Lauren Brown is a Veterinary Nurse, Clinical Instructor in anaesthesia, and Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Anaesthesia and Analgesia with a career shaped by ambition, hard work and a passion for lifelong learning. From working in first-opinion practice, referral settings and mentoring roles, to balancing motherhood and family life with her successful career, Lauren has continually pushed herself to grow, both clinically and personally.
Please summarise your journey
I began my veterinary nursing career in 2008 in a small but busy first-opinion practice. After qualifying, I reached a crossroads; I was eager to expand my clinical skills but was also driven by a desire to see the world. Embracing the versatility of veterinary nursing, I combined both ambitions and relocated to Australia.
There, I progressed into a Clinical Nursing Manager role, working with diverse caseloads spanning exotics to emergency patients, while developing a strong passion for anaesthesia. Upon my return to the UK, I started to locum and soon welcomed my first son. Balancing motherhood with a demanding career brought new challenges, but also a fresh perspective. After maternity leave, I worked in a busy small animal and equine hospital and recognised it was the right moment to further my professional development.
I enrolled in the RCVS Advanced Nursing Diploma, undertaking anaesthesia, medical and surgical pathways. In 2018, I moved to a referral hospital in the South of England to pursue a long-held ambition: achieving Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) status in anaesthesia and analgesia. This goal had shaped my career for years, guiding my clinical roles, CPD, and experience. The process was demanding, but ultimately transformative.
In 2021, I achieved my VTS following an intensive examination process. Since then, my commitment to growth has continued. In 2023, I moved into a Clinical Instructor role in anaesthesia at a specialist soft tissue and oncology hospital, where I combine clinical practice with mentoring others.
Alongside this, I achieved my NCert in Emergency and Critical Care, sitting the examination just six days after the birth of my second son, who arrived earlier than expected!
Describe your typical day from waking to sleeping
My routine starts early, at around 5:30am (not entirely by choice!) Mornings are busy, and I’ve learned that preparation is key. I’ve inadvertently brought checklists into my home life, so we organise as much as possible the night before to minimise chaos, especially with two energetic boys to get ready!
I leave the house by 6:45am and usually return around 5pm. My husband, who is a vet, works a similar schedule, which helps make family life more manageable. Evenings are focused on dinner, bath and bedtime, and we make a conscious effort to leave “shop talk” behind so we can be fully present with our children.
Creating clear boundaries between work and home helps me ward off the feeling of spinning too many plates. Once the children are asleep, I often return to work between 7–9pm to keep on top of projects and studying.
I try to be intentional with my time. Fully present at home and focused at work. Having a supportive partner who understands the profession has made all the difference in building a routine that supports both our careers and our family.
How would you describe yourself in a sentence?
I would probably describe myself as energetic, positive, and resilient (although I can be a classic type A personality at times!)
How would others describe you in a sentence?
Over the years, my energy levels have earned me a few nicknames, most notably “Duracell Bunny” and, my personal favourite, “Hummingbird.”
What has been your top success and what have you learned from this?
Professionally, my greatest achievement has been pursuing and attaining my VTS. The journey has been challenging; from managing advanced cases to studying and lecturing. However, it has led to a wealth of opportunities, such as enhancing my clinical autonomy, deepening my job satisfaction, and creating ongoing avenues for collaboration and growth. I am a firm believer in credit where credit is due, and none of my achievements would have been possible without investment.
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to learn from, and be supported by, exceptional colleagues throughout my career. Several outstanding anaesthetists have mentored and nurtured me along the way. One in particular invested significant time and belief in helping me achieve my VTS, and I fully credit her with my success. Alongside this, others (two of whom I am still blessed to work with) continue to collaborate, teach and challenge me to be the best anaesthesia nurse I can be.
My next endeavour to succeed in is developing a comprehensive anaesthesia training programme within my hospital, with a goal to support and empower the next generation of nurses, enhance their confidence and job satisfaction and ensure a consistent, high standard of care for the patients we treat.
What compromises have you had to make and what, if anything, could have helped?
The biggest compromise in balancing everything I do is that I leave very little time for myself. That’s not something I view negatively. It reflects the work ethic I was raised with, inspired by my incredibly hardworking mum. But if I’m honest, with a few extra hours in the day, I’d happily fit in the occasional pedicure or shopping trip!
What advice would you give to others wanting to follow your path?
My advice to anyone considering a VTS or further education is simple: go for it! You’ll never regret gaining knowledge or improving your skills, and there’s real satisfaction in mentoring others and seeing them succeed. The key is developing strong study habits, setting aside dedicated time, staying consistent and reading widely as well as often. Time is our most valuable resource, so use it intentionally. And while it may take years to reach your goal, those years will pass regardless, so investing that time in yourself and others is always worthwhile, both professionally and personally.
I couldn’t have got where I am today without…
I wouldn’t be where I am today without my husband’s unwavering support, my wonderful children who remind me to stay present, and my incredible colleagues, whose passion, encouragement, and sense of humour have kept me inspired (and laughing) throughout my career.
What are your three top likes?
Exercise. I know it’s an absolute cliché, but everything about exercising appeals to me; alone time, endorphins and the mental clarity that comes from zoning out for 30 minutes and trying to be healthier.
Teaching. I love the feeling of sitting down one-on-one with a colleague or a student and breaking down a concept or topic so that together we can help them master a new technique or theory.
And my utmost favourite thing to do is spend time with my family discovering new places and experiences.
What are your three top dislikes?
The sound of polystyrene (I am running for the hills with my fingers in my ears whenever our blood products arrive!)
Water from a tin of tuna (if it accidentally touches my skin, that’s my day ruined)
And forever finding my husband’s new bike parts scattered around the house!
What is the most helpful book you’ve read and why?
I haven’t had much time for leisure reading in recent years, something I’m hoping to change soon. From a clinical perspective, I would highly recommend Canine and Feline Anaesthesia and Co-Existing Disease as an excellent resource, particularly for those managing anaesthesia across a wide range of patients, including those with comorbidities.
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Veterinary Woman Role Model – Sarah Holliday
Veterinary Woman Role Model – Caroline Clark
Veterinary Woman Role Model – Louise Hosford