An online RCVS Academy Live session to help build confidence in RVNs who are just starting out.
A session to support SVNs and newly qualified RVNs to develop a professional identity and build confidence. Learn key tools and tips to build a strong foundation for a career in veterinary nursing.
Student veterinary nurses and newly qualified RVNs
By the end of this session, you will be able to:
We invite participation in Academy Live sessions, welcoming questions and feedback throughout. Please note that this event will not be recorded.
The session will be interactive, we will be using slido during the session, so please have your phones at the ready to take part
Jill began her career in primary care practice where she spent 12 years as a lead nurse, supporting and developing nursing teams.
Her experience spans clinical practice, education, research and professional development. At the University of Liverpool Vet School, she established and delivered postgraduate veterinary education and contributed to undergraduate teaching in professional and communication skills. Later, she founded an online CPD company and led research resulting in the first communication guide specifically for veterinary nurses.
She is a contributing author to veterinary nursing texts and a passionate advocate for the progression and development of veterinary nurses. Jill has dedicated much of her career to advancing the VN role and the contribution veterinary nurses can make to patient care and the wider veterinary team.
Jill is currently the Veterinary Nursing Progression and Development Lead at the RCVS, where she leads projects focused on strengthening and progressing the veterinary nursing profession.
Leigh qualified as a veterinary nurse in mixed practice in 2009 and moved to a small animal GP practice in 2012 to design, launch and lead nurse-led services. She progressed through roles including Senior Consulting Nurse, Practice Manager and, in 2017, Head Veterinary Nurse, where she focused on developing the nursing team’s skills and advancing their roles. She also spent 12 months as a Clinical Improvement Project Manager before joining the RCVS in 2026.
Throughout her career, Leigh has spoken openly about the challenges facing modern veterinary practice and her own experience of burnout and recovery. She is passionate about supporting, coaching and leading veterinary teams, believing that empowering individuals to work to their full potential benefits colleagues, clients and patients alike. She also recognises the barriers that can prevent this and understands that there is no single solution.
As Veterinary Nursing Project Officer at the RCVS, Leigh supports the planning, delivery, evaluation and continuous improvement of VN Vision projects.
This session links to the RVN starting out course on the RCVS Academy
Please visit our RCVS Academy to access further information for each of these courses listed with additional content that you might find interesting.
If you have any questions regarding this event, or if you have booked a place and can no longer attend, please contact the RCVS Events Team at [email protected].
