Ep 85: Family Life And Finding A Balance With Carly Kilby

This week we're joined by the wonderful Carly Kilby!

Carly is a veterinary nurse, scout leader and mother. She grew up in South London, but discovered her love for veterinary work and the outdoors after moving to countryside in her teenage years. We discuss the difficulties of finding people who understand the intricacies of a job in the veterinary profession, and the embarrassment of accidentally recounting disgusting work stories to non-vet friends over dinner.

After qualifying in 2006, Carly has worked within farm, equine, first opinion practice and the referral locum scene. She has gained an ISFM certificate in Feline Friendly Nursing, an ESVPS certificate in anaesthesia, an ISVPS certificate in surgical nursing and is also the BVNA Regional Representative for the South West (Somerset and Gloucestershire)!

We spend a lot of time talking about the importance of family and the difficulties of finding balance between commitments at home and work. As veterinary professionals, it's something that we can all relate to. Carly talks about her experiences of having to put work before fun during her vet nurse training, and the pressure of being a parent alongside supporting a number of busy teams as a locum.

Carly gives us a reflective 60-second CPD on returning to work after maternity leave and we discuss the worries, guilt and pressures that working parents can experience when trying to balance life's wants and needs.

If you are ever struggling with any of the issues we spoke about in this episode (or any episode) don't forget there's support out there - speak up if you're struggling: we all have times when we need some care ourselves. Please reach out to Vetlife on 0303 040 2551.

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