Charlotte Rodia, RVN and Senior Learning Content Writer for the RCVS Academy, talks career journeys and what the Academy can offer VNs at any stage of their career

When did you initially consider veterinary nursing as a career?

I always knew I wanted to work with animals, but I assumed that becoming a veterinary surgeon( VS) was the obvious role. However, during work experience at a local practice, I quickly realised that the veterinary nurse( VN) role suited me far better. Veterinary nursing wasn ' t as widely recognised then, so I hadn ' t been aware of the role, but once I saw what it involved I knew it was what I ' d love to do. I also remember visiting the veterinary practice as a child with our family pets and noticing the VNs, even though I didn ' t fully understand their role. That early exposure, combined with my work experience, confirmed that veterinary nursing was the career for me.

When was your work experience?

It would have been around 2000. I think my lack of knowledge about veterinary nursing reflected the general public ' s understanding at the time. Even now, people sometimes assume I ' m a VS, or ask if I ' m training to be one, which can be frustrating. I often explain that you would not walk into a human hospital and ask a nurse if they are training to be a doctor. They are a nurse. It is the same principle.

What qualification route did you take into veterinary nursing?

I followed the diploma route. I was keen to start working as soon as I could, and this route suited me as I ' m a practical learner. I could attend college one day a week and the rest of the time be in practice, learning hands-on.

I came across the opportunity by chance, while attending an open day at Writtle College in Essex.

I was still deciding on my A-level subjects and whether to pursue veterinary nursing or a university degree in another subject. I was also very interested in print media and had always loved writing, which now ties in nicely with the writing aspect of my current role.

While at the open day, I noticed an advert for a veterinary care assistant role at a local practice. I applied and was fortunate to get the job, working a couple of evenings a week alongside my A-levels. When one of the RVNs left, the practice offered me a student veterinary nurse position. That ' s how I began my training, and I feel very fortunate that it all came together that way.

Where did your career path take you next?

I stayed at the same practice throughout my training and for about a year after qualifying. I didn ' t want to leave, but it became difficult to manage the on-call rota when my family relocated. After leaving my training practice, I worked in a mix of general and referral practices.

I also worked as a locum, including for an out-of-hours provider, and in a year-long maternity-cover position working nights at a university referral hospital. The experience was demanding but incredibly valuable, and it really developed my confidence and skills, particularly in in-patient and referral nursing.

I enjoyed a week ' s work experience in Italy, too. Veterinary nursing is structured very differently there; Italy does not have the same regulated VN roles as we do in the UK. Often, VNs in Italy are not permitted to do tasks such as monitoring anaesthesia. The VSs there were astonished at how much I was allowed to do in the UK, and it was incredibly interesting to see the contrast in practice and responsibility.

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