VN Awareness Month interviews: Abigayle Gomez RVN

For VN Awareness Month in May 2023, we are profiling RCVS staff members who are registered veterinary nurses, to talk to them about their careers in vet nursing, the experience they bring to their role at the RCVS, and why it's so important to celebrate the vet nurse role. This interview is with Abigayle Gomez, who works with our Veterinary Nursing Department as a Senior Qualifications Officer. 

1. Tell us about your career as a veterinary nurse prior to joining the RCVS?

After completing the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, I joined the Register in 2013. Up until now I have been working continually in small animal practice. I have always had an interest in education, so I took the opportunity to train as a clinical supervisor in 2014 and since then have helped train a number of students who have been successful in joining the register. Being a clinical supervisor has allowed me to further my own career and knowledge as a registered veterinary nurse. Finally in 2022, I took on the role of Head Veterinary Nurse.

2. What is your current role at the RCVS?

My current role at the RCVS is Senior Qualifications Officer in the Veterinary Nursing Department. Fresh out of practice, this role is a new but welcomed challenge. The Veterinary Nursing Department is very passionate about the profession, so it is a really rewarding experience to be a part of this team and to contribute to the continual development of the profession and education of future veterinary nurses.

3. How does your veterinary nursing career impact how you approach your job on a day-to-day basis?

A lot of time management and organisational skills are required day-to-day in this role, which is very similar to day-to-day life in clinical practice! For example, taking each day at a time, continual planning, and communication with team members. Coming into this role and having the knowledge I gained from practice has helped provide a smooth and enjoyable transition into what is a very different job. As a veterinary nurse, being able to adapt to the situation and environment at hand is incredibly important.

4. Why do you think it is so important to recognise and celebrate the VN profession?

This profession is always going to be advancing in numerous ways. Therefore, the VN profession needs to be recognised and celebrated for how we advance and contribute to the veterinary profession as a whole. It is evident that veterinary nurses are a vital part of the team who can provide their expertise in a variety of ways. Feeling recognised, celebrated, and also empowered will ultimately encourage current and future VNs to enhance their knowledge and skills within the profession.