Naomi Allan

What is your favourite animal to work with and why?

I enjoy working with dogs and cats equally, the spicier, the better! I have a soft spot for those with a bit of an attitude because it gives me the chance to build trust and create a sense of safety. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching a once-fiery personality begin to relax and show their softer side.

What inspired you to pursue a career in your field?

I’ve always been drawn to veterinary medicine through my love for animals and a natural instinct to nurture, helping them heal physically and emotionally. While working in practice, I supported student veterinary nurses as a clinical coach and found real joy in sharing my knowledge and watching them grow into confident, registered professionals. It made me think, “Why not do this on a bigger scale?” Moving from mentoring a couple of students in practice to guiding whole cohorts of 25 or more has been incredibly fulfilling. Stepping into a management role has allowed me to expand that impact even further, supporting both students and colleagues across our York and Gateshead campuses as they work towards achieving their full potential.

What do you enjoy most about your role at the college?

What I enjoy most about my role is the opportunity to support students not just academically, but also in their employment journeys. Moving over to the apprenticeship side of the department allowed me to combine tuition with real-world, work-based learning, helping students apply their skills in practice while earning and gaining invaluable experience. I thoroughly enjoy working with both students and employers to build strong, supportive relationships that benefit everyone involved.

Areas of Interest and Expertise

I’ve worked as a Head Nurse, a Clinical Coach, and an Emergency and Critical Care Nurse at an out-of-hours referral practice. Alongside this, I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Animal Behaviour, which has fuelled a keen interest in the behaviour and welfare of companion animals. I also have additional qualifications in quality assurance and assessment, allowing me to ensure that our assessment methods are rigorous, fair, and supportive of student success.

What advice would you give to students looking to succeed in your subject area?

Veterinary nursing is a rewarding but demanding career, and success in this field relies on more than just a love of animals. Good communication skills, trustworthiness, compassion, and a strong work ethic are essential. No two days are the same, so adaptability and resilience are key. My advice to students is to gain as much work experience as possible in a variety of veterinary practices. This will give you a realistic view of the profession and help you build confidence in different clinical environments. Ask questions, stay curious, and show your enthusiasm. It’s also important to work hard in your current qualifications and be aware of the entry requirements for veterinary nursing courses early on.

If your students had to describe you in three words, what would they say?

If my students had to describe me in three words, I think they’d say I’m supportive, dedicated, and passionate.

What book, movie, artist or podcast do you always recommend?

I always recommend ‘Black Beauty’, both the book and the film. It’s a real tear-jerker but a beautiful reminder of the bond between humans and animals.

When it comes to music, I’m a big country fan! Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs are my favourites, you’ll probably hear me singing along around college!

For podcasts, I recommend the ‘Medical Nursing Podcast’ with Laura Jones RVN VTS (IM-SA). It’s a fantastic resource for anyone wanting to deepen their knowledge of veterinary nursing, especially in internal medicine.

Anything else?

I am a strong advocate for veterinary nurses having the opportunity to specialise and progress within their careers. I am committed to developing and expanding our course offerings to support this, and I am currently reviewing new opportunities for nurses to specialise in a range of areas. Watch this space, exciting times are ahead!

Contact Email

naomi.allan@askham-bryan.ac.uk