I had a keen interest in animals from a very young age, and at age 14 discovered veterinary nursing as a career option. From that point on, it became my goal to train as a veterinary nurse. My early research showed that hands-on experience would be essential, alongside my school studies, to give me the best chance of entering the profession. To build that experience, I started working at Mrs Murrays Cat and Dog Home as a Saturday girl and worked full-time during the school holidays - it was a fantastic environment to learn animal care. When I left school, I was offered a full-time position at the home. At the time, veterinary nursing training was delivered through block release study while working in an approved training practice, and securing a placement was notoriously difficult. I continued working full time and sent my CV and covering letter to all local veterinary practices. I was delighted when I was invited to interview at Ardene House Veterinary Hospital and successfully joined the team in 2002.

In my early role, I shadowed experienced nurses, assisted with patient care in the wards, cleaned and prepared surgical kits, and helped maintain the high standards of cleanliness throughout the practice. I went on to complete my NVQ in Veterinary Nursing while working in practice, completing the comprehensive portfolio of cases and attending college through block release. In 2009 I qualified as a Veterinary Nurse - an achievement I was absolutely over the moon about and one that marked the start of a career I remain deeply passionate about.

You’ve been with the practice for over 20 years – what has kept you here for so long?

I am proud to work at Ardene House; the main hospital at Kingswells offers outstanding facilities, enabling us to deliver high standards of patient care. Alongside this, the branch practice that I manage provides an excellent service to the local community and has a genuinely welcoming, community feel - it’s not unusual for clients to pop in just to say hello when they are passing, which says so much about the relationships we build.

Ardene House brings together an exceptional breadth of knowledge across the team, allowing us to manage a diverse and varied caseload. There is a real culture of collaboration, learning and shared expertise, which I feel privileged to be part of.

Throughout my career, I have been continuously supported and encouraged from starting out as a Veterinary Care Assistant to progressing into my current role as Head Veterinary Nurse, managing a branch practice. That support has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally.

How has the veterinary nursing profession changed since you first started?

One of the most significant changes within veterinary nursing has been legislative recognition and professional accountability. The introduction of the Register of Veterinary Nurses (RVN) and the Code of Professional Conduct marked a major step forward, formally recognising our professional responsibilities.

There has also been sustained effort to protect the title “Veterinary Nurse” so that only qualified and registered professionals can use it. While this is still an ongoing process, I hope it will continue to progress to fully reflect the skill, training and level of responsibility now inherent in the role.

The profession has grown significantly in responsibility, autonomy and recognition. Veterinary nursing today is dynamic, evidence based and deeply impactful, offering a challenging and rewarding career with real opportunities for growth and specialisation.

What does your role as Head Nurse involve on a typical day?

I manage the branch practice, working closely alongside the vets and support team to ensure we consistently deliver excellent care for both our patients and clients. I am involved in rota management for the team at the branch and for the vets across both sites. I support our Practice Manager and Clinical Director by contributing to wider practice projects including practice standards assessments, annual reviews and promoting our services across social media platforms. No two days are the same and I enjoy the variety that my role brings.

I also work as a consulting veterinary nurse; I particularly enjoy building strong relationships with clients, educating them, and supporting them in providing the best possible care for their pets. Client communication and continuity of care are aspects of the role I find especially rewarding.

How do you support and lead your nursing team?

Over the years, I have built strong working relationships with the nursing teams across both sites, which I believe is key to effective collaboration and consistency of care. Clear communication is very important to me, and I aim to ensure that everyone feels informed, involved and up to date with any plans, changes or ongoing projects. At the Bridge of Don branch, I regularly check in with my team individually alongside monthly team meetings to provide support, discuss development and to cascade information.

I believe a happy, supported team delivers the best care, so I try to create a positive and inclusive working environment. I also enjoy helping to organise fun initiatives that encourage team bonding and morale, such as step challenges, sunflower growing competitions, quiz nights, pottery painting and team nights out. Supporting my team both professionally and personally is something I take great pride in, and I aim to lead in a way that is approachable, supportive and encouraging.

What do you enjoy most about being a veterinary nurse?

I am incredibly proud to be a veterinary nurse and always strive to do my very best for our patients, clients and the wider team. I love working collaboratively and being part of a profession where teamwork, compassion and shared expertise are essential to providing the highest standards of care.

I particularly enjoy opportunities that allow me to connect both within and beyond the practice. At Ardene House, I have taken the lead on several community focused projects, including fundraising events, school visits and client education evenings. These initiatives are a rewarding way to engage with the community, promote animal welfare and highlight the important role veterinary nurses play.

I enjoy the variety that my role brings and knowing that the work we do every day genuinely makes a difference to animals and their owners.

Can you share a memorable moment or patient that has stayed with you throughout your career?

There have been so many memorable moments throughout my career, and it has been a genuine privilege to care for our clients’ pets. One stand out case, and something completely outside my usual small animal practice, was assisting our large animal vet, Andrew, with a plasma transfusion for Lewis, a cria (baby alpaca). Being involved in such an unusual and challenging case was incredibly rewarding and highlighted the variety and teamwork that make veterinary nursing so special.

What advice would you give to those considering a career in veterinary nursing?

If you’re considering a career in veterinary nursing, my advice would be to go for it if you’re looking for a role where no two days are ever the same. It’s a career that allows you to continually develop your skills while providing a high standard of patient and client care. It can be challenging at times, but it is incredibly rewarding, and I am still very proud to be a Registered Veterinary Nurse.