Who is your current employer and what do they do?
I currently work for Linnaeus, a large group employer in the veterinary industry.
What is your job title and what does the job entail?
My job title is Post Registration Programme (PRP) Manager. This involves creating a structured induction programme for early careers nurses wanting to make the transition from student to specialist veterinary nurse. With its first intake due in September the PRP, which has a one-year duration, combines academic and clinical study days, a comprehensive skills matrix and trained mentors to provide a supportive platform for nurses to thrive in multidisciplinary referral practice. My job is to co-ordinate this programme and help to support all those involved.
How did you achieve your current position?
Prior to starting in this role, I had worked in a lovely primary care hospital, charity veterinary hospital and more recently a multidisciplinary referral hospital. During my career as a VN I had always had an interest in education so in 2018 I made the decision to split my time between working in referral practice in County Durham and teaching clinical skills to SVNs at the University of Bristol. Having commuted roughly 600miles a week for over a year, I was thrilled to be able to amalgamate my two passions in to one role with one geographical base!
What do you enjoy about your job?
I love being able to support early careers nurses. I have had brilliant mentors who’ve helped me to achieve my potential and the idea that I am giving something back to the profession brings me a lot of joy.
What are the challenging aspects about your job?
I surprised myself by struggling with working from home. As VNs we are used to working with a close team who often become good friends. To go from that to being in an office by myself was very strange. Thankfully, I have a great team that I connect with remotely and have overcome this challenge!
What are your plans for the future?
The PRP is in its pilot phase this year so my plan for the future is to respond to feedback and develop the programme further with the intention that this becomes the preferred route of entry to any multidisciplinary referral centre.
What other qualifications do you hold?
N/A
What key piece of advice would you give to anyone wishing to follow a similar career path?
If a job opportunity comes up that you really want, don’t be put off by initial logistics. Often geographical location or prior commitments can make you automatically rule an opportunity out when there could be a potential solution. Explore every option thoroughly before turning it down.
Congratulations Sophie! I am so proud of your accomplishments and that you have followed your dreams, and are presently enjoying the fruits of our remarkable success! I have no doubt, that your future looks shimmering and your horizons look brilliant! Once again, congratulations and well done!
With very best wishes,
Calvin Smith, Mphil (Cantab)(Hons)