Ep.14 - From SQP to RVN to CPD (feat. Emma Gerrard)

In this episode of the Vet Nurse Skills podcast, hosts Amelia Sherwood RVN and Dr Kirsten Rongren speak with Emma Gerrard - an experienced RVN whose 20-plus-year career has spanned clinical practice, leadership, and education. Emma traces her journey from a pre-vet nursing course in 2003 through specialising in theatre nursing and orthopaedics, earning her BVNA infection control certificate, and taking on SQP qualifications in both small animal and farm practice. A recurring theme is the power of saying "yes" — from writing articles in the VN Times to volunteering with the BSAVA, becoming the first vet nurse to serve as a regional chair, and editing the BSAVA Pocketbook for Veterinary Nurses. After experiencing burnout following 23 years in clinical practice, Emma pivoted into education, first lecturing online with the College of Animal Welfare before joining Aberystwyth University, where she now teaches on a growing vet nursing degree programme with purpose-built clinic facilities. The conversation also touches on the underutilisation of the SQP qualification in practice, the importance of proactive teamwork between nurses and vets, and hopes for legislative reform that would create clearer pathways for specialist and prescribing nurse roles — drawing comparisons with human healthcare models.