Inspired to be the best I can be

Jen Busby

Bad luck ended my dream of becoming a vet. In deciding on a new career path – which needed to be a clinical role in veterinary medicine – I chose to train as a veterinary nurse. 

As a student vet nurse, I quickly developed interests in anaesthesia and emergency and critical care (ECC) cases. At the time, Louise O’Dwyer was a leading ECC vet nurse and I remember clearly the first time I heard her speak at a British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) congress. 

She was inspirational and I remember thinking to myself, ‘Wow, that woman has done it all!’ In that instant, I knew that I wanted to follow a similar career path to hers.

 As vet nurses, I believe we should continuously strive to increase our knowledge through evidence-based and peer learning. Doing so entitles us to be strong advocates for our patients, in the same way vets are.

Louise inspired me to strive to learn more. I developed my interests and became a veterinary technician specialist (VTS) in anaesthesia. 

Tragically, she died suddenly in May 2019. At the time she was Vets Now’s clinical support manager and celebrate her life and ensure her passion for education continued to positively impact the vet nursing profession, the company launched a bursary in her name.

Filling in the knowledge blanks 

Education is a huge part of my professional life. As an anaesthesia specialist, I give lectures and CPD sessions and develop course material for other vet professionals. I have lectured at the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) and BSAVA congresses, and have also supported the new referral nurse professional development course in anaesthesia and analgesia for Linnaeus, which owns Dick White Referrals (DWR), Cambridge, where I work. 

During any presentation I give, Louise is still at the front of my mind. I feel that if I can instil in others the same passion and drive that she instilled in me, I will be extremely proud. It is always amazing to work with the next generation and it’s exciting to see how they develop.

I am also one of three VTS specialist nurses who helped develop the BVNA’s new learning pathway course in anaesthesia. 

'I'm a big believer in empowering vet nurses with knowledge'

Anaesthesia is an area in which registered vet nurses (RVNs) can have a real impact on patient care. The new course will provide RVNs with basic skills and knowledge, either to help them gain an interest in anaesthesia or provide support for those who are less confident in the field. 

I am a big believer in empowering RVNs with knowledge. Lack  of confidence and/or knowledge can lead to reluctance to get involved in certain aspects of clinical care, in some cases because they are perceived to be intimidating.

It was because Louise had such a positive impact on my career that I applied for the bursary that was set up in her memory. I was delighted to be successful. 

The bursary has allowed me to enrol on the ‘Nurses certificate in emergency and critical care nursing’ with Improve International (www.improveinternational.com). The course starts this month in Swindon, and I’m looking forward to both the face-to-face and self-directed learning opportunities it provides. 

While refreshing my anaesthesia skills and knowledge in preparation for joining the programme, I have noticed how well ECC and anaesthesia fit together. Studying ECC will allow me to put more pieces of this puzzle together. 

I’m looking forward to meeting like-minded people on the course and to have the opportunity to share experiences. The subjects we will learn will help us to further improve patient care in practice, especially during the triaging and stabilisation of patients before anaesthesia, as well as optimising recovery and improving postoperative care and outcomes.

'I am thankful to the people who have helped me achieve my dreams and develop my skills and knowledge'

My day job

Working alongside a bunch of amazing, brilliant, clever and awe-inspiring people at DWR is fantastic and I have cherished my time here. From our clinicians – who are at the top of their field – to our ward assistants and the valuable people who keep the practice running from day to day, each one provides different insights to help people like me to develop and grow. 

The opportunities I’ve had have been instrumental to my development. Working with people with a wide variety of caseloads within a multidisciplinary team allows a structured and successful way of providing the best patient care. I feel proud to work with great colleagues and even prouder that I have made new relationships and friendships for life.

I’m thankful to the people who have helped me to achieve my dreams and develop my skills and knowledge. 

I have certainly been lucky to meet inspirational people like Louise. 

The career opportunities for RVNs have improved so much, even since I started out, and they are constantly developing – empowering the nursing community with new skills and confidence. However, in the field of training and teaching, I feel we still have a way to go to. Nevertheless, it is exciting to see the ways in which my chosen profession is developing and to be a part of its growth.

Jennifer's CV

  • 2006: BSc, veterinary sciences, Royal Veterinary College
  • 2009 – 2015: Vet nursing manager, Henderson Keywood Veterinary Surgery (Now Voo Vets)
  • 2012: Diploma in veterinary nursing
  • 2015 – 2016: Theatre vet nurse, Dick White Referrals (DWR), Cambridge
  • 2016 – current: Anaesthesia vet nurse, DWR
  • 2019: Vet technician specialist (VTS) certificate in anaesthesia and analgesia
  • Member of the Academy of Veterinary Technicians in anaesthesia and analgesia, and its examination committee
  • Part of the mentorship programme for the VTS examination and academy
  • Private mentor for RVNs sitting certificates in anaesthesia and preparing for the VTS examination
  • Member of the Association of Veterinary Anaesthesia

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