Meet the vet nursing team: Lucy Evans

Today we meet more of the veterinary nursing team, speaking with lecturer Lucy Evans. Specialising in anaesthesia, surgical and medical nursing, and physiotherapy, Lucy enjoys all areas of nursing and particularly creating practical simulation models for students to use to refine practical tasks.

Talking about her career so far, Lucy said: “I graduated from University of Bristol in 2008 with a BSc (Hons) in Veterinary Nursing and Practice Administration. I then published my dissertation - The efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate in canine skin preparation: practice survey and clinical trials - in the Journal of Small Animal Practice in 2009.

“I worked in an orthopaedic referral and first opinion practice for 2 years before going travelling around the world for fourteen months. I worked in veterinary practices in New Zealand and Australia along the way which was an incredible experience.

“When I came back to the UK, I locumed in a variety of veterinary practices and referral hospitals before joining the team here at Harper in 2012.

“Since being here, I have gained my PgC in Veterinary Education from the Royal Veterinary College and am now a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. I’m also nearing completion of my MSc in Veterinary Nursing where I focused on Oncology and Veterinary Rehabilitation - I just have my thesis left to write!”

Lucy can often be found on campus with her teaching dog, Inca. Talking about her dog, she said: “Both the physiotherapy and veterinary nursing students get to know Inca very well as she is used for a variety of practicals as you can do anything with her.

“She loves spending time at work and especially loves teaching and getting fusses from students! Swimming is her number one love so she gets very excited when she goes in the hydrotherapy room!”

Inca is also a big part of Lucy’s home life alongside her interests in baking and spending time with her family and friends.

Within Lucy’s varied experiences, she has thoroughly enjoyed working hands on in practice as well as teaching. She commented: “Life is never boring as a Registered Veterinary Nurse with every day being different; it is an incredibly rewarding career.

“The Veterinary Nursing degree opens so many doors, whether you want to stay working in practice or explore other options, both in the UK and abroad.

“I would highly recommend this as a career, especially now there are so many further qualifications available to specialise in your areas of interest – this is a very exciting time for the profession.”