Beyond Ticking Boxes: A Narrative Exploration of the Placement Experiences of Veterinary Nurses and their Transition to Professional Practice

Keyes, Laura Sinead (2025) Beyond Ticking Boxes: A Narrative Exploration of the Placement Experiences of Veterinary Nurses and their Transition to Professional Practice. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

As part of their education, veterinary nursing students are required to undertake clinical placement as directed by the Veterinary Council of Ireland (2025). Placement involves applying theoretical knowledge to real-life situations, guided by the completion of veterinary nursing competencies. These competencies aim to prepare student veterinary nurses (SVNs) in developing the necessary skills required to perform their role in practice. Upon exploration of the literature, there appears to be a significant gap in research surrounding these experiences, particularly within an Irish context. Wider healthcare research reports a range of insights associated with placement, including emotional challenges, notions of preparedness and transitioning into professional roles. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the lived experiences of Irish veterinary nurses during clinical placements, and how these experiences impact the transition into professional practice upon graduation. This study took a Narrative Inquiry approach to gain depth and understanding of the topic. Following in-depth interviews of five participants, six major themes emerged – professional identity formation and transitions, experiential learning and competency development, emotional wellbeing, support networks and interpersonal dynamics, barriers in education and placement settings and lastly, reflections and advice for future student veterinary nurses. These expansive themes reveal the wealth of opportunities that effective placement offers, but also the challenges faced by student veterinary nurses surrounding placement experiences and transitions into practice. Despite these challenges, their honest accounts displayed a noteworthy sense of resilience, illustrating their ability to adapt to various situations. The study’s recommendations outline multiple suggestions to improve these experiences, building on their strength, resilience and ultimate commitment to the profession.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Supervisors:	Name Email Mellon, Conor UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	L Education > L Education (General) R Medicine > RT Nursing H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management > Careers R Medicine > Healthcare Industry
Divisions:	Centre for Education and Lifelong Learning (-2025) > Master of Arts in Educational Practice
Depositing User:	Ciara O'Brien
Date Deposited:	23 Feb 2026 16:10
Last Modified:	23 Feb 2026 16:21
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/9157

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