in peer-reviewed veterinary journals on oncology topics.
I am an active member of the British Veterinary Nursing Association, having served on council for three years, and I am currently halfway through my presidential year. I contribute to the Veterinary Technician Development Committee and am a member of the Veterinary Cancer Society.
In 2025, I set up an oncology nurse/vet tech group to enable networking, education and sharing resources.
Describe your typical day from waking to sleeping:
The thing I love most about working in the veterinary profession is that every day is never the same. A typical day at work begins at 5.30am with a shower, breakfast and commute into work. Then at 8am I attend morning rounds to review each patient and confirm the care plan. From 8:30 to 9:45, patients are admitted, with histories, medications, and concerns discussed before initial assessments, including TPR, blood sampling, and IV catheter placement. Once diagnostics are underway, cases are reviewed with the oncologist, including cancer monitoring such as measuring masses and lymph nodes.
The role involves calculating, preparing, and safely administering chemotherapy while strictly following health and safety protocols, alongside providing supportive treatments and continuous patient advocacy. Client communication is key, including educating owners on treatments, side effects, and home care, as well as managing calls and emails.
Additional responsibilities include assisting with diagnostic imaging procedures, coordinating patient flow, ordering stock, dispensing medications, and discharging patients. The role also supports consultations, schedules appointments, and maintains the oncologist’s diary.
Beyond clinical duties, there is a strong focus on mentoring and training team members and interns, delivering teaching sessions, developing protocols, and contributing to clinical meetings to provide nursing insight. When possible, I would often finish the day with a session at the gym or a pole fitness class before dinner and then relax with my partner.
The last four months have been very different as I am on maternity leave, so my day consists of caring for my daughter and adjusting to a much slower pace to life.
How would you describe yourself in a sentence?
I would describe myself as a compassionate, driven, and strong individual who likes to have a laugh, and isn’t afraid to speak her mind.
How would others describe you in a sentence?
This was a difficult question for me as I have never actually asked my friends or family how they would describe me and it feels uncomfortable hearing complimentary things about yourself doesn’t it! Some words my family and friends used to describe me:
My family described me as loyal, committed, kind, compassionate, funny, trustworthy, loving and beautiful inside and out.
My partner said he would describe me as; Loving, thoughtful, puts others first, inspirational, clever, down to earth, kind.
My best friend described me as funny, loyal, kind and driven.
My work colleague said I am kind, generous, caring, hilarious, supportive, driven and the best “work wife” someone could ever have!
What has been your top success and what have you learned from this?
Three key achievements stand out to me when considering this question – two professional and one personal.
In 2023, I earned my Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) status in oncology after years of dedication. This required completing a 75-case log, four detailed case reports, exam questions, and two written exams, marking a significant milestone in my clinical expertise.
My second professional achievement is being appointed as President of the BVNA. This role goes beyond representation – it’s about shaping the profession through influencing standards, education, and advocacy for veterinary nurses across the UK. It has also challenged me personally, pushing me outside my comfort zone in areas like public speaking, leadership, and handling criticism.
My greatest personal achievement is becoming a mother earlier this year. Experiencing labour and adjusting to life with a newborn has been both the most challenging and rewarding experience. Motherhood has had a profound and positive impact on my life and has already made me a better person.
What has been your biggest challenge, setback or failure and how have you overcome it? How did you grow or change as a result?
One of the most challenging experiences I’ve faced has been my journey to becoming a parent. After two miscarriages, we were devastated, and it had a significant impact on my mental health. I found it difficult to keep showing up in other areas of my life, including work.
After years of trying and many hospital visits, we were finally blessed with our beautiful little girl. Throughout that time, I did my best to hold on to hope. I prioritised my wellbeing – getting enough rest, maintaining good nutrition, and reducing stress wherever possible. I also leaned on a strong support system of family and friends, and made a conscious effort to stay connected with my partner, communicating openly and supporting each other through it all.
It also made me think about the difficulties we face when going through such a hard journey whilst working in such a mentally and physically demanding profession. It has certainly made me more aware of what others could be going through.
What advice would you have given to your younger self, that you would now give to others wanting to follow your path?
My advice to my younger self: you regret what you don’t do, not what you do – so take the trip, go on the date, try new things, and enjoy life.
My advice to others: If you are considering applying for the British veterinary nursing association council – I’d say go for it. Being on BVNA Council isn’t just a title – it’s one of the few ways RVNs can directly influence the direction of the profession. From Schedule 3 discussions to wellbeing initiatives and education, council gives you a voice where decisions are actually shaped. If you’ve ever complained about something in the profession, this is the constructive way to do something about it. It may take time and effort but if it truly matters to you, it’s worth pursuing.
I encourage all veterinary nurses and students to become a member of the BVNA, especially at this pivotal time. You can follow the BVNA facebook and Instagram page for important updates on the association’s activity being the voice of veterinary nurses.
I couldn’t have got where I am today without…
My wonderful and supportive family and all the incredible colleagues I have met throughout my career and had the privilege to work alongside and learn from.
What are your three top likes?
I absolutely love heading out in nature and taking photos of wildlife, I love the long, light evenings in the summer, and couldn’t live without crisps!
What are your three top dislikes?
I really dislike having to scrape my car windscreen in winter, anything with mushrooms and all the unwanted advice you get from strangers when you have a baby!
What is the most helpful book you’ve read and why?
The most beautiful book I have read is “Elephant Whisperer” by Lawrence Anthony. It is based on a true story about a man’s relationship with a herd of elephants. I have read it three times as it’s such a lovely story.
The most useful book I have read is “How to talk to anyone” by Leil Lowndes. It really helped me learn important communication skills when stepping into a representative role as BVNA President.
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