Vet Nursing alumna praises University studies for boosting her future career

Posted 5 March 2025

A Veterinary Nursing alumna believes the in-depth academic training she received from Harper Adams University was a ‘strong foundation’ for her future career.

Krishna Mistry graduated from her BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing degree in 2018, and through a relentless focus on professional development, has since progressed to the role of Lead Medical VN at a 24-hour hospital in Leeds.

She said: “Since graduating, I ventured into the world of locuming, exploring different facets of the veterinary profession.

“I gained valuable experience working in a variety of settings, including clinics, charities, out-of-hours services, and hospitals.

“Eventually, I found my place at the 24-hour hospital at Leeds Birstall Vets4Pets, where I progressed to the role of Lead Medical RVN.

“My day-to-day work involves nursing a variety of complex medical cases, as well as teaching and mentoring students.

“We pride ourselves on being a very nurse-led team, with responsibilities that include placing feeding tubes, urinary catheters, and managing a range of wound and chest drains.

“I also have the opportunity to work in anaesthesia, where my passion lies in managing complex Emergency and Critical Care anaesthesia cases - which are always a highlight of my day.”

Krishna has remained committed to developing her skills, taking her first additional qualification – a Vets Now Emergency and Critical Care certificate – in 2020, followed by a further postgraduate certificate in Emergency and Critical Care in 2022 and another in Anaesthesia and Analgesia in 2024.

She added: “In 2024, I had the privilege of presenting both a clinical abstract and a nursing care report at the BSAVA Congress.

“I published an article in The Veterinary Nurse, highlighting my commitment to advancing veterinary nursing knowledge. I also had the honour of contributing to a VN Futures Diversity article, where I shared insights and experiences to promote inclusivity within the profession, and recorded a podcast with an RVN, discussing the importance of clinical audits and their role in improving patient care.”

Looking back at her studies at University, Krishna said: “My time at Harper Adams laid a strong foundation for my career as a veterinary nurse. The in-depth academic training provided me with the confidence and skills to thrive in a wide range of clinical environments.

“Harper fostered my passion for continuous learning and the University’s emphasis on evidence-based practice and reflective learning has been instrumental in my approach to patient care and leadership. It also inspired my interest in teaching and mentoring, which I now enjoy as part of my role in a nurse-led team.

“Overall, Harper Adams didn’t just prepare me for my first steps into the veterinary field – it gave me the tools to grow into a well-rounded professional who is always striving to make a positive impact.”