‘Exemplary’ nurse named VN Educator of the Year
CQ chair of governors Martin Barrow, keynote speaker Lucy Cooke and award winner Kira Sutcliffe.
An ‘exemplary’ veterinary nurse, Kira Sutcliffe, has been named VN Educator of the Year Award at an awards ceremony hosted by Central Qualifications in London.
The awards recognise the hard work and commitment of all staff who support veterinary nursing students. This year’s event was held at Central Hall in Westminster on Saturday (22 June).
Kira is head nurse and clinical coach at Stanley House Veterinary Group in Burnley, where she began her career as a trainee in 1999. As a clinical coach she supports her students during the course of their training, guiding them through their learning and inspiring them to grow into responsible professionals.
Commenting on her award, she said: “I am extremely grateful for the recognition I have received and I would like to thank all the staff at Stanley House Vets for their support throughout my career.”
Those who nominated her described her as an ‘exemplary’ nurse and a ‘fantastic leader’ who has trained many nurses to an incredibly high standard.
Robin Hargreaves, one of the directors of Stanley House vets, said he had “no hesitation” in recommending Kira for the award.
“She has all the qualities I admire in a teacher,” he explained. “Having trained with us to get her own veterinary nursing qualification she has huge experience in first opinion veterinary practice and the challenges that students are being prepared to face. She is thorough, consistent, empathetic and understanding.
“I think the greatest quality she has is the example she sets, when things get difficult she is the first to roll up her sleeves and do the extra bits required to get the tasks completed, and with endless good humour.
“Whilst setting rigorous standards for herself she is immensely understanding of the struggles students can have balancing work, home and study. Above all she is kind, kind to her colleagues and kind to her patients and if the veterinary professions wanted to create nurses to a template then I would hold her up as a shining example to anyone.”
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
