In the latest episode of VETchat by The Webinar Vet, host Kathryn speaks with Charlotte Hailstones, a dedicated veterinary nurse at Blue Cross Animal Hospital. Together, they explore Charlotte's journey into the profession, the challenges faced by women in veterinary nursing, and the crucial balance between professional and personal life.

Charlotte shares how her passion for animal welfare, behaviour, and medical nursing led her to pursue a career in veterinary nursing. With nine years of experience at Blue Cross, Charlotte has worked across the private and charity sectors, gaining invaluable insight into the welfare, housing, and rehoming of animals.

When discussing the challenges faced by women in the profession, Charlotte highlighted the impact of maternity leave on her career. As a full-time kennel nurse, she found that having a child had the potential to alter her professional path. Fortunately, her workplace was supportive, helping her maintain her position, although it took significant conversations and adjustments to make it work.

Charlotte also spoke about the lack of flexibility in working hours and the occasional lack of respect in the profession. She noted that being a younger female in the field can sometimes lead to doubts about her capabilities, especially when male colleagues are present. Her approach to navigating these challenges has been to remain confident in her abilities and trust her knowledge.

Returning to work after maternity leave was a therapeutic experience for Charlotte, offering a sense of identity and time for herself. However, it was also challenging, as veterinary medicine is ever-evolving—new medications, procedures, and treatments had emerged during her time away.

When asked if gender equality has improved in the veterinary profession, Charlotte noted that Blue Cross has many women in leadership roles, showcasing progress. However, she recognises that the private sector often sees more male leadership and ownership, suggesting there is still ground to cover.

Charlotte also touched on the unique emotional burden that women in veterinary nursing often face, balancing the care for patients with difficult conversations with pet owners. Compassion fatigue and burnout are genuine issues, and Charlotte believes finding a work-life balance is essential for sustaining a long, fulfilling career.

Her advice for aspiring veterinary nurses is to maintain curiosity, stay updated with advancements in the field, and establish a healthy balance between work and personal life. Charlotte emphasised the importance of having hobbies outside of work, supportive friends and family, and a management team that listens.

To hear more from Charlotte Hailstones and gain insight into the realities of veterinary nursing, listen to the full podcast episode here.