WITH International Women’s Day approaching tomorrow, Wednesday, inspirational female figures are being recognised for their hard work and achievements.
Runcorn veterinary nurse Caroline Boothroyd, from North West Veterinary Specialists (NVS) is no exception to this.
She is one of just a handful of professionals across the world to hold two highly prestigious international qualifications within the industry.
The dedicated nurse, who joined NVS back in 2007, is now a specialist in two fields of practice – oncology and small animal internal medicine.
Caroline is only one of two veterinary nurses in the whole of the country to hold the double Veterinary Technician Specialist status, having passed her examinations first time last year.
The vigorous and detailed academic work that goes into collecting each unique qualification proves the passion and drive the nurse has for her role caring for animals at the Runcorn vets.
Each qualification requires 12 months to collect case reports, four of which must be in-depth. There are also 50 case logs to present and a skills list to pass.
But unlike many other qualifications which are for life, those wishing to keep their VTS status have to recertify every five years to maintain this.
The impressively qualified workforce at NVS holds other prestigious VTS titles, including nurses Michelle Moran in anaesthesia and Sophie McMurrough in internal medicine.
Caroline, who is the proud owner of two pet cats, Abby and Ziva, and two rabbits, Fluffy and Wyatt, spoke of her career achievements.
She said: “I gained my oncology VTS status last year and am already working hard to collect points for when I come to recertify.
“It is an advanced qualification and you have to know everything in-depth, so I am proud of myself for passing both of them first time.
“As for doing another one, absolutely not. Well, I say that, but I love learning and researching.”
Prue Neath, clinical director at NVS, added: “To become one of only a handful of veterinary nurses in the world to hold two of these advanced qualifications required an immense amount of knowledge, ability, hard work and dedication.
“Of course we are very proud of her.
“It is a remarkable achievement, and Caroline is a shining example of the high standards required of the NVS team and the specialist level of care we offer at the hospital.”
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