From Work Experience to RVN and Clinical Coach

I always have wanted to be a Registered Vet Nurse (RVN) and started work experience at Bay Vets Morecambe branch when I was 17 years old, doing 2 days a week. Even though I was there voluntarily and to observe, the team encouraged me to get involved in many aspects and I really enjoyed expanding my skillset and knowledge.

My time as a work experience student confirmed the career path for me; and I went on to study Level 3 Animal Management for 2 years at Lancaster and Morecambe College. The Bay Morecambe team agreed to host my placement during this time. All of the staff had been friendly and supportive of me, and I wanted to progress.

After my Animal Management Course, I secured a place at Myerscough and enrolled in the FdSc Veterinary Nursing programme. My colleagues at Bay have become a second family. Throughout my student nursing, I was given time and the opportunity to practice the necessary skills to work toward competence required of an RVN. When I was struggling with workload and motivation, everyone acted empathetically and rallied to remind me how far I had progressed in the previous years and how close I was to achieving my goal. I graduated in July 2023!

I am so pleased to have joined the Bay team as an RVN, I am now based mainly at the Lancaster branch due to their increased caseload. The support shown to me as a student resonated and inspired me to undertake a course in tutoring. I was then asked to become a Clinical Coach for current student vet nurses. I really enjoy sharing my knowledge, and demonstrating skills that I am proud to have learnt and utilise in my daily work. I am understanding of student’s needs, having been through the experience recently myself, and find I have a lot of patience, therefore. I find it satisfying to observe their progress and am excited and privileged to support and influence the next generation of RVNs! My career development has been clear and supported by Bay Vets, and I am hoping to enrol for my Nursing Certificate in Tutoring later this year, a concept that my managers are keen to facilitate.