Meet Tristan Neto BSc (Hons) RVN APVN (Reptile, Small Mammal & Avian), who completed the BSc Hons Veterinary Nursing Degree with us.
From caring for exotics in a referral hospital, to working hands-on with sea turtles in the Maldives, Tristan has carved out a career that blends veterinary nursing with wildlife conservation.
We caught up with Tristan to hear about her path into exotics nursing, her biggest achievements so far, and her advice for anyone considering training as a veterinary nurse:
Why did you choose to study veterinary nursing?
I chose to study veterinary nursing as I loved the idea of spending my working life being hands on with patient care, allowing you to see their improvement.
I was also keen to eventually combine my love for conservation and veterinary medicine, through working with wildlife and providing nursing care and client education as part of a conservation effort.
Can you give us an overview of your career journey?
I started with first opinion practice at Vets4Pets, getting experience with small mammals, then specialising more and more in exotics, moving to an exotics unit in a hospital and then into an exotics referral hospital.
While in referral, I completed my advanced nursing certificate in avian, reptile, and small mammal nursing, as well as a marine mammal medic course with the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR).
From there, I managed to then get my dream job combining veterinary nursing, conservation, and research, working with sea turtles in the Maldives.
What do you think has been your biggest achievement in your career so far?
My biggest achievement has probably been the work I did in the Maldives, working hard to improve and provide a high standard of medical care to our turtle patients, and the reward of seeing most of them released. As well as all the species research we did to help us further advance the medical care that we could provide.
What advice do you have for someone looking to do this career?
Never be afraid to go for your dream job! Sometimes your passion is enough to get you through the door and learn along the way, even if you don’t have all the experience!