Veterinary Nurses Investigate

In this episode, we speak with Ana Costa about her drive to reduce carbon footprints in practice through the use of low-flow anaesthesia. The conversation explores a tangible, achievable way veterinary teams can lessen their environmental impact, without losing sight of patient safety or clinical standards.Alongside this, Ana reflects on the experience of studying and working in another country, using a niche area of interest to shape career progression, and the wide range of opportunities that audits can open up. We also talk honestly about knowing when to narrow down our options, maintaining balance, and keeping projects sustainable.A thoughtful and practical episode for anyone interested in sustainability, career development, and making meaningful change within everyday practice. Links: https://articles.burtonsveterinary.com/articles/how-to-safely-reduce-volatile-agent-oxygen-usagehttps://www.vetspecialists.co.uk/oxygen-conservation/https://ava.eu.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/We_Go_for_Lower_Flow_Infographic.pdfTo cite this podcast as: Sarah Batt-Williams and Lyndsay Wade RVC Veterinary Nurses Investigates 2:6 Sustainable Anaesthesia with Ana Costa Jun 5 2026

Today, we’re joined by Michelle Farrow for a reflective conversation that bridges research and real-world practice.Michelle shares her experience of completing a Master of Research, walking us through the project that explored how pet owners use the internet before bringing their animals into practice. Together, we unpack what she discovered, why it matters for veterinary teams, and how online information shapes expectations and decision-making.Alongside the findings, Michelle reflects honestly on the challenges of the research process, the lessons learned, and the insights she’ll carry forward—making this a valuable listen for anyone curious about research, higher education, or the evolving relationship between clients and evidence.Links: https://www.vetcompass.org/To cite this podcast as: Sarah Batt-Williams and Lyndsay Wade RVC Veterinary Nurses Investigates 2:5 Research reflection withMichelle Farrow May 29 2026

Today, we shift the focus slightly as we’re joined by Susan Holt to explore research and how it can naturally build on audit experience.Drawing on the themes covered so far in the series, Susan helps bridge the gap between audit and research, offering real-world advice on how to take those next steps with confidence. She shares practical skills, honest insights, and thoughtful guidance for anyone curious about expanding their quality improvement work into formal research.A grounding and encouraging episode for listeners interested in undertaking a research projectLinks: https://rcvsknowledge.podbean.com/e/dan-oneill-effective-dissemination-building-an-evidence-to-impa…To cite this podcast as: Sarah Batt-Williams and Lyndsay Wade RVC Veterinary Nurses Investigates 2:4 Evidence Progression withSusan Holt May 22 2026

This episode is double the fun as we welcome Alice Bell and Abi Redfearn from Rosemullion Veterinary Hospital to explore the audit process.They share their individual auditing journeys, talking through the wide range of audits they’ve taken on and how each experience shaped their confidence and approach to quality improvement. With plenty of real-world insight (and reassurance), Alice and Abi show that audits don’t have to be intimidating—or boring.Perfect listening for anyone who’s been audit-curious, audit-cautious, or firmly in the “do I really have to?” camp.To cite this podcast as: Sarah Batt-Williams and Lyndsay Wade RVC Veterinary Nurses Investigates 2:3 Audit Confidence with Alice Bell and Abi Redfearn May 15 2026

In this episode, we’re joined by Sam McGaw, an ECC nurse and educator, for a grounded and practical conversation rooted in real clinical experience.Sam walks us through her nutrition audit, sharing what worked, what surprised her, and the lessons learned along the way. With honesty and clarity, she breaks down the audit process into something approachable and achievable, offering practical tips to support anyone considering starting their own.Whether you’re new to audits or looking to build confidence in quality improvement work, this episode offers reassurance, insight, and plenty of take-home ideas Links: https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/https://www.aaha.org/resources/2021-aaha-nutrition-and-weight-management-guidelines/https://veterinaryevidence.org/index.php/vehttps://veterinaryevidence.org/index.php/ve/author-hub To cite this podcast as: Sarah Batt-Williams and Lyndsay Wade RVC Veterinary Nurses Investigates 2:2 ECC Nutrition with Sam McGaw May 8 2026

We’re kicking off Season 2 with the one and only Lou Northway, opening the door to a conversation that sets the tone for everything that follows.Together, we explore Quality Improvement and Evidence-Based Veterinary Nursing (EBVN), unpacking what these concepts really look like in practice—not just in theory. Lou shares honest insights from her own career journey, including the lessons learned, challenges faced, and moments that shaped her path.This episode is both a practical introduction to EBVN and an encouraging invitation for anyone curious about where evidence, reflection, and improvement can take their career.Links for further information: https://www.rcvsknowledge.org/approach/quality-improvement/https://www.veterinarywoman.co.uk/2022/05/safe-to-speak-up-an-interview-with-helen-silver-macmahon/To cite this podcast as: Sarah Batt-Williams and Lyndsay Wade RVC Veterinary Nurses Investigates 2:1 Quality Improvement with Lou Northway May 1 2026

Are you as frustrated at the lack of evidence as we are? Veterinary nurses are in a prime position to fill this gap and therefore we need to publish! In the final episode of series one, we speak to the incredibly inspirational Jennifer Hamilin, educator, learner (studying for a PhD), RVN, technician and editor extraordinaire. We discuss how to submit articles, the editorial process, and peer reviewing. True to form, we also divert off into the world of professional identity, scope of practice and education. Tune in to hear Sarah get very excited about all the things Jennifer has to say! [First published on RVC website 16 August 2023]To cite this podcast as: Sarah Batt-Williams and Lyndsay Wade RVC Veterinary Nurses Investigates 7 Writing up and publishing with Jennifer Hamlin Aug 16 2023

Your audit is complete, you know that your results should be used to inform practice, but how do you encourage others engage with your research outcomes? Alison Young, Clinical Operations Manager at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals recounts her experiences of creating change in practice, focussing on the transition to alcohol-based hand preparations. [First published on RVC website 25 July 2023]To cite this podcast as: Sarah Batt-Williams and Lyndsay Wade RVC Veterinary Nurses Investigates 6 Making a change in practice with Alison Young Mar 20 2026

How do you feel admitting to someone that you are a novice? How will you describe yourself if you can't or don’t want to practice anymore if that’s what you have done for most of your life? What are your personal values? [First published on RVC website 15 June 2023]To cite this podcast as: Sarah Batt-Williams and Lyndsay Wade RVC Veterinary Nurses Investigates 5 Professional identity with Rachel Davies Mar 13 2026