The Veterinary Nurse team here at Cave are essential to the running of the hospital and play a crucial role in the recovery of our patients. As part of Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month some of our most recent starters have shared their experiences since joining Cave…
Bryony Gilder – Discipline Team Leader
“Many of the new nurses at Cave join the rotational team. As discipline team leader it is a large part of my role to support them through their induction and beyond. This involves building on, and developing the skill set that they have already learnt through their training and nursing in general practice. I enjoy teaching them new skills and different ways of nursing the many patients that are under our care. Its great to see our new nurses thrive in this supported environment.”
Hannah Winter – Rotational Nursing Team
“I joined Cave as a rotational nurse 6 months ago, from working in the same first opinion practice since qualifying 7 years ago this was a big change for me, but I felt it was needed to continue to progress in my career. I have particularly enjoyed being involved in advanced diagnostic imaging, in particular CT and MRI scanning, as this was something I’d never seen before. I enjoy the diversity of the cases I get to see and how the patient’s anaesthesia and care plan alters to tailor their specific needs. I feel like my skill set has already progressed and the support of the team has been paramount.”
Stephanie Toogood – Rotational Nursing Team
“I worked in first opinion practice for 4 years and qualified in February 2021. I wanted to progress further with my nursing so moved to Cave in April this year. It was a big change which initially I was worried about, but I needed this change to learn and progress. I particularly enjoy working in wards, caring for the inpatients and since joining Cave, I have learnt so many new skills including using ultrasound to measuring bladder volume in neurological patients, nursing patients with chest drains, and performing prescribed rehabilitation plans. I am growing in confidence each day and look forward to excelling in my career.”
Shannon Nicholls – Rotational Nursing Team
“I qualified in 2020 and worked in a referral practice whilst studying for the BSc in Veterinary Nursing. This was followed by some locum work in first opinion practices before starting at Cave in December 2021. Since starting, I have enjoyed enhancing my knowledge and skillset in anaesthesia for a variety of different cases. Working alongside the supportive anaesthesia and nursing team has allowed me to increase my knowledge and understanding of the different drugs available to use during anaesthesia, mechanical ventilation and monitoring of various patient parameters.”
Sarah Huffer – Rotational and Night Nursing Teams
“I joined Cave 3 months ago as a rotational day and night nurse. Moving from first opinion to referral was a big step. Having been qualified for a relatively shot period of time, I feel I have really grown in confidence since starting. It has given me the opportunity to learn new skills on a daily basis and I have particularly enjoyed learning to nurse the neurological patients. I love the bond that I am able to make with these patients and I feel that I really get to know them, which allows me to nurse their specific needs. It has also allowed me to develop skills in rehabilitation and bladder management.”
