We spoke to Georgina Miller RVN CVLM to find out more about how the CVLM has helped prepare her for a move into leadership.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about yourself and your career journey so far?
I qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2004 straight after school, feeling that was what I wanted to do in my career. I did not expect it to be as bumpy a road as it has been, changing to horticulture only to change back into veterinary when moving to the UK in 2010.
I have since locumed, been a head nurse and continued locuming across a range of corporations, veterinary hospitals, charities, and independents. Along the way, I have learnt a lot about the veterinary industry and, most importantly, the people that work within it.
We are at the heart of a caring profession, with many of us starting because of our love in working with animals. However, I feel it is the people that you work with, the clients, tutors, managers and leaders, who ultimately influence where you go next in your career.
What inspired you to enrol on to the CVLM?
I have been looking at management courses for a few years, as I felt this was the direction I wanted to progress in after being a veterinary nurse. To be able to support, lead, and manage a team and hopefully become as inspirational as some of the role models I have met throughout my career.
I felt the values and mission of the VMG aligned closely with how I felt about the industry. The modules also covered a range of subjects that fitted into what I wanted to learn.
Although I found the course challenging at times, particularly as I was locuming for most of the time and didn’t have organisational support, I found it incredibly valuable. I also appreciated that, alongside the CVLM, you are awarded a globally recognised ILM leadership and management qualification. Being originally from New Zealand, I can take this qualification with me if I eventually return home.
What made you decide it was the right time to invest in your leadership development?
After COVID, I felt it was time to invest in myself and upskill for where I wanted to go next in my career.
I have always known that there would come a stage in my life when veterinary nursing might no longer be something I could do indefinitely. I wanted to learn how to better support teams and individuals, particularly the newer generation joining the veterinary industry because of their passion for working with animals, and ultimately move into management myself one day.
How has studying the CVLM changed the way you think about leadership and practice management?
It has opened up my eyes to thinking about the organisation as a business and understanding why we do things like the dreaded stocktake.
The course has also given me a better understanding of how to be a better leader and mentor. These were skills I felt I wasn’t always being given the opportunity to develop while working in practice.
What skills or knowledge from the CVLM have you already been able to apply in practice?
I have found I have become a better coach and mentor to the newly qualified and student nurses that I work with. I am better able to help with a colleague’s mental health support, since we are all working in a very stressful industry environment at present. I have learnt what type of leader I am becoming and how different styles are needed for different situations and people. I now understand the organisation as a whole a bit better and how a business runs. However, I still find there is so much I wish to learn to develop my skills and knowledge more, that I cannot wait too long before starting my Diploma.
Coming from a nursing background, how has your clinical experience prepared you for learning more about leadership?
As a veterinary nurse, I have learnt over the years to be versatile and adaptable, working collaboratively with different types of people and using a variety of communication styles.
I have also learnt from my own managers what makes a good leader, and importantly, what makes people follow them. Working in high-pressure, fast paced clinical environments has taught me a great deal about people management, teamwork, communication and adaptability.
Was there a particular module during the CVLM that you found especially valuable?
So far, every module has given me valuable insights, from completing PESTLE analyses and learning more about myself as a leader, to understanding finances and the differences between coaching and mentoring.
I feel that, regardless of whether you already have some knowledge of a particular subject, every module is worthwhile and there is always something new to learn or take away from it.
I’m looking forward to diving straight back into the modules to build on what I have learnt and continue developing my knowledge and skills as I work towards my Diploma.
What advice would you give to nurses or other veterinary professionals who are considering enrolling on the CVLM/DVLM to gain a leadership qualification?
I would say if you can afford it or have employer funding, enrol in the course; it will improve your understanding and make you a better leader.
Thank you Georgina. Find out more about elevating your career here.
