What is your current position?
I am an Oncology Nurse at Davies Veterinary Specialists, a veterinary referral hospital. My job entails looking after patients in a multi disciplinary referral centre, focusing on patients requiring chemotherapy and palliative care. I’m responsible for placing oncology catheters, and administering chemotherapy agents, as well as advising the Ward’s nurses on the inpatient care required. I liaise with clients on their pets’ ongoing care and treatment.
Tell us how you got to your current position?
I started training in a mixed practice, before moving up to a bigger general practice with orthopaedic referral. I then moved to AHT in Suffolk and worked for seven years in a referral hospital, acting as maternity cover for the Oncology Nurse. Four and a half years ago I moved to Davies and applied for the Oncology Nurse position when it became available.
What do you enjoy about your job?
I enjoy being involved in a highly specialised area of the veterinary industry and giving patients prolonged quality of life. I enjoy developing relationships with the clients of long-term patients and providing them with support as well as a familiar face.
What are the challenging aspects about your job?
One challenging aspect is helping clients through a really difficult process and ensuring they understand that we are always trying to do the best thing for their pet, even when it isn’t what they wanted to hear.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to continue to assist with the development of the Oncology team and promote Oncology and palliative care across a greater range of practices.
What other qualifications do you hold?
I have a GradDipVN from the RVC.
What key piece of advice would you give to anyone wishing to follow a similar career path?
Attend Oncology and palliative care specific CPD and look to move to practices with a current Oncology programme.
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