May always marks Vet Assistant Awareness Month. No year seems more fitting to stand up and celebrate the hard work and dedication of RVNs around the world than 2020. We would like to share with you the amazing story of Lumbry Park Veterinary Specialist VN Laura Collins.
Laura's story
Laura graduated from Athlone Institute of Technology in 2014. There she started working for free every Saturday to get her small animal spot.
“It was clear to me that I didn't want a standard 'neuter and treat' career.
A recent graduate, Laura took on the role of VN (in general medicine) and then Head Nurse at the Royal Animal Hospital in Kuwait.
IPO
"I worked for 3 months in Kuwait in a veterinary referral hospital. During these months I gained important experiences and my love for referral work was born. 
80% of our cases at RAH have been cats, but my most defining memory was of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross (called Ipo) being brought here. He was severely dehydrated and found in the desert with severe leg trauma. There were so many factors that we had to address. It was inevitable that Ipo would lose his leg, but before the amputation we had to stabilize his organs. It was also my first experience with physio. It was amazing to see him rehabilitated and finally able to leave the practice with his new adoptive family... 
...This is a picture of Ipo being encouraged to walk!"
Being close to such a well trained team of international staff, Laura quickly learned a lot. At the end of her internship, she was running the practice to rave reviews from both colleagues and patients.
today
“I moved to England to work at another referral veterinary practice. Since moving I've gained many more skills, such as caring for patients and giving my undivided attention to the anesthetized animals." 
Laura is now a theater nurse at Lumbry Park VS. Her particular interests include: weight clinics and diet management, and osteoarthritis pain management and theater. Laura endorses the importance of good mental health and well-being. Despite being a keen cook, there's actually nothing she loves more than going out and hiking or running in the park!
Thanks very much!
We'd like to take this time to say a big thank you to all the RVNs out there who often go undetected - thanks for all you do!
