Page 5 - Clinical Connections - Autumn 2025

Veterinary nursing

RVC’S GROUNDBREAKING FELLOWSHIPS IN
VETERINARY NURSING

he RVC launched Fellowships worked in small first-opinion practices, I felt Lauren Jenner
in Veterinary Nursing this year, like I had entered a whole new veterinary
T enabling successful candidates to world! However, the Head Medicine Nurse
be employed members of the team while and the Clinical Support Manager put me
gaining invaluable experience and the at ease as we discussed the role in detail
RVC’s Certificate of Advanced Veterinary during the interview.
Nursing (CertAVN). “I was then given a tour of the hospital,
The CertAVN fees are covered, and the and I knew that I wanted to be part of the
fellows can specialise in Emergency and team at the QMHA that delivers such
Critical Care, Anaesthesia and Analgesia or excellent specialist care to patients. When
Medical Nursing. I got the call offering me the position, I was
The first two VN fellows started in so pleased that I had ignored my nerves
January 2025, with the fellowship running and put myself forward. I believe there is
for 22 months. They joined a large team no better place to undertake both the theory
of specialised RVNs in one of the largest and practical elements of internal medicine “Starting my new role was daunting
and most advanced veterinary hospitals in training – and I am so grateful to have been at first. Referral nursing is fast-paced –
the world. Clinical Connections spoke to given this opportunity." and I was stepping into a world where
Siobhan Fray (Medical Nursing) and Lauren “I started working at the QMHA in January many colleagues had years of advanced
Jenner (Anaesthesia and Analgesia) about and began the CertAVN in March. The team experience. But I quickly discovered that
their experiences. was so patient and supportive. I have been I was surrounded by the most wonderful,
Siobhan said: "Throughout my veterinary working in the Internal Medicine Service welcoming, and supportive team. Their
nursing studies I knew I wanted to specialise for 10 months and have learned so much. patience and encouragement made such a
in internal medicine at some stage. I I continue to learn something new every difference, helping me to build confidence
qualified in July 2024 and was working in single day. and feel like I truly belonged.
a busy first-opinion practice when I saw “I absolutely love following cases through, “I can honestly say that I’ve already
the Fellowship advertised. Initially, I was getting to know our patients' individual learned more than I ever expected, in such
reluctant to apply as I questioned whether personalities to make them as comfortable a short time. I feel incredibly fortunate to be
I would have the experience required. as possible during treatment. There is in a role that challenges me, supports my
However, after reading that newly qualified nothing better than seeing a much-loved growth and fuels my passion every day."
nurses would be considered, I put together family member be discharged home with a
my application with the view that I would wagging tail or lots of purrs!”
never be successful if I didn’t try.
Lauren’s experience
Lauren said: "Since qualifying as a
veterinary nurse, I’ve had a particular
passion for anaesthesia and analgesia.
There’s something deeply rewarding about
ensuring a patient is safe and comfortable
throughout a procedure. So, when I came
across the RVC’s Nursing Fellowship I felt it
was the perfect opportunity.
“Despite my excitement, I wasn’t overly
optimistic about being offered the role. I
had never worked in referrals before, and
the imposter syndrome was creeping in.
So, when I received the call offering me the
position, I was over the moon! I couldn’t wait
to begin this next chapter in my career.
“At the time, I was living about two and a Siobhan and Lauren
Siobhan Fray with a feline patient half hours away from the QMHA, so the first
step was relocating. It was a big life change
“I was so excited, albeit nervous, when I – leaving the practice I trained in and
was selected for an interview. I had never moving away from home for the first time.
been to the Queen Mother Hospital for The adjustment took time but the support I For small animal referrals, please call:
Animals (QMHA) before, and my nerves received from colleagues and friends eased 01707 666399
intensified when I arrived. Having only the transition.” Email:
qmhreception@rvc.ac.uk

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