Louise O’Dwyer Legacy Lives on Through Scholarship Winners

Improve Veterinary Education’s annual Louise O’Dwyer Scholarship is currently running for its fourth year in a row. Introduced in 2018, the scholarship’s aim is to continue Louise’s legacy by giving a unique learning opportunity to other passionate veterinary nurses. Louise O’Dwyer was a highly respected and recognised veterinary nurse who was passionate about emergency and critical care (ECC), and whom we had the pleasure of working with as one of our speakers before she passed away. We spoke to Rachel Mason (2020 winner) and Claire Thomas (2022 winner) to see how Louise’s legacy has continued through their work. 

Becoming A Scholarship Winner 

“How did you feel when you were chosen for this scholarship?”  

Rachel: “I was really shocked about getting selected for the Louise O’Dwyer scholarship. I wasn’t going to apply because I didn’t think I had a chance of being selected, but I was encouraged by both my Head Vet and Head Nurse to give it a go. The day I got the phone call to say I was selected was just brilliant, it was also the day we came out of ‘lockdown working’ and meant that I could share the news in person with my Practice Family (the ones who had encouraged me to apply). Then to hear that it was Louise’s family who had selected my application made it even more personal and special for me. The sheer excitement to start the course was immense.” 

Claire: “It was an incredible honour to have been selected. Louise was a truly inspirational nurse and role model. It meant so much that my own passion for ECC nursing had been recognised and it has been an immense privilege to be part of her continued legacy.” 

Rachel Mason

Passion For ECC Nursing 

“What was your experience of Improve Veterinary Education’s Emergency and Critical care training?” 

Rachel: “The program objectives were very clear – the course material and lectures were engaging and there were so many ‘practical tips’ given by the speakers. We also learnt some ‘vet only’ skills which has helped me support/talk through the process with several vets who have to place them for the first time in an emergency situation. You are given so much support and additional resources that I am still using now. This is an intensive course, but exciting and challenging all at the same time.” 

Claire: “I spent 20 years in general practice before working as an ECC nurse in an ICU department at a referral centre. This course has helped to grow and underpin my clinical knowledge in lots of areas including triage, medical and surgical emergencies to name a few. This has increased my confidence on the ward and subsequently enhanced the care I can provide to my patients. The modules are very applicable to anyone who has an interest in ECC, and they can be adapted and applied to work in general practice or a referral setting.” 

Claire Thomas

A Bright Future 

“How has the scholarship training helped shape your nurse career over the last few years?” 

Rachel: “It gave me a wealth of nursing skills which has made me a better nurse. It has improved my handling of critical patients and emergency situations. I can play an active role in a dynamic environment, and it has empowered me to realise that my opinion and knowledge is valuable. It has also helped me to be a better advocate for my patients. Both the course and scholarship have indirectly helped me to step up into a more senior role within the practice I was working. I am using my knowledge to train SVNs and am looking after the training and development for the other RVNs in the practice. For my future, I know that whatever role I take next will include some element of clinical work in the ECC setting. Vet nursing is such a wide and varied subject I think you can use it anywhere, and there are so many different roles now available, the only think that is limiting you is the breath of your imagination.” 

Claire: “It was a huge leap for me. This scholarship has complemented my on-the-job learning by increasing my confidence and giving me greater clarity and understanding of my job role. Working as an ECC nurse has ignited my passion for nursing again and I look forward to progressing my career further in this discipline. I also hope to inspire nurses, old and new, to follow their aspirations regardless of the stage in their career.” 

If you would like to know more and apply for this year’s Louise O’Dwyer Scholarship, visit: https://subscriptions.improveinternational.com/louise-odwyer-scholarship-entry