Dear Member,
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as your new BVNA Regional Representative for Northern Ireland region.
I have worked in the veterinary profession since 2000. I qualified as an RVN in 2006, working as a Senior Nurse in a busy small animal clinic. I have always enjoyed the training and development of student nurses, which lead me to complete a certificate in teaching. I am currently employed as a VN Lecturer, and am part of the quality assurance team on the L3DVN course, along with carrying out TP approvals, student support and clinical coach training.
I also enjoy locum nursing, having worked in an out of hours role, worked with referral cases, and in clinical research. I recently completed my Advanced Certificate in the Veterinary Nursing of Avian patients, and I am currently working on my Advanced Certs in Reptile, Wildlife and Small Mammal Nursing too. I believe that in this career, we must continue to learn and develop ourselves, and I hope that as the Regional Representative for our area I can be part of the provision of worthwhile CPD for both student and qualified Veterinary Nurses, along with other members of the practice team. I will be led by your requests for CPD subjects.
I am also one of the founding members of the Vet Support Northern Ireland team, we are a group of Vets and Veterinary Nurses who have been specifically trained to provide mental health support to the veterinary community http://www.vetsupportni.co.uk/
I currently live in Newtownards, Co.Down, and outside of work, I keep a small herd of sheep, some pedigree Blonde d’Aquitaine cows – which I breed and show, two very naughty horses, some goats, three cats, a dog and a tortoise! I also have two lovely children and a very supportive partner.
I am looking forward to this new challenge and to meeting you all in the near future at our first meeting.
Kind regards
Louise Patterson RVN