The Veterinary Nurse Journey into Academia

Welcome back to "The perception and influence of RVN teaching in the veterinary profession". In this episode, we're excited to introduce a lively discussion featuring four interns from Nottingham Vet School as they share their experiences being taught by Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs). Many of them were surprised to learn that RVNs aren’t commonly found in the role of teaching undergraduate vets. Together, they’ll reflect on the skills and expertise that make RVNs exceptional educators. We’ll dive into how RVNs were present during their veterinary degree, how we assist and guide undergraduates during placements, and how RVN support extends well into post-graduation. So, settle in and enjoy this insightful conversation about the vital role RVNs play in veterinary education!

Welcome to Series 3, "The perception and influence of RVN teaching in the veterinary profession", where we dive into the fascinating world of veterinary education and practice! In today’s episode, we’re bringing you a relaxed discussion featuring two dedicated members of the Nottingham Vet School staff. Join us as they share their unique experiences working alongside Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) and explore how their perspectives have been shaped by RVNs who teach. We’ll discuss the invaluable contributions RVNs make to undergraduate teaching, shedding light on the skills and knowledge they bring to the table. So, grab your headphones, sit back, and let’s get started!

The veterinary nurses at the University of Nottingham would like to welcome you to series 2. We aimed to encourage all veterinary nurses that teaching undergraduate veterinary students could be a career pathway. Whilst series 1, shared each of our journeys in higher education, series 2 broadcasts what we do within the university. This series is more relaxed and filled with interesting questions about what our responsibilities are and the positives and challenges we face.

The veterinary nurses at the University of Nottingham would like to welcome you to series 2. We aimed to encourage all veterinary nurses that teaching undergraduate veterinary students could be a career pathway. Whilst series 1, shared each of our journeys in highereducation, series 2 broadcasts what we do within the university. This series ismore relaxed and filled with interesting questions about what our responsibilities are and the positives and challenges we face

The veterinary nurses at the University of Nottingham would like to welcome you to series 2. We aimed to encourage all veterinary nurses that teaching undergraduate veterinary students could be a career pathway. Whilst series 1, shared each of our journeys in higher education, series 2 broadcasts what we do within the university. This series is more relaxed and filled with interesting questions about what our responsibilities are and the positives and challenges we face.

Episode 6; Episode 6 has Charlotte sharing her story of how she went from working as a Veterinary Nurse before moving to education and then back into clinical practice. Charlotte started her route into Veterinary Nursing straight from secondary school, initially wanting to join the army before deciding to train in a mixed practice in the High Peak. After 11 years and working in Primary Care practices, Charlotte joined the University of Nottingham to teach as part of the clinical teaching staff. This episode explores how her experience in practice helped her with her first role in academia and how her role in academia has changed how she now approaches being back in clinical practice.

Episode 5; In this episode, you will hear from Ola, who splits her time 50/50 working at the university and in clinics. Before joining the university, Ola worked in two referral hospitals for 5 years. Ola graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2017.   

Episode 4; Amy qualified from Bottle Green in 2008. She has worked in small and large animal practices, referrals, and at out-of-hours emergency hospitals. She began her journey at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science in 2022 and teaches alongside colleagues on the undergraduate veterinary course. She enjoys transferring her veterinary nursing skills within the veterinary degree, helping students with their practical and clinical skills. She struggles with imposter syndrome like many veterinary nurses but pushes through to continually learn and educate all about the importance of inter-professional relationships.

Episode 3; In this episode, Beth speaks about her rather conventional route into academia. Beth graduated from Harper Adams in 2019 with a BSc (Hons) degree in Veterinary Nursing, and worked in busy first opinion clinics, before joining Nottingham Vet School as a teaching associate in 2023. Beth discusses how her own struggles during her training, and how joining academia early into her veterinary career have shaped her into the teacher she is today.

Episode 2; In this episode, Phil discusses how he began his route into veterinary nursing via NVQ training in 2000, starting in a small animal practice Phil discusses taking a break from the veterinary world to investigate new careers in the ambulance service before returning to small animal practice. After some tough times dealing with his mental health, Phil joined Nottingham University, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science in 2010. Phil initially began as a technician and progressed to his current role as an Assistant Professor. He now teaches full-time on the veterinary undergraduate course.  

Episode 1 has Helen sharing an unconventional route into higher education. Her unusual journey into academia involves not only being a veterinary nurse, but time as a secondary school science teacher. We hope it gives our listeners an overview of her career path, and how she ended up at the University of Nottingham.