Vet Nurse of the Year Awards – Northern Ireland
Friday, August 27, 2021
Our people are at the heart of what we do and we are immensely proud of all of our staff both in clinic and support roles. Sometimes staff deserve an extra shout out, especially when they win well-deserved accolades for their hard work and passion.
Staff from eight IVC Evidensia practices have scooped prizes and runner up positions in four of the six award categories in The Vet Nurse of the Year Awards for Northern Ireland!
Organised by the Northern Ireland region of the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA), together with Agria Pet Insurance, and supported by the Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practicing in Northern Ireland (AVSPNI), the search was on for the winner of these categories:
- Northern Ireland’s Registered Veterinary Nurse of the Year
- Student Veterinary Nurse of the Year
- Animal Nursing Assistant of the Year
- Receptionist of the Year
- Rehoming and Rescue Champion of the Year
- Clinical Coach of the Year
Asli Yauz of Cedar Grove Veterinary Clinic – Veterinary Nurse of the Year
Rebekah Hemsworth of Glenburn Veterinary Surgeons – Student Nurse of the Year
Jazmine Davidson of Rathgael Veterinary Clinic - Animal Nursing Assistant of the Year
Bridget Murphy of Castle Vet Group – Receptionist of the Year
The winner of the Vet Nurse of the Year award, Asli, works at Cedar Grove Veterinary Practice. The Practice Manager, Jennifer Crawford- Allen said,
“Very well-deserved award to our RVN Head Nurse, who gives such energetic commitment to Cedar Grove in caring for clients and their pets along with caring, supporting and guiding our team. Asli is a truly wonderful nurse, and this award highlights the tremendous dedication, compassion, empathy and skills that our nursing team provide.”
Student Nurse of the Year, Rebekah, works at Glenburn Veterinary Surgeons. Jennifer Von Broembsen, Clinical Director at Glenburn said,
“Rebekah has encountered a few obstacles in her path to becoming a Veterinary nurse but undeterred she has not let this get in the way of her dream. After joining the Glenburn team 2.5 years ago she is now on the brink of sitting her OSCEs and becoming a fully-fledged RVN! She is incredibly deserving of this award for not just her perseverance but her qualities as a nurse, we couldn't be more proud!”
Bridget who won Receptionist of the Year, works at Castle Vet Group. The Practice Manager there, Angela Hamilton, said,
“Everybody at Castle Veterinary Group are delighted with the news that Bridget (Biddie) was not only nominated but has gone on to win the Northern Ireland Veterinary Receptionist of the year. Bridget works with a team of 3 receptionists in our Castlewellan branch. She is responsible for maintaining the smooth operation of our farm TB testing, which involves in-depth communication with customers. She is well organised, outgoing and an excellent communicator. This year was challenging for all veterinary staff, permanent screens at reception, masks, etc., are obstacles that made communicating even harder with clients, which makes this award an even greater achievement.”
And Jazmine, winner of the Animal Nursing Assistant of the Year works at Rathgael Veterinary Clinic. Jane Reilly, Clinical Director at Rathgael said,
“During the pandemic Jazmine has been invaluable and she worked in a small team of 2 nursing staff and 2 vets, on site, when other staff members were furloughed. She learned quickly how to triage patients over the phone communicating closely with the veterinary team. She also learned how to give advice to clients both in the carpark and over the phone. Jazmine was also required to be the receptionist, cleaner and nurse during this time.
Jane went on to say,
“She is one of our social media gurus, taking charge of our Facebook page. She has been able to get extra training from IVC Evidensia on marketing and social media and this has increased our page likes, post reach and engagement. A lot of her work on the Facebook page is done in her own time at home. She has a real talent for social media and is invaluable, making regular posts and answering queries on messenger (especially out of hours).”
Runners up from IVC Evidensia practices were:
- Caroline Crossin of Cedarmount Veterinary Clinic, RVN of the Year
- Kai Keena of Coleraine Veterinary Practice, SVN of the Year
- Lyn Thompson of Millburn Veterinary Practice, SVN of the year
- Pauline Hegarty of Glenshane Vets, Receptionist of the year
- Suzi Mercer of Cedarmount Veterinary Clinic, Receptionist of the year