I’m from a farming background - I grew up on a dairy farm with cows, sheep, chickens, horses, dogs, and cats. From a young age, I was always involved with animals.

I gained more work experience at Derbyshire Vets - the practice I’m at now. That experience turned things around for me, and eventually, I joined the team as an Animal Care Assistant.

What was it like when you started out?

I started at the Wirksworth branch of Derbyshire Vets, which is quite small - just two nurses and one receptionist. That meant I had to get hands-on quickly, which was great for learning. I have dyslexia, so getting through my nurse training was challenging.

Fortunately, I had an amazing mentor, Laura, who helped me through it all. She was fantastic and played a huge part in helping me succeed.

What has your career progression been like?

After qualifying, I worked across all three Derbyshire Vets branches as a “floating” nurse. Then, a Deputy Head Nurse role came up, and I got it! From there, I moved to Head Nurse at the Buxton branch.

It’s been a journey. I struggled with my nursing exams so qualifying felt like a huge achievement for me at the time. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, especially considering I didn’t have big aspirations at the start. I have worked with some amazing people over the years and have been very lucky to have such a supportive team. I have been given so many opportunities at Derbyshire to grow my career from doing my Emergency and Critical care Certificate and a Certificate in Leadership and Management.

What’s your favourite part of working in veterinary practice?

I love emergency and critical care cases and being able to do the best for our patients as well as being part of a team. I thrive in high-stress situations where quick decisions are needed. I also love working with the team.

We have such an awesome group of people here, and everyone’s focused on improving patient care. I enjoy solving problems, whether they are clinical or operational.

You’re about to step into the Area Support Manager role. What excites you about this transition?

I’m really looking forward to meeting new people. Instead of working in one practice, I’ll be supporting multiple sites. It’s exciting to think about helping teams on a larger scale and continuing to develop and support people, just like I’ve done at our practice.

You were also on the IVC Evidensia Nurse Board. Can you tell us about that experience?

I was on the board for about two years and chaired it for six months during a maternity cover. The board was a way for nurses to give feedback on changes and initiatives at IVC. It felt great to see our opinions listened to and acted on.

I helped set up “Nurse Hour” webinars, where we shared training and knowledge with nurses across IVC. It was rewarding to know we were giving back to the nursing community. Chairing the incredible and I felt a real responsibility to represent nurses and speak on their behalf.

What are you most proud of in your career so far?

Passing my nursing exams is something I’m very proud of because I had to overcome so much to get there. Being selected for the Nurse Board was another big moment, it felt like recognition for all the hard work I’d put in.

What advice would you give to someone looking to progress in veterinary nursing?

Just go for it. Don’t let your own doubts hold you back. Sometimes, the way you see yourself isn’t how others see you. Work hard and put yourself out there! Networking and building relationships are also key.

Outside of work, how do you like to unwind?

I have two Labradors, Ronnie and Fergus, who keep me busy. We converted a camper van a few years ago and often take it to the Lake District or Scotland for weekends away. I also work out at the gym regularly which is great for my mental health as well as fitness .

What’s next for you?

I’m excited to take on the Area Support Manager role and make a difference on a larger scale. While I’ll miss the hands-on clinical work, I’m looking forward to helping teams grow and thrive across our practices.