Alumni in Profile: Lauren Curran (BSc Veterinary Nursing, 2023)
Lauren completed an Animal Care and Management course in Bray Institute of Further Education before going on to study Veterinary Nursing in UCD, graduating in June 2023. She completed a rotating nurse internship in UCD Veterinary Hospital, and now works in a small animal practice in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin. She has a keen interest in student and new graduate support, which is why she took on the role as Student Liaison Officer with the IVNA (Irish Veterinary Nursing Association). She is also a member of the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine's Young Alumni Ambassador Group.
- What led you to study Veterinary Nursing?
I always loved animals but didn't get the points to do Veterinary Nursing. Eventually, I worked up the courage to go back to education, and got into UCD though a QQI course. So my journey was definitely not the standard, but it gave me the time to realise it was my dream career. I couldn't see myself doing anything else now!
- What was your favourite part of the course?
The amount of hands on experience working down in the Veterinary Hospital. Being able to see rare and interesting cases and work with some amazing clinicians and nurses. The teaching hospital is definitely a resource that makes learning in UCD stand out. Not only was I able to watch interesting procedures, but I myself got the opportunity to handle and prepare specialist equipment that isn’t commonly used in first opinion practices.
- What advice would you give to someone considering studying Veterinary Nursing?
If you think veterinary nursing is for you…just go for it! And work together! It was always so much better having study groups than studying alone. People have knowledge and strengths in different areas, and in working together, you strengthen your own knowledge too. And the most important thing is to be kind to yourself - there will always be ups and downs, just don’t let them stop you getting to where you want to be.
- What was your experience at UCD like? Any highlights?
My time at UCD was just the best. Despite losing time thanks to Covid taking away normal classes for a while, we still had our weekly practical classes and honestly it was a blessing to be able to have times of normality with friends. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat! The White Coat Ceremony before entering our final clinical year was a very special moment surrounded by our friends and family. It marked the final stage of all our hard work, and was a time to take a breath and realise all the amazing memories we had and things we’ve achieved to get there.
- What is your current job?
Working full time as a veterinary nurse in a first opinion practice.
- How do you feel the Veterinary Nursing course prepared you for this role?
It gave me skills in all aspects of veterinary nursing to prepare for working life. From the practical skills of catheter placement and setting up for anaesthesia, to the professional side of working in a team and dealing with the ever-changing emotions of clients. No two days are the same, which is why adaptability is key to being a great veterinary nurse. I feel UCD was a big part in giving me these skills, and thus the confidence to be able to face whatever comes through the door each day.
- What is the proudest moment of your career to date?
I recently was able to save a choking dog who was rushed into the practice. Me and the owner cried with relief after her dog was breathing again, definitely a moment I’ll never forget!
- What have been the most challenging aspects of your career?
The human-animal bond is a strong thing. Seeing the most intimate moments in the lives of pets and their owners can sometimes be deeply affecting for me. I still cry during many euthanasia procedures. I think the main thing is that you don't carry the emotions around with you long term. So it’s important get it out, be it to cry for a while or talk with a friend about it. It’s normal to be filled with empathy for others, and I think it’s important to not lose that aspect as a nurse. But most important is protecting you and your colleagues mental health as best as possible.
- Describe your typical work day.
In my clinic, I do the full range of tasks of running a veterinary practice. I can be on reception and doing food and drug orders one minute, doing front sheets and insurance forms the next, then monitoring anaesthesia and assisting in consults. I love it because it is always varied and engaging. I enjoy the level of client interaction which is an important part of the client and pet experience. I’ve gotten the chance to really get into a bit of everything each day, which I love because I don’t like being kept static - I like to change things up regularly. It’s also a place very open to new ideas, which gives me the chance to come up with different ways to do things.
- In your career and/or personal life, who have been the most inspiring or helpful mentors/advisors that you’ve had to date?
My boss, and practice owner Dr Mary Geary. I was a client at her previous workplace and I always admired her care and expertise with all my pets. She always has that wonderful element of empathetic caring and kindness. She inspired me to pursue my veterinary nursing career with her words of encouragement and always taking time to explain things about my pets health to me, like she would a basic level student. I am now lucky enough to work side by side with her every day! I have learned so much from her already and I really admire the way she practices.
During my time in UCD, student advisor Niamh Nestor was a huge support for me. I will forever be grateful for the time she gave to help with whatever was going on – whether it was academic or personal. I never felt like a burden when reaching out for any sort of support. The support in the School of Veterinary Medicine really goes above and beyond!
- What do you do to relax? Tell us a bit about your current life, family and hobbies.
I spend my time off going on short trips abroad. Sometimes I go to concerts or festivals, and have met an amazing international group of friends thanks to that. Other weekends I spend at home with my two dogs watching movies and taking time to relax with a take away. Downtime is super important in such an intense job! Myself and my friends I have from UCD also meet up when we can to chat about work life as nurses and share all the stories that, in all honesty, sometimes only other veterinary nurses would understand!
- What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
"You can only advise." Some things are just completely out of your hands. You can advise your very best and try to persuade people, but in the end sometimes things will be done in ways you might not be happy with. No matter what, if you upheld your oath and your morals, then you absolutely need to let everything else go. I still use these words with colleagues regularly and vice versa! Be kind to yourself.