“Why I’m a Vet Nurse” – Krishna Mistry

12 May 2025

May is Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month (VNAM), led by the BVNA to recognise and promote the vital work of veterinary nurses. This year’s theme, ‘Progression’, focuses on the skills, development, and achievements of veterinary nurses, showcasing how the profession continues to grow and evolve.

To do this, we spoke to several BSAVA volunteers about why they are a veterinary nurse, what their journey has looked like so far, the most rewarding parts of their career, any challenges they’ve faced and most of all, what inspired them to become a vet nurse.

Next up, we’ve spoken to Krishna Mistry, a BSAVA Volunteer on BSAVA PetSavers Management Committee. She is currently the Lead Medical Nurse at Vets for Pets Birstall, whilst also teaching animal care at Derby College.

What inspired you to become a Vet Nurse?

I’ve always loved animals, and growing up, I spent a lot of weekends with my Nan, who had a real passion for helping stray cats. My family always had pets, and our local veterinary practice was a big part of the community. I remember one vet nurse who was so kind and gentle with my dog, it made a lasting impression on me. From that moment, I knew I wanted to be the person offering that same kindness and care to animals and their families.

How did you get into the profession?

I first got into the profession during my Year 10 work experience, when I spent time at my local veterinary practice. That week really stuck with me it gave me a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes care and teamwork involved. After that, I started volunteering regularly, including socialising cats at the RSPCA. Those early experiences confirmed that this was the path I wanted to follow, and I’ve never looked back.

What has your journey as a vet nurse looked like so far?

My journey as a vet nurse has been really varied, and I think that’s one of the things I’ve loved most about it. I’ve worked in a mix of hospitals, first opinion practices, out-of-hours services, and charity settings, which has given me a wide perspective on patient care. For the past few years, I’ve been at Vets for Pets Birstall, where I’m now the Lead Medical Nurse. I’ve developed a strong passion for inpatient care, critical nursing, and supporting other nurses and students.

Alongside my clinical work, I now also teach animal care at Derby College, which has opened up a whole new side of my career. Being able to share my knowledge with the next generation and help them grow in confidence is something I find really rewarding. I’ve also been involved in quality improvement projects, presented at BSAVA, and published an article – all things I never imagined when I first started out!

What’s been the most rewarding moment of your career?

One of the most rewarding moments of my career was graduating and being able to take my parents with me. They’ve always supported me and having them there to celebrate everything I’d worked so hard for meant the world. It was more than just receiving a certificate – it was a real moment of reflection on the journey, the sacrifices, and the growth I’d gone through to become the nurse I am today.

It reminded me how far I’d come, from volunteering at my local vets to now leading on inpatient care, teaching, and contributing to the profession in ways I never imagined.

What’s a challenge you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it?

As someone from a BAME background, I haven’t always seen people who look like me in this profession, especially in leadership or teaching roles. I remember standing on stage at BSAVA and realising that, as a woman of colour, I had never seen someone like me on that stage before. It was a powerful moment for me, knowing that I was part of something bigger and hopefully inspiring the next generation of diverse veterinary nurses to believe they can take their place in this profession too.

What do you wish more people knew about vet nurses?

I wish more people knew just how skilled and versatile vet nurses are. We don’t just care for animals; we’re deeply involved in everything from anaesthesia and surgery to patient monitoring, medical treatments, and nursing care plans. We play a critical role in educating pet owners and supporting them through difficult times, all while being the patient’s advocate.

I also wish people understood that being a vet nurse isn’t just about working with animals – it’s about working as part of a team, collaborating with vets and support staff to ensure the best care possible. The emotional resilience required to deal with both the highs and lows of the job is often underestimated, but it’s one of the things that makes the role so rewarding.

How do you see the role of vet nurses evolving in the future?

Since I started in the profession, the role of veterinary nurses has already changed so much, and I see that trend continuing. When I first began, our role was often more focused on supporting vets in clinical tasks, but now, we’re recognised for the extensive knowledge and skills we bring to patient care. There’s a greater focus on advanced clinical skills, and more nurses are taking on leadership, teaching, and even specialisation roles.

I see the future of vet nursing as one where we continue to expand our responsibilities and autonomy, whether it’s in areas like anaesthesia, diagnostics, or post-operative care. As more practices understand the full potential of vet nurses, I believe we’ll see greater integration of nurses into decision-making processes and more opportunities for us to lead in quality improvement, research, and education. It’s exciting to think about where the role can go, and I hope to see even greater recognition and respect for the depth of knowledge we bring to the table.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a vet nurse?

Becoming a vet nurse is a rollercoaster – there are days when you’ll feel on top of the world and days when things feel tough. But I wouldn’t change it for the world. If you’re passionate about animal care and willing to put in the hard work, this is a profession where you can make a real difference in the lives of pets and their owners.