Get to know the people behind the job role as we speak to some of our team about their roles working here at Cromwell. Madeline has been working at Cromwell’s for 7 months, and rounds up this year’s Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month profiles.
Q: How long have you been a veterinary nurse?
A: I’ve been an RVN for 6 years
Q: What is the most rewarding thing about this career choice?
A: I find the most rewarding thing about being a veterinary nurse is that with all of our patients we can and do make a huge difference. From giving them some fuss, love and a groom when they’ve been in hospital with us, to helping to take care of them when they are requiring intensive care; every element of what we do is important to our patients and their owner, no matter how big or small.
Q: What’s the best thing about working at Cromwell Vets?
A: Working at Cromwell’s is great because every day is different. No matter whether it’s been a good day, or a bad day, you know the next day you’ll be coming back to work with an incredibly supportive and friendly team.
Q: What does an average day involve for a veterinary nurse at your practice? What type of treatments and care does this include?
A: There are so many roles within our practice and each one so vital in caring for our patients and ensuring the smooth running of the day. You could spend the day in theatre monitoring patients whilst they are under anaesthesia. Some days are spent in the ward caring for poorly patients, administering medications, spending time providing TLC, making sure they are comfortable and provided with any care they are needing. Some days are spent caring for patients having routine operations – this can involve taking their pre-anaesthetic blood sample, placing intravenous catheters, administering medications pre-anaesthetic, caring for patients after their operations, ensuring they are comfortable, fed and have everything ready to go home with.
Other days you could be responsible for ensuring the preparation areas, theatres and surgical equipment are cleaned, prepared and ready to go for the day.
Q: How has your role changed during the pandemic?
A: Working during the pandemic has meant that it’s been very difficult to connect with clients. One thing I do love ensuring is that my patients’ owners know who I am and know that I will do my utmost to care for their precious pet. The pandemic has meant this has been a lot harder as we have not had the interaction with our clients that we are all used to.
Wearing PPE all day has its challenges however I definitely feel we’ve mostly got used to this.
Q: What single most important thing has helped you through these challenging times?
A: Teamwork!
