I began working here in October 1994, after studying Small Animal Management at Caythorpe Agricultural College over two years. My nursing training began with the Pre Veterinary Nurse Certificate at the College of Animal Welfare in Godmanchester. At the end of this year I was presented with an award for being the student that had consistently gained the highest marks. After two more years of training, in 1998 I became a Listed Qualified Veterinary Nurse. Shortly after this I was promoted to Head Nurse.

I am involved in all aspects of nurse and reception training and development. This is a role which I thoroughly enjoy and I am a qualified assessor for our nurses training. Over the years I have attended many CPD (Continued Professional Development) meetings and lectures, to enable me to extend my knowledge further, and to pass that knowledge on to other team members. In May 1999 I became a Hills Veterinary Healthcare Advisor and I have also gained various certificates in pet nutrition. I hold the British Veterinary Nursing Certificate in Veterinary Dentistry and an NVQ level 3 in Management.

I am particularly interested in all aspects of dental work, practice management and all things feline!

I organise the care of the hospitalised patients, the cattery residents and the resident practice pets. (Currently 2 cats Gizzy and Erin ex strays, 1 dog, Rosie and a bunny Obi!) I have my own clinics where I look after elderly pets, post operative care, pets with chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes.  In these clinics  I can  give advise on routine care, preventative care and give some routine vaccinations and carry out minor procedures such as dressing changes, nail clips, etc. I also organise puppy parties and hope to start kitten parties soon!

At home I have a very beautiful lilac point Birman called Lolly.

In my spare (!) time I enjoy reading, watching films and spending time in the countryside.

Nicola Francis RVN