Ruth started her vet nurse training at the University of Bristol in 2013, and after taking some time out, she qualified a few years later, finishing her studies via the diploma route.
Ruth has worked primarily in first opinion practices, as well as undertaking volunteering opportunities with elephants, wildlife rescues, and zoos. In the last two years, she has become a self-proclaimed night shift zombie, working as an ECC night nurse at a busy 24hr hospital in central London and now at a referral centre.
Maintaining a good work-life balance is important to her and she has many fascinating hobbies and passions outside the veterinary world. Ruth is a dedicated ballerina, and enjoys water sports such as stand up paddle boarding, surfing, and snorkelling. At the time of recording, she had a scuba diving exam the very next day! Outside of her more active hobbies, she loves doing embroidery and other arts and crafts and has even created a fantastic vet nurse pin badge!
Exotics or NTCAs: What should you call the ‘weird’ pets?
You may have heard us mention these types of animals on Veterinary Ramblings before: they include hedgehogs, sugar gliders, and many other small furry friends – often called ‘exotic’.
But why do we call them exotic? Is this term really accurate? And what does it mean for owners of these animals?