Natasha
Belson

Why did you choose to study at NTU?

I always knew I wanted to go into Veterinary but I had no idea how to go about it or where to study: I found NTU through searching for Veterinary Nursing degrees online. I went for an open day and fell in love with Brackenhurst Campus and what it had to offer, from the peaceful environment, to the teaching facilities (and all the animals on site too, of course!).

What did you learn – both inside and outside of lectures?

During my lectures we had a few modules. In first year we had: Essential Veterinary Nursing Skills, Animal Husbandry, Anatomy and Physiology, Animal Disease, Practice and Communication Skills, and a total of 15-weeks worth of placement at a RCVS-accredited training practice of our choosing. We also had practical skills such as animals handling, restraint techniques and day-to-day tasks that we may face during the normal working day.

During second year, our modules consisted of: Diagnostic aids, Application of Clinical Veterinary Nursing, and Anaesthesia and Theatre Practice.

During third year we spent the majority of the year completing our final placement block which ran from July 2023 - April 2024.

During my time at NTU, I was taught all I need to know regarding what cases I would see in practice, how to nurse them, how important other aspects are in the field which are sometimes overlooked. I was also able to put all of this theory into practice during my placement blocks and this helped me widen and build up my knowledge.

Outside of lectures I also learned essential skills such as time management, team work, communication skills and organisation skills through joining and becoming captain of volleyball women’s second team during second and third year!

What have you been up to since graduating?

As soon as my placement block ended in third year, my placement practice employed me straight away as a Patient Care Assistant, and as soon as my Veterinary Nurse registration came through, they employed me as a Registered Veterinary Nurse: I worked there for a few months and then moved back home from University.

I currently am working at a 24-hour veterinary hospital as a Registered Veterinary Nurse and am learning new skills every day. I am really enjoying the field and I am so glad I chose to follow this career path!

What does your current day involve?

Admitting patients for surgery, taking history, administering pre-medication under the Veterinary Surgeon’s directions, monitoring anaesthesia during procedures, recovering patients after surgery, completing nursing consultations, administering pain relief and other medications under the Veterinary Surgeon's directions, discharging patients after surgery, general cleaning duties, caring for and nursing patients when they aren’t feeling their best.

What attracted you to this field?

I have had animals all of my life, which involved a lot of trips to the vets! I always was fascinated by the job and always had questions to ask the Vets and Nurses, my passion grew over the years and I spent my school years working towards the dream of going into the industry!

What have been the highlights and biggest challenges of your career so far?

A big highlight for me is seeing improvements in a poorly animal that has come into the practice. It is such a rewarding feeling when you dedicate your time to a patient in need, doing your best to nurse them, and then being able to see them happy and feeling better again, its amazing to see their owners so happy when they are able to take their pet home again!

One of the biggest challenges I had to face was the jump from placement to being qualified; I had a lot more responsibility and had just gone into my first job, its scary but rewarding!

What are your plans for the future?

I would like to work for a few months, then maybe do some certificates to become certified in a more specialist type of nursing! I am also going to undertake my clinical coach training so I can help other students achieve their dream of becoming a veterinary nurse.

If you had a time machine, what would you go back and tell yourself at NTU?

Enjoy it, time moves by so fast and university will be over before you know it! Work hard and do your best, you’ll face some challenges along the way but you will get through it and achieve your dream, everything happens for a reason and you will get to where you need to be.

Finally, is there anything else you’d like to share with our student and alumni community?

Take your time and breathe! There is always someone around to help, whether its other students, lecturers or your family. You can do it, believe in yourself.