SUCCESS STORY: Myerscough veterinary nursing graduates flourish in practice

Veterinary Nurses work alongside surgeons, and provide a high standard of care and treatment for ill animals.

They also undertake minor surgery, monitor animals during anaesthesia, provide medical treatments and carry out diagnostic tests.

We caught up with two of our 2025 graduates to find out what they’ve been up to in the six months since completing their programmes.

Jessica Parker RVN - winner of Robert Allen Memorial Award 2025

Jess graduated with her FdSc in Veterinary Nursing last summer, winning her award ‘in recognition of her remarkable resilience, unwavering determination, and consistent hard work throughout her veterinary nursing journey, overcoming personal challenges with grace and perseverance, earning the deep respect of her tutors and peers.’

What made you choose to study Veterinary Nursing at Myerscough College?

I previously studied Animal Management Level 3 at the Witton Park Myerscough Centre and absolutely loved the environment and staff. I looked into the Preston campus and really liked that it wasn't city based, had a wide range of animals on site and lovely scenery. Since I had such a positive experience at Witton I decided to apply!

What was your favourite part of the course or campus experience?

My favourite part of the course was the practical animal handling and being taught anatomy and physiology. It's such a big topic but I absolutely love anatomy and physiology, the pink booklets we were given were so handy.

How did your time at Myerscough prepare you for your career as a Veterinary Nurse?

The sessions on mental health were very helpful, I think in this industry it can be so difficult to not get caught up on difficult cases. Sometimes we can try our absolute best and things still don't go to plan, it's so important to remind ourselves that we gave it our all and it isn't our fault. It can be so hard trying to shut off after having difficult days. It's important to have a life outside of vet med and good support systems.

The teaching on legislation and expectations as a registered nurse helped to fully understand what is expected of an RVN. I enjoyed the case studies we were given to discuss and work through surrounding real issues in the animal/veterinary world.

The many hours of placement were the most helpful as it allowed us as SVNs to fully engage and enjoy being nurses as well as allow us to see how difficult the job can be some days.

Were there any staff, mentors, or placement experiences that really inspired or supported you?

All of the staff who taught me inspired me, it was so lovely being taught by people who are so passionate about nursing. I think I will always remember Helen's pharmacology lessons! My clinical supervisor in practice was absolutely amazing. I couldn't have had a better clinical supervisor.

She helped support me throughout the whole course and taught me everything I know practical wise. I can't thank her enough for being so supportive and always making time for my questions and NPL.

What’s one memory from your time at Myerscough that really stands out?

Graduation, it was such an amazing experience. So lovely being surrounded by everyone you've learnt with over the years.

Where are you working now, and what does your role involve?

I work at Armac vets in Bury, it's a 24/7 practice. I do seven days on and seven days off working 1-10pm. Because of the hours I work I get to see the day side of the practice along with the night side. I am the ward nurse, which means I am responsible for all ward patients.

I work alongside the ward vet, a few of the things I do in this role are calculating medications, administering medications, aiding with placing feeding tubes and administering feeds, pain scoring and ensuring the patients are pain free, administering IVFT, taking bloods, placing catheters and general care. I also help with emergencies when needed, perform CPR, monitor anaesthetics, assist with X-rays.

How was the transition from student veterinary nurse to registered veterinary nurse (RVN)?

At first I found it very scary, I had imposter syndrome badly. It's such a strange feeling going from being observed performing nursing tasks to then being allowed to do everything independently! The team at my practice are so supportive, they are always open to questions and have helped me so much with my confidence.

Have you specialised in any particular area of veterinary nursing, or do you have plans to?

I am studying the BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing top up at the moment at Myerscough, which I am really enjoying. There is lots on ECC which I find really interesting. Whilst training, I wanted to specialise in surgical nursing or ECC however I am considering applying to vet school instead after I have finished my top up.

What skills from your Myerscough experience have been most useful in your job so far?

Time management is definitely an important one! It's so important when working in a busy practice. College definitely helped me have confidence in myself; it helped prove to myself that I can do whatever I set my mind to!

What advice would you give to current students about getting ready for their first job?

My advice would be to make sure you ask questions if you are unsure, your team should be supportive and encouraging with you! No one expects you to know everything, it's impossible. There will be days you may doubt yourself, but you made it to where you are for a reason. Make sure to take time for yourself, spend time with friends/family, enjoy hobbies outside of work. It's so important to have a life outside of work especially in the veterinary industry!

What would you say to someone considering a veterinary nursing course at Myerscough?

I would encourage them to go for it if they want a more rural based college with supportive and encouraging teachers. If unsure about veterinary nursing in general definitely get some experience at a vets shadowing nurses!

What are you most proud of since graduating?

I am most proud of continuing my education by taking the bachelors top up and how much my confidence has gone up since qualifying. There have been many obstacles in the way of me getting onto nursing and along the way to qualifying but I managed to carry on and become an RVN.

How has your view of the veterinary nursing profession changed since qualifying?

My views haven't changed much since qualifying, however throughout the course they did change when I saw exactly how much nurses can do. I do think some practices undervalue veterinary nurses, I hope with the new VS Act coming in that nurses are recognised more as we do so much!

What do you love most about being a veterinary nurse?

I absolutely love my job role, my job is to care for inpatients and ensure they are comfortable. I love that I am able to make a difference in owners and their pets’ lives. The best feeling ever has to be nursing a patient back to health; it's so rewarding seeing the animal bounce back to their usual selves.

What are your future goals in the profession?

I do want to write for a journal about my experience becoming a nurse, I want to inspire future nurses that no matter your background it is possible.

Coffee or tea before a busy day at the practice?

Definitely tea!

Cats, dogs, or something more exotic - what’s your favourite animal to work with?

I love exotics but don't work with them at the practice I am currently at, I would say cats. I just love them so much, they all are so different personality wise. I do love a spicy cat!

What’s one tip you’d give to new students starting this September?

To never give up, if you're passionate about something you will get there eventually. There may be times you doubt yourself and get overwhelmed, you just need to remind yourself why you are where you are. It's all worth it in the end!

Rachel Martin RVN - winner of FdSc Veterinary Nursing Student of the Year 2025

Rachel graduated with her FdSc in Veterinary Nursing last summer, and won her award ‘in recognition of her outstanding achievement, consistently high academic performance, and unwavering dedication throughout her programme, earning the admiration of her peers and staff. Her commitment to excellence and positive attitude exemplify the highest standards of vet nursing education.’

What made you choose to study Veterinary Nursing at Myerscough College?

I had visited many open days for Veterinary Nursing courses. Myerscough immediately felt much more homely and supportive.

How did your time at Myerscough prepare you for your career as a Veterinary Nurse?

The course taught me everything I needed both in the practical and theory sense.

Were there any staff, mentors, or placement experiences that really inspired or supported you?

Helen Clarke was a phenomenal tutor and extremely supportive when dealing with the stressors of exam season. I also had the privilege of being in placement at the same practice as Placement Officer Louisa Cocks who was completing a period of supervised practice after returning to veterinary nursing, she always celebrated my wins!

Where are you working now, and what does your role involve?

I am working at Pennine Vets, across two sites in Tottington and Harwood. I do a range of theatre, consulting, and inpatient shifts. I even now have my own caseload of diabetic cases who I care for and am in contact with regularly.

How was the transition from student veterinary nurse to registered veterinary nurse (RVN)?

It felt jarring at first, especially with being out of practice from January until June when I got my position at Pennine. My team were all fantastic in terms of support, as long as you find the right team it doesn’t feel that scary anymore.

Have you specialised in any particular area of veterinary nursing, or do you have plans to?

I am one of the practice diabetic advisors, and I am focusing my CPD this year on an advanced nutrition course.

What skills from your Myerscough experience have been most useful in your job so far?

My ability to time manage and prioritise, thanks to the assignments and revision I had to balance alongside my life.

What advice would you give to current students about getting ready for their first job?

Always advocate for yourself. Your new team aren’t expecting the best of the best, they know that you’re new and they will understand if you feel a little lost in certain areas - just make sure you communicate what you are and aren’t comfortable with.

What would you say to someone considering a veterinary nursing course at Myerscough?

Go for it and make the most of it, I am doing what I love thanks to the course and the staff there who supported me throughout.

What are you most proud of since graduating?

My confidence with consults and building important relationships with clients. There’s far too many of them who now recognise my voice on the phone immediately, and it’s rewarding to be in this position.

What do you love most about being a veterinary nurse?

Helping the patients and advising the clients, I find that there is nothing as rewarding.

What are your future goals in the profession?

I eventually want to do a certificate in behaviour as it has always been an interest of mine. I would also love to become a Clinical Supervisor for when our next lot of PCAs turn into students.

Coffee or tea before a busy day at the practice?

Tea, with three sugars! Everyone gives me a bizarre look, but those three sugars sometimes keep me going until my lunch.

Cats, dogs, or something more exotic - what’s your favourite animal to work with?

Cats! I am one of the feisty cat ladies at work, would much rather be dealing with one of them and finding ways to earn their friendlier side.

What’s one tip you’d give to new students starting this September?

Be kind to yourself, please! I know your expectations and standards for yourself will be high, of course they are. But remind yourself that you are still new to this, it’s okay to make mistakes as long as we fix and learn from them, and always always communicate with your team!

 

 

Myerscough works closely with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to develop a sector leading programme, with the degree designed with direct input from students and industry professionals to ensure students graduate fully prepared for the veterinary world.

Myerscough School of Veterinary Nursing has been an established provider of education and training for veterinary nurses for half a century, and was first granted approval from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1975. In this time Myerscough has successfully taught many small animal and equine student nurses from all parts of Britain and Europe.

Highlights of this exciting programme can be found in much more detail here