Miss Nicola Read
MSc Advanced Veterinary Nursing, PgCert Oncology Nursing, PgCert VetEd, DipAVN(Med), RVN,
Head Nurse - Oncology
Department: Clinical Science and Services
Campus: Hawkshead
Clinical Groups: Small Animal Oncology, Small Animal Internal Medicine
Nicola is the Head Oncology Nurse at the Queen Mother Hospital for Small Animals. She is responsible for supportng the Oncology Service's team of nurses, clinicians, residents and students; as well as a team of Patient Care Assistents who assist with the care delivery in the medicine, cat ward and emergency departments.
Nicola qualified in 2000 from a well-established small animal general practice in North West London where she also gained nurse training assessor qualifications to supervise and support veterinary nurses in training. She spent a year at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2001 to gain experience in a charity based organisation and then moved to the Queen Mother Hospital, Royal Veterinary College in 2002 in order to study for the RCVS Advanced diploma. In June 2008 she became the Head Medicine Nurse at the Royal Veterinary College, then Head Oncology Nurse in 2015 after a departmental split. She is currently working towards a MSc in Veterinary Nursing and undertaking a PgC in Veterinary Education. Nicola's interest in oncology nursing has resulted in her pursuing this unique specialised subject and today works closely with the Oncology Team to deliver alternate care options for patients diagnosed with oncology disease and support families through their treatment journey.
Nicola is currently undertaking a prospective study, relevent to oncology as part of her MSc final year of study.
Nicola is heavily involved with clinical teaching of veterinary students, residents in training and vistors to the oncology service. She also provides departmental training in the handling of cytotoxic / cytostatic drugs and provides support to the graduate school for under and postgraduate teaching. Nicola regularly attends CPD related to her role and is actively involved in sharing her experiences to the wider veterinary community.