Here our Lead of Theatre nurse Rebecca Cox DipRVN NCert(anaes) shares her path to a leadership role and pursuing her dreams with West Midlands Referrals
“I started my nursing career as a student veterinary nurse eight years ago in a traditional mixed practice, where I remained for the duration of my training.
“I enjoyed all aspects of the workload that mixed practice brought, particularly out-of-hours work, where I really found my feet as a nurse!
“After qualifying, I spent a further year and a half at the practice as an RVN, before joining West Midlands Referrals in April 2019.
“It was here at West Midlands Referrals that my interest in anaesthesia really started and with a team of supportive vets and nurses around me, not only did my interest and knowledge grow, so did my confidence.
“In September 2020, I started my nursing certificate in anaesthesia which I thoroughly enjoyed, learning all aspects of both local and general anaesthesia.
“Incorporating and implementing those skills and knowledge into my everyday work was such a rewarding feeling.
“In August 2021, I was appointed to the role of Lead of Theatre here at WMR, where I am able to put my certificate to good use.
“As part of this role, I lead a team of three RVNs and three utility auxiliaries, something I have never done before but thoroughly enjoy.
“I am also able to lead, alongside one of our veterinary surgeons, our anaesthesia and analgesia team, implementing new protocols and striving for gold-standard care within the theatre environment.
“I absolutely love my new role as it enables me to continue learning and progressing my own knowledge, whilst simultaneously applying this into practice. I love to learn, and this role allows me to do that.
“I will hopefully be starting an undergraduate degree in Advanced Veterinary Nursing, Anaesthesia in September.
“I am also thoroughly enjoying the leadership side of the role, something I was initially wary of as it was something brand new to me. Over the last few months in my new role, however, I have gained confidence in my role as line manager and am thoroughly enjoying it.”
