Harper Adams student shortlisted for NI Vet Nurse Award

A Harper Adams Veterinary Nursing student has been  shortlisted  for the Northern Ireland Student Veterinary Nurse of the Year Award 2022.

BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing student Georgia Gray is among the finalists for the award, which is set to be announced this Friday, April 1 at the AVSPNI Conference in Belfast’s La Mon Jotel

Georgia, above left, who is currently on placement at the Jubilee Veterinary Centre in Newtownards,  said: “It was a bit of a surprise having the nomination come in – and then receiving the letter that told me I was a finalist was so shocking!

“A few different members of staff had, I assumed. joked about putting me forward, though the only person I know definitely did was my clinical coach – but more recently, clients at the practice have asked for my name and thanked me for helping them which is always a great feeling.

“The Centre is amazing – it is a mixed practice with opportunities with large, small or exotic animals.

“In general, I have never shied away from a challenge and love doing my job, no matter the animal – from cows to leopard gecko – I’m always willing to either learn something or get stuck in.

“The staff are amazing but in particular the head nurse Clare, who is also my clinical coach, is truly one of the best nurses I’ve had the pleasure to work with.

“Clare has taught me so many things, is really adaptable and encouraging – and I wouldn’t be the SVN I am without her.”

Clare Mcilveen, above right, has also been nominated in the awards – in the Clinical Coach of the Year category.

Her award is the latest highlight for Georgia, originally from Newtownards, who has described Harper Adams as ‘home away from home.’

She added: “The thing that drew me to Harper specifically is its excellent reputation – and the fact that it’s really a home away from home.

“Harper provides all the comfort of the countryside while still giving a great student life.

“It’s been a weird few years due to the pandemic – I started out with a ‘normal’ university experience and then Covid hit – but overall I’ve loved my time at Harper. The lectures are really helpful and I definitely wouldn’t change my experience for anything.

“The placement year is so good for developing long-term skills, networking and understanding the career you’re going into on a whole new level – Harper Adams was truly the right pick for me.”