Sarah's Story: From Surgical Dread to Confident Vet

"It feels like a lifetime ago, yet some days it's like yesterday. I graduated from vet school 15 years ago, full of big dreams. But then, real life hit me hard.

My confidence in surgery, well, let's just say it was non-existent. I remember one case especially – a routine thing that just went completely wrong. A patient died on my table because I messed up. That moment just crushed me. From then on, a kind of constant dread settled in. Every time I had to go into theatre, my heart would pound, my hands would get sweaty, and this tight knot would form in my stomach.

The sheer worry of what might walk through the door, what tricky case might need my unsteady hands, it was a daily weight. I tried to avoid surgery whenever I could, and when I couldn't, the stress was just unbearable, like a heavy blanket suffocating me.

Then came the beautiful mess of having kids. Four years out of work, two amazing little people, and a whole new way of looking at life. Even though I was busy at home, that gap in my career, that feeling of not being good enough, it was still there like a cloud when I thought about returning to work.

I was offered a leadership role at a new practice, which was a great opportunity. But those old worries still whispered in my ear. How could I really lead, really guide, when I still felt so unsure of myself, especially when it came to operations? That constant nagging feeling really wore me down.

It was my friend, bless her heart, who noticed I was struggling. She suggested the confidence courses from Access CPD. I was a bit doubtful, to be honest, but what did I have to lose? From the very first moment I started, it was like a light just clicked on. The way they taught things, the practical tips, and knowing there were other vets feeling the same way – it genuinely changed everything for me. That heavy blanket of anxiety started to lift, slowly at first, then faster and faster.

The relief was enormous, followed by this rush of joy and a huge lightness as that old worry finally let go. My confidence didn't just grow; it absolutely exploded. I started to see my career, and even my life outside of work, with a totally new perspective.

I'm not just enjoying being a vet again; I'm actually thriving in my leadership role and even getting back into surgery with a fresh sense of purpose. And because of this new confidence, Outside of work, I've even had the confidence to go out and find new friends.

It's wild how one simple decision can completely change your path. I honestly wish I'd had this confidence all along. New grad me with this confidence would have been happier I'm sure.

I truly believe that if you're a new graduate and feeling like I did, a surgical confidence course could save you so much of that fear. And for parents like me, coming back to work after a break, a confidence course focused on return-to-work is seriously worth it. It’s not just about learning skills; it’s about understanding that it's completely normal to feel anxious, that you are not alone. It's about finding that belief in yourself again, that hope and optimism for a fresh start in your vet career.

I hope my story can help others to feel less alone, less scared, less doubtful and maybe give them a glimmer of hope that they can be the confident vet or nurse they long to be. That they can have a second chapter to their career that is more enjoyable and less of an anxiety rollercoaster, grind of a job. It only took me 15 years but I rediscovered my love for vetting. I hope others can too!"

Many thanks to Sarah for sharing her confidence Journey. If you have completed an ACCess CPD course and want to share your story please contact us hello@accesscpd.com

Alternatively if you want mor information on our surgical, graduate, return to work or general confidence course please take a look around our website: www.accesscpd.com

* Names and images may have been changed for anonymity