The Vet Nurse Skills Podcast

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.

In this episode, we’re joined by the incredible Courtney Scales, RVN, veterinary anaesthesia educator, clinical nurse, and the force behind Veterinary Anursethesia. Courtney shares her refreshingly honest and often hilarious journey into vet nursing, from fainting during her very first shadowing shift (“it was just a German shepherd castrate and I fainted”) to becoming one of the most recognisable voices in anaesthesia education. This episode is packed with inspiration, humour, practical wisdom, and a celebration of non‑linear career paths, all while championing the importance of finding your voice as a veterinary nurse.

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Laura Jones, RVN, VTS, senior medical nurse at the Ralph and founder of the Medical Nursing Academy. Laura shares her incredible journey from accidentally discovering internal medicine nursing to creating a thriving educational platform that supports nurses worldwide. Discover how she transformed feelings of isolation and imposter syndrome into a mission to showcase what's truly possible for veterinary nurses in medical roles - from running blood transfusions and placing central lines to coordinating complex patient care. Laura opens up about the realities of referral nursing, offers practical advice for nurses considering the leap from general practice, and reveals the behind-the-scenes work of building courses, podcasts, and social media content (with a little help from Heidi, her very real virtual assistant!). 

In this month's extended episode we are extremely lucky to be joined by a truly inspirational member of the veterinary nursing profession - outgoing BVNA President, Lyndsay Hughes. In this episode, we'll cover: Lyndsay's journey into veterinary nursing Overcoming health challenges and gaining leadership experience Becoming a director and overcoming imposter syndrome The role of the BVNA president and the work behind the scenes Challenges in nurse utilisation and the reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act Importance of communication and advocating for the nursing profession

Stacey Parker, a qualified RVN since 2014, has achieved various post-qualification certificates and now works as a referral nurse at Perry Referrals. Alongside her clinical role, she runs her own CPD business - Burty's Boutique - offering education in a wide range of topics. Stacey's nursing journey began unexpectedly when she took in a rabbit, leading her to pursue a career in veterinary nursing. She has since gained extensive experience in anesthesia, dentistry, and emergency and critical care, and is a trained CPR rescuer; in this episode she shares advice on how to improve your skills and boost your confidence. Burty's Boutique was born out of Stacey's desire to share her knowledge and passion for veterinary nursing, with the goal of making learning enjoyable and accessible for her colleagues.

In this month's episode, Molly Fiander - an RVN and founder of Management for Locums - discusses her journey into locum work and the challenges she faced, leading her to create a platform to support locum nurses. Molly emphasizes the importance of organization, financial management, and building a supportive community for locum nurses to thrive.

In this month's episode, the team invites an inspiring guest from the States to join the podcast - Alyssa Mages. Alyssa is a certified veterinary technician with 20 years of experience, who joined the hosts to discuss her journey from marine biology to the veterinary field, before discussing burnout, her passion for empowering veterinary teams, and the importance of communication and inclusivity in the profession.

Lacey Daniels, a passionate veterinary nurse, shares her career journey with the VN Skills team, from starting in a small-town practice to championing the nursing profession in various roles. She discusses the challenges of early leadership positions without proper training and support, and how this inspired her to create platforms like RVN Speaks to give veterinary nurses a voice. Lacey's diverse experiences - from working in charity hospitals to the RCVS - have shaped her belief that veterinary nurses should be empowered to explore opportunities beyond clinical practice. Lacey also discusses the challenges of allowing your personality to shine with confidence whilst remaining professional. Most recently, she has launched Warren Consultancy and PetLink Mag to build connections and provide accessible, evidence-based information for the veterinary community and pet owners. Throughout, Lacey emphasizes the importance of fostering supportive environments and celebrating the talents of veterinary professionals.

In this month's episode, Amelia Sherwood RVN & Dr Kirsten Ronngren welcome Emily Holmes RVN to the studio; Emily is a vet nurse who moved from clinical practice to starting her own business as a veterinary content creator. This episode explores her journey, how content creation and social media can help practices, how to excel at it, and how to forge your own path within the industry. Also some discussion of a chicken called Notorious BIG...

In this episode, the VN Skills team welcome BVNA Advocate and multi-certificated RVN, Carly Kilby. Carly shares her career journey which has spanned continents and subject areas, whilst also giving advice on nurses who are happy with a broader focus.

In this episode we welcome the highly qualified Inge Breathnach DipVN, DipAVN(Small Animal), CertAVN(Oncology), RVN to the podcast. Inge has a passion for treating oncology patients and gives her tips on providing the best possible care for patients and clients alike, as well as sharing what a day in the life of an oncology nurse entails.

The Vet Nurse Skills Podcast Ep.3 - Overcoming Ultrasound Fear (feat. Jack Pye RVN) In this episode we welcome RVN Jack Pye to the podcast. Jack discusses how he overcame his fear and loathing of getting involved in cases requiring ultrasound, to now training VN's across the country in ultrasound (and even teaching an ultrasound course!).

The Vet Nurse Skills Podcast Ep.2 - Running Dermatology Clinics (feat. John Redbond) In this episode we welcome RVN John Redbond to the podcast. John discusses how he got more interested in dermatology, which led to him taking the reigns in getting more involved and active in these cases. From here, John set up and ran a successful  dermatology clinic; in this episode, he'll share insights and tips on how you could do the same, even from scratch!

In this first episode, we meet the co-hosts and find out what the Vet Nurse Skills Podcast is all about... Podcast Co-Hosts: - Amelia Sherwood RVN - Sarah Tranter RVN - Dr Kirsten Ronngren