• Meet the Team - Lauren Bowe, Veterinary Nurse
  • Meet the Team - Lauren Bowe, Veterinary Nurse
  • Meet the Team - Lauren Bowe, Veterinary Nurse

    We are one of the UK’s leading Specialist Orthopaedic, Spinal and Soft Tissue small animal referral centres.

Meet the Team - Lauren Bowe, Veterinary Nurse

Lauren is one of our Registered Veterinary Nurses here at Kentdale and she kindly took time out to tell us all about life as a veterinary nurse.

  1. How long have you been a Veterinary Nurse and what route did you follow to qualify?

I qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) in July 2016 with a FdSc degree in Veterinary Nursing after studying for 3 years at Myerscough College. I also completed a work placement alongside my studies.

  1. What attracted you to a career as a Veterinary Nurse?

Living on the family farm has always involved working with and caring for a variety of animals, so this is what predominantly attracted me to the career as a Veterinary Nurse. After completing work experience in various practices from the age of 15 I knew this was what I wanted to do.

  1. What does your job as a Veterinary Nurse entail?

My job as an RVN involves preparing for surgeries, setting up theatres and preparing kits, admitting patients and calculating their medications. I also monitor general anaesthetics, prepare the patient for surgery and clip and perform surgical skin preparation. I  help to take radiographs before and after surgery, whilst monitoring patients during CT scans and help within the wards to make sure patients are medicated and appropriate nursing care for the individual is provided. In addition, I do monthly night shifts which sees me providing nursing care to in-patients out of hours. I really enjoy this as you get to spend quality time with the patients and it’s really helped develop my nursing skills too.

  1. What is the most rewarding thing about being a Veterinary Nurse?

Veterinary Nursing is very rewarding - it’s so humbling to know that the care and support you have provided to a patient has helped them to regain normal function and return home with a good quality of life. Since joining Kentdale in January I have particularly enjoyed nursing the spinal patients and seeing the improvements which they make in the hospital environment following surgery.

  1. What kind of attributes do you need to be a good Veterinary Nurse?

To be a good Veterinary Nurse you need to be able to work well as part of a team, but also be quick thinking and able to make decisions for yourself in given situations. As a veterinary nurse communication is key, not only with colleagues but with clients as well - it is important to be empathetic and caring towards your patients and clients at all times. Organisation is also very important and general hygiene and cleanliness is key!

  1. What are the best things about working at Kentdale Referrals? 

I joined the Kentdale team in January 2020 after working in general practice for the past 3 years and during my training. I love being part of the Kentdale team; I have learnt so much already and feel my nursing skills are really starting to develop! I enjoy helping with surgeries and monitoring anaesthetics for a variety of operations, and although before joining Kentdale I had never worked night shifts, I really enjoy them! I am able to spend quality time with the patients and provide nursing care to the individual depending on their condition. It’s so nice to get to know the patients and their personalities and it’s so rewarding to see the improvements they make day to day

  1. Have you completed any additional training to support you in your role?

After I completed my FdSc Veterinary Nursing degree, I went on to ‘top-up' my degree to a full Bachelors of Science degree in Veterinary Nursing. This saw me completing modules focused on life-limiting conditions, pain management and analgesia, rehabilitation and physiotherapy. I produced a dissertation focusing on owner’s perceptions of adult dog behaviour in the veterinary environment relative to puppy socialisation and graduated with a First Class BSc (Hons) in July 2018.

  1. What's the next step in your career pathway?

It has been quite a big step for me this year moving from general practice to referrals, but I’m so glad I took the opportunity when I was able to as I am settling in well and enjoying learning so much! One day I would like to complete an advanced certificate but for now I am enjoying my new job and hope I can continue to become a great veterinary nurse!

Testimonials

  • There’s never a problem speaking to our lovely receptionists at Kentdale Vets to book an appointment; my little girl would not be with us now without Jan, her surgeon and the brilliant nurses that looked after her.

    Stephen – Nancy’s owner

  • If I could give a higher score, I would! This being our second referral, it has felt like coming home, and to feel that when we arrive with major trauma to our dog is wonderful. Immediately we were in smiley, reassuring, safe arms again, and our crisis rapidly disappeared. The immediate welcome from the reception staff to Kirstie, amazing Joe and even the reassuring and friendly night nursing staff all let us know our precious boy was in very safe hands. Can't speak highly enough - and this is a consistent standard.

    Ani – Floyd’s owner

  • Great communication between myself and the staff was kept updated, and they took great care of my dog! The operation went perfectly, and the scar has healed nicely, considering its place! Gave simple and easy-to-follow after-care steps!

    Kim – Bella’s owner

  • Felt my dog was safe with you, and treatment would be done with his best interests coming first. Follow-up physio with Genie and now Emma were excellent. Friendly staff.

  • I cannot say how amazing Kentdale is; your exceptional service and kindness. Thank you.

    Victoria – Lulu’s owner

  • All the staff go out of their way to be helpful. Nothing is too much trouble, and no question is considered stupid or a waste of time. They treat my dog, Riley, with respect and kindness and me the same. I can’t thank them enough for their help on what has been a rough road for Riley and us.

    Pat – Riley’s owner

  • Excellent doggy care. Nothing too much trouble, and the team all look happy in their jobs. Simon was great with us, and Henry kept us informed and gave clear explanations. Definitely would recommend it.

    Alison – Henry’s owner

  • Full confidence in the skills, equipment and expertise of the whole team. Assured by the staffing levels to respond to unplanned events during procedures and recovery. Across the team, the ability to explain and advise.

    Graham – Winston’s owner

  • The team have been so helpful in looking after Cuin and ourselves after what turned out to be a traumatic experience. We can't thank them enough and would definitely recommend their services.

    Cuin’s Owners

  • Expertise, kindness, empathy, time spent explaining incredibly difficult situations. Efficiency.

    Pet Owner

  • I really felt like me and my dog Mollie were being looked after as soon as we walked through the door. Friendly faces on reception and Jan the consultant was very thorough, friendly and I felt Mollie was in very good hands.

    C. Waterhouse, Pet Owner

  • Very nice waiting area where thought has been given to the layout for having multiple pets in at the same time. Friendly and welcoming staff. Very thorough and professional vets.

    Pet Owner

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