01/05/2026
May is Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month 💚
This July marks 25 years since I first stepped into veterinary practice as a student nurse and somehow, after all this time, I still love this profession just as much as I ever did.
The profession has changed hugely over the years. Technology has advanced, medicine has evolved and the role of veterinary nurses has expanded massively - but the heart of the job remains the same:
🐾 Caring for animals
🐾 Supporting owners
🐾 Advocating for the health and welfare of patients who can’t tell us what’s wrong
What many people don’t always see is how varied this role really is.
On any given day, a veterinary nurse might be:
Monitoring anaesthetics
Running nurse clinics
Caring for critical patients
Assisting in surgery
Taking blood samples
Supporting clients through difficult decisions
Comforting families during euthanasia
Cleaning kennels
Managing emergencies
And somehow still functioning on cold coffee and adrenaline!
Unlike many human nursing roles, we don’t tend to specialise in just one area - we’re expected to be adaptable and capable across so many different disciplines, all while treating patients who can’t communicate their pain, fear or needs.
And then there’s the emotional side.
Helping families navigate treatment costs for much-loved pets can be heartbreaking. Having conversations where finances influence care decisions - or even euthanasia decisions - never gets easier.
It can be physically exhausting, emotionally draining and at times incredibly under-recognised. The pay often doesn’t reflect the responsibility we carry.
But despite all of that?
I still feel incredibly lucky to do this job.
To every veterinary nurse showing up every day with compassion, resilience and skill - thank you. You are seen, valued and appreciated.
And if you’ve ever had a vet nurse care for your pet, support you through a difficult moment, or simply make you feel heard - give them a little love below 👇💚
