Ep 58: Pet Blood Bank UK And Fear-Free Practice With Nikki McLeod RVN AKA felinefabulousvetnursing

Join us as we sit down with Nikki McLeod AKA @felinefabulousvetnursing!

Nikki has had a fascinating career going from vet nurse to professional photographer and back again! We discuss how the veterinary industry has changed since she first qualified, particularly within the fear-free movement. She also shares her experience working for Pet Blood Bank UK, explaining how it works and the benefits to both pets and pet owners for getting involved in donating blood.

'Nikki qualified with an RCVS Certificate in Veterinary Nursing in 2000 and worked her way up to Head Nurse of a growing small animal practice. Alongside all this hard work at vet nursing, she has a passion for photography, and in 2008 she started a full-time business specialising in weddings and portraits.

In 2014, she returned to the veterinary profession and describes herself as a 'crazy student', obtaining the following qualifications: The ISFM Certificate in Feline Nursing, The ISFN Advanced Certificate in Feline Behaviour, Low-Stress Handling Silver Certified and Fear Free Veterinary Certified to Level 3 - all of which developed her love for reducing fear, anxiety and stress in the veterinary practice. She is now studying to top up to BSc (Hons) degree level in Veterinary Nursing and an Advanced Diploma in Applied Animal Behaviour, and is due to begin studying for an NCert in Animal Behaviour!

She currently works at a small animal practice in Dunfermline, Fife as a part-time RVN, becoming the practice’s resident ‘Cat Advocate’ since February 2018 and helping them become a ‘Cat-Friendly Clinic’ with Silver Status. She has also trained as a Phlebotomist for Pet Blood Bank UK, travelling around central Scotland, helping dogs save lives.'

Support the show ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★