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May is Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month, a whole month dedicated to raising awareness of the veterinary nursing profession and the vital role they play in animal care and treatment.
Katy Mabon is a Veterinary Nurse at Hawick Veterinary Practice and she kindly took time out to tell us about life as a vet nurse.
1. How long have you been a Vet Nurse and what route did you follow to qualify?
I worked at a racing yard after leaving school before joining Hawick Veterinary Practice as a student and studied for a Veterinary Care Assistant diploma which I achieved six years ago. I then went on to complete my Veterinary Nursing qualification and I have been a registered veterinary nurse for three years.
2. What attracted you to a career as a Veterinary Nurse?
I come from a farming background, so I have worked with animals since I was young. I was attracted to veterinary nursing by the variety and because every day is different.
3. What does your job as Veterinary Nurse entail?
As well as small animal nursing duties, I also assist the vets with equine and farm animal nursing. This could be assisting with radiography (x-rays) or endoscopy (using a special camera to look at the airway or stomach) of a horse, driving the vet around the racetrack during races or assisting the vet during a caesarean section on a cow.
I am also the practices green champion and look at how the practice can minimise its environmental impact while still maintaining high clinical standards. We have modified some of our supplies to reduce single use plastic, increased our recycling rate and introduced more environmentally friendly merchandise to our range of toys and treats.
4. What is the most rewarding thing about being a Vet Nurse?
I find following a case to its conclusion really satisfying.
5. What kind of attributes do you need to be a good Vet Nurse?
You have to be caring and hard working.
6. What advice would you give someone thinking about a career as a Vet Nurse?
The main attributes of a successful vet nurse are being able to work as a team and work well under pressure
7. What are the best things about working at Hawick Veterinary practice?
The best bit about working at Hawick Veterinary practice is the mix of farm, equine and small animal patients. Every day is different and I love being involved in all the different aspects of a mixed practice
8. What would be your career highlight so far?
I am proud to have achieved the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) Veterinary Nursing Merit Award in Wound Management
9. Have you completed any additional training to support you in your role?
Over the last 12 months, I undertook additional study, practical workshops and exams to gain the BSAVA Veterinary Nursing Merit Award in Wound Management
10. What's the next step in your career pathway?
To be honest I am undecided what my next career move will be. I am currently content in my position.
