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This Little Aussie Went to Vegas....
From Melissa Shoard with Small Animal Specialty Hospital (SASH)....
This year, I had the absolute privilege of travelling from Australia to Las Vegas for the VetCOT conference, and being in that room as a veterinary nurse was something else entirely. Trauma is where I feel most at home, and I’ve always believed fiercely that trauma patients live or die based on the care, compassion, skill, and determination of the nurses at their side. Our vets are brilliant, absolutely. But the modern veterinary role is shifting: vets are increasingly client‑facing, while nurses are the ones with hands on the patient, moment to moment, driving stability, comfort, and continuity of care.
So to be welcomed, included, and genuinely part of the trauma conversation at an international level? That was empowering. It was validating. And honestly, it was exactly where nurses deserve to stand. Being surrounded by specialists, surgeons, innovators, and leaders, and knowing that nurses weren’t just present but recognised, reminded me why our profession matters so deeply. We are not assistants to trauma care; we are central to it. We anticipate, we advocate, we act. We are the constant in the chaos. I learned so much at the conference, connected with incredible people, and left feeling energised about the future of trauma nursing. Being surrounded by excellence is one thing; being included in it is something else entirely.
And here’s the part I want every nurse to hear:
Next time there’s a room full of vets, put yourself out there. Step in. Take up space. Include yourself in the conversation because you belong in it. And that’s exactly where nurses should be.
Thank you from Mel, the newest member of the Trauma Support Team committee
P.S. Cant wait to attend the conference again in the future!
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