Before he came to VEG, Steven Kirkpatrick was a practicing veterinary nurse who knew he wanted more from his career. So he came to VEG, completed the six-month Advanced Practice Veterinary Nurse (APVN) certification course followed by the ER Cert Program.

Currently an APVN at VEG South Lamar, he’s grateful for the opportunity; he built upon his experience and uses his skills and knowledge to the fullest capacity as an APVN. Here’s Steven's story.

CAREER MILESTONE: APVN CERTIFICATION AT VEG

How did you learn about the APVN certification course?

It all came to be after a discussion with VEG’s chief veterinary nursing officer, Ken Yagi, at my VTS (ECC) pinning ceremony at IVECCS in 2022. I was looking for the next step in my career and had heard great things about VEG, so I approached him to inquire about VEG's future plans for a hospital near San Antonio, TX.

A couple months later I was contacted by Angela Rathmann (the first APVN with VEG and now the APVN program director) to inquire about my potential interest in the APVN role with VEG.

What were you hoping to get out of the program?

After 12 years of working in critical care at a specialty hospital, I was looking for the next step in my career. Despite some experience and success in a prior leadership role, I knew my desire and passion was to continue my growth in the medical side of my veterinary career. However, opportunities were limited at my prior place of employment. The APVN Program with VEG was a revolutionary opportunity to achieve the highest clinical role available for veterinary nurses—and it was exactly what I was looking for.

Throughout my career, I have seen many gifted veterinary nurses move on to other career paths due to lack of opportunity for continued professional growth. I'm excited to be a pioneer in a program that allows veterinary nurses to utilize their skills and knowledge to the fullest capacity. This will be instrumental in elevating the role of veterinary nurses within VEG and the industry as a whole, while providing new pathways to make veterinary nursing a fulfilling and sustainable career.

What kind of support did you receive from your team/manager to further your learning?

I received consistent support throughout the program, including regular check-ins with Angela Rathmann (APVN program director) and James Oldeschulte (my hospital’s medical director).

This continued throughout the APVN Certificate Program, as well as the extensive mentorship and teaching/training I received via the ER Certificate Program. Although it was initially somewhat intimidating to join the ER Cert as a veterinary nurse amongst doctors, I was received with open arms. It was truly a supportive group and wonderful learning experience encompassing critical case management, emergent procedures, and more.

What was your favorite aspect of the program?

The APVN and ER Cert programs built upon my prior experience, helping me to develop a higher level of critical thinking and clinical knowledge. It also enabled me to do everything from develop differential diagnoses and treatment plans, to perform advanced procedures in the APVN role.

Along the way, I’ve been able to share my knowledge and skills with my fellow VEGgies (doctors and veterinary nurses) through mentorship and collaboration on cases. This mid-level provider role is truly a unique position that elevates care for our patients while providing an avenue for veterinary nurses to function at a new level.

Share something unexpected about your experience.

Although I had limited experience with basic ultrasound use in the past, the advanced level to which VEG utilizes Point-of-care Ultrasound (POCUS) has been incredible to learn. Extensive teaching about the utility of this diagnostic tool has elevated our level of patient care. My personal growth in POCUS has been a key tool in evaluating and guiding care for patients.

How has this program helped you to grow in your career at VEG?

I’m able to continually share and pass along what I’ve learned with DVMs, NERDs, and fellow veterinary nurses on the floor through mentorship and teaching. Although I’ve completed the APVN and ER Cert programs, I look forward to continuing to learn and grow and see what the APVN program will bring in the future as more veterinary nurses take this journey!

Is there something you are doing now that you weren’t able to do before completing this program?

I came to VEG with a high level of clinical experience, knowledge, and skills, but there are things the APVN program has allowed me to do that I wasn’t able to do before. Working in collaboration with DVMs, I now can help perform advanced clinical assessments, develop diagnostic and treatment plans, interpret diagnostics results, adjust treatment plans, perform advanced procedures/skills, and more.

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