In this powerhouse episode of The Vet Nurse Hacker Podcast, Vicky is joined by the legendary Megan Brashear, BS, RVT, VTS (ECC) — a veterinary technician specialist, international speaker, educator, and deeply respected leader in emergency and critical care. From baby Megan’s animal-obsessed beginnings to becoming one of the most recognisable voices in veterinary nursing education, this episode explores her journey, lessons learned, and why she believes ECC nurses are absolutely superheroes. Megan opens up about:

• The chaotic but exhilarating early days of ECC
• Why mentorship, teamwork and emotional intelligence are non-negotiable in vet med
• How she navigated burnout, leadership and major life change
• What keeps her in love with ECC, even after two decades
• Why techs teaching techs is the legacy she's most passionate about
• Her favourite topics to teach (spoiler: bring on the acid-base nerds!)

Packed with honesty, humour, real-life stories (including auto-transfusing blood in a white boxer at 3AM), and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in the veterinary profession—especially those curious about ECC, leadership, or public speaking.

💡 Topics Covered:

• Megan’s vet tech origin story
• ECC highs, heartbreaks, and what makes it magical
• The truth about burnout and working “invincible” shifts
• The transition from floor to education and leadership
• Training tips and in-the-moment learning in emergency settings
• Her journey to becoming an international educator and speaker
• Advice for vet nurses wanting to get into public speaking
• The secret to longevity in vet med (hint: it involves peanut butter & good people)
• Rapid fire: scrub pocket surprises, chaotic shifts, theme songs & more

🧠 Key Takeaway:
“You can do this—you just may need to make a few changes. You don’t have to push so hard all the time. The knowledge will come. You’ll get there.” — Megan Brashear
🔗 Connect with Megan:
Catch Megan at upcoming conferences like VMX and IVECCS, or come say hi at her next international speaking engagement—she promises she actually loves talking to people, even as an introvert.

Follow Vicky@vickythevetnurse and @vetnursehacker and learn more at www.vetxir.com

The Vet Nurse's Guide to Brave Conversations 🩺 Episode Summary:
In this heartfelt episode of Vet Nurse Hacker, Vicky unpacks the emotional reality of having hard conversations in vet med—from asking for a break, to setting a boundary, to speaking up when something doesn’t feel right. If you’ve ever cried in your car after a shift or second-guessed your voice in the treatment room, this one’s for you. Vicky walks you through the emotional labour we carry as vet nurses, how that impacts our ability to speak up, and—most importantly—how to reclaim your voice without burning out or burning bridges. With practical tools like the SANE Method, grounding strategies, and easy-to-remember scripts, this episode is your go-to guide for building brave conversations that honour your humanity. 🧠 What You'll Learn:

• Why hard conversations feel unsafe (hint: it's not about confidence)
• How emotional labour affects our ability to advocate for ourselves
• The SANE Method to prepare what you want to say
• Scripts and phrases to hold your ground without conflict
• Nervous system regulation tools for before and after the convo
• How to reflect, reset, and reclaim your power—even if it felt messy

🛠️ Tools & Takeaways:

• SANE Method: Situation, Action, Need, Emotion
• Box breathing & grounding anchors
• Mantras to stay calm: “I am safe to speak. My needs matter.”
• Broken record technique for holding boundaries under pressure
• Reflection questions to build self-trust post-conversation

🧡 VetXIR + Uncage Me
If this episode landed deep—if you’re ready to go from just surviving to showing up with confidence—explore VetXIR for in-clinic skill building, or join Uncage Me, the emotional reset course for the human behind the healer. 📱 Connect with Victoria:
Instagram: @vickythevetnurse
Podcast IG: @vetnursehacker
Website: vetxir.com 💬 Listener Love:
“If this episode resonated, or you're processing your own brave convo, DM me on IG or leave a voice note—I'd love to hold space for you.” 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with the vet nurse who needs to hear it.

🎙️ Episode Title: Nailed It — How Vet Tech Alex Contreras Built KlipTrio From the Ground Up 🚨 Episode Highlights:
In this inspiring episode of The Vet Nurse Hacker, Vicky is joined by veterinary technician, canine massage therapist, and entrepreneur Alex Contreras — the visionary creator behind KlipTrio, the world’s first 3-in-1 nail clipper with an integrated file and disposable styptic powder cartridge. Together, they dive into:

• Alex’s journey from vet tech to award-winning inventor
• The everyday clinic frustration that sparked KlipTrio’s creation
• How one traumatic nail trim became a lightbulb moment 💡
• Why KlipTrio is a confidence-boosting must-have for every clinic and pet parent
• Alex’s bold leap into entrepreneurship and his all-in approach (yes, including a tattoo!)
• The launch of PetTrio Charity and his powerful mission to support both pets and the people who care for them

🔥 If you’ve ever cursed your way through a nail trim or dreamed of building something that solves a real clinical problem, this one will fire you up. Expect laughter, truth bombs, and a healthy dose of "you can do it too." 🛠️ What Is KlipTrio?
KlipTrio is a patented 3-in-1 nail clipper designed by a vet tech for vet professionals and pet parents:

• Nail clipping, filing, and styptic application in one tool
• Hygienic, disposable styptic powder cartridges
• Built for speed, safety, and reducing patient (and human!) stress

💡 Spoiler alert: It's the tool you didn't know you needed until now. 🫶 Support the Mission
Alex’s work doesn’t stop at innovation. Through PetTrio Charity, he's helping fund veterinary care for underserved communities, supporting vet tech education, and advocating for accessible pet healthcare. 👉 Follow and support:

• Website: www.kliptrio.com | www.pettriocharity.org
• Instagram: @kliptrio | @pettriocharity
• TikTok: @kliptrio

💬 Call to Action:
Loved this episode? Show some love:

• Hit follow on your podcast app
• Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review
• Share it with a vet nurse or pet parent who hates nail trims

🧠 Bonus Mention:
This episode is brought to you by Uncage Me — an 8-week radical reset for the human behind the healer. If you’re ready to ditch burnout and rediscover your joy in practice, check out the course via the show notes.

Chapters

• 00:00Introduction to Innovation in Vet Med
• 01:04Alex Contreras: A Journey from Passion to Purpose
• 03:59The Importance of Veterinary Technicians
• 06:47Finding Passion in Veterinary Dentistry
• 09:19The Entrepreneurial Spirit: From Dogapy to ClipTrio
• 11:58The Birth of ClipTrio: Addressing Pain Points in Nail Trimming
• 14:56Designing ClipTrio: Features and Benefits
• 17:37The Patent Journey: Overcoming Challenges
• 21:32The Future of ClipTrio and Its Impact on Vet Med
• 39:12The Journey of an Entrepreneur
• 41:16Transforming Challenges into Opportunities
• 43:59Navigating Aggressive Pets: A Case Study
• 50:25Innovating with ClipTrio: A New Approach to Nail Trimming
• 55:58Philanthropy and the Pet Trio Charity
• 01:02:25Building a Community: The Human-Animal Bond
• 01:05:47Time Management and Balancing Responsibilities
• 01:08:33Protecting Your Energy and Space
• 01:13:16Vision for the Future: Dreams and Aspirations
• 01:20:26Embracing the Vet Nurse Journey
• 01:20:26Overcoming Burnout in Veterinary Nursing

In this episode of the Vet Nurse Hacker podcast, host Victoria speaks with Claire Boyle, a veterinary nurse and life coach, about her journey through the veterinary profession, her transition into corporate life, and her passion for coaching fellow veterinary professionals. They discuss the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and the value of mentorship in navigating the challenges of the veterinary field. Claire shares insights from her coaching practice, Claire's Simple Solutions, and emphasizes the need for community support and personal development in the veterinary industry.  

• Claire Boyle's journey showcases diverse career paths in veterinary nursing.
• The transition from vet nursing to corporate roles can be challenging yet rewarding.
• Territory managers play a crucial role in supporting veterinary clinics.
• Setting boundaries is essential for preventing burnout in veterinary professionals.
• Coaching can provide valuable support for those feeling lost in their careers.
• Investing in personal development is key to self-worth and growth.
• Community support is vital for veterinary professionals facing challenges.
• Mindset shifts can transform how we perceive our roles and responsibilities.
• Every veterinary professional should consider having a mentor or coach.

  Chapters

• 00:00Introduction to Claire Boyle's Journey
• 04:32The Early Days: Discovering Vet Nursing
• 07:42Cultural Influences and Personal Growth
• 12:46Challenges in the Veterinary Field
• 16:50Transitioning to Corporate Life
• 20:29Life as a Territory Manager
• 31:12The Importance of Nutrition in Veterinary Care
• 33:51Awards and Achievements: Balancing Success
• 37:29Advice for Aspiring Vet Nurses
• 40:25Becoming a Coach: A New Chapter
• 43:07The Journey into Coaching
• 46:13Understanding Coaching vs. Mentoring
• 49:44The Passion for Coaching
• 53:46Claire's Simple Solutions: Mission and Vision
• 57:55The Joys and Challenges of Entrepreneurship
• 01:00:31Setting Boundaries in Caregiving
• 01:02:44Grounding Techniques for Caregivers
• 01:09:46Taking the First Step in Your Journey
• 01:11:31Finding Clarity in Coaching
• 01:15:39Investing in Self-Development
• 01:19:18Mindset Matters: Thoughts, Feelings, and Actions
• 01:22:22Embracing the Vet Nurse Journey
• 01:22:22Overcoming Burnout in Veterinary Nursing

Claire's Simple Solutions: https://www.instagram.com/claires_simple_solutions/   Uncage Me: The Radical Reset for the Human Behind The Healer - www.vetxir.com

Ep 4: Scrubbed In, Left Out - We Do The Work, Now Let Us Own The Title In this episode of the Vet Nurse Hacker podcast, Victoria discusses the critical issue of title protection for veterinary nurses in Australia. She highlights the lack of legal recognition for the title 'veterinary nurse,' which allows unqualified individuals to use the title, posing risks to patient safety and undermining the professionalism of trained nurses. The episode explores the implications of this lack of protection, the current state of title protection in Australia, and compares it with global practices. Victoria emphasizes the need for collaboration among veterinary professionals to advocate for title protection and outlines actionable steps for listeners to contribute to this movement.     🔍 What We Cover:

• • Veterinary nurses in Australia currently lack title protection, allowing unqualified individuals to use the title.
  • Title protection is essential for ensuring patient safety and professional accountability.
  • The absence of title protection leads to confusion and risks in veterinary care.
  • Australia is lagging behind other countries in terms of veterinary nurse regulation.
  • The AVNAT scheme is a step towards professional recognition but remains voluntary.
  • Collaboration among veterinary professionals is crucial for advocating for title protection.
  • Mental health issues among veterinary professionals are linked to lack of recognition and support.
  • Global models of veterinary nurse regulation can provide insights for Australia.
  • Title protection is not just about status; it's about safety and respect.
  • Every veterinary nurse can contribute to the movement for title protection by taking action in their clinics.

  Chapters

1. 00:00Introduction to Vet Nurse Hacker Podcast
2. 01:22The Importance of Title Protection
3. 02:04Understanding Title Protection and Its Implications
4. 10:00Consequences of Lack of Title Protection
5. 17:31Current State of Title Protection in Australia
6. 27:05Global Perspectives on Veterinary Nurse Regulation
7. 33:41Collaboration Over Competition in Veterinary Nursing
8. 38:04Future Directions for Title Protection
9. 44:25Taking Action for Change

  Listener Prompt: Have you ever felt unseen in your role?
Have a story about stepping up, innovating, or advocating from within your clinic? 👉 Tag @vetnursehacker on socials or
📩 Email: [email protected]
We’d love to share your voice in future episodes.   Don't forget to check out Uncage Me: The Radical Reset For The Human Behind The Healer at www.vetxir.com

Had a shocker of a shift? You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not a bad nurse because of it. In this episode of The Vet Nurse Hacker, we’re getting real about those days when nothing goes right — the vein you just can’t hit, the case that haunts you, the moment you break down in the treatment room. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s something every vet nurse has felt (even the ones who look like they’ve got it all together). We’ll chat about:

• Why one bad day doesn’t define your skills or your worth
• How to break the cycle of self-blame and imposter syndrome
• What to say to yourself instead when your confidence takes a hit
• Practical tools to bounce back, reset, and keep showing up

If you’ve ever walked out of a shift questioning everything — this one’s for you. 💛 Come as you are. Stay for the hugs, hacks, and heart. Takeaways

• Bad days happen to everyone in veterinary medicine, it's about how we bounce back.
• It's normal to take work home emotionally, but we can create boundaries.
• Caring does not mean you should blame yourself.
• Create a win file to remind yourself of successes.
• Establish a post-shift reset ritual to decompress.
• The 24-hour rule helps prevent impulsive decisions.
• You are a good nurse, even on bad days.
• Showing up after a tough shift is a sign of strength.
• Bad days do not rewrite your entire story.

Chapters

• 00:00Introduction: Embracing Bad Days in Vet Nursing
• 03:22Understanding the Chaos of Veterinary Medicine
• 06:11Shifting the Narrative: Self-Compassion in Nursing
• 09:47Post-Shift Reset Rituals for Emotional Well-being
• 12:36The 24-Hour Rule: Making Thoughtful Decisions
• 15:32Conclusion: You Are a Good Nurse, Even on Bad Days
• 16:32Embracing the Vet Nurse Journey

Uncage Me: Radical Reset for the Human Behind the Healer UncageMe is an 8 week reset designed for veterinary professionals looking to reset from the fatigue of veterinary medicine. Learn more at www.vetxir.com

In this very first episode of The Vet Nurse Hacker podcast, we sit down with the brilliant and down-to-earth Bri Harding — a vet nurse who turned her big ideas into bold action. From the hustle of clinic life to launching a tiny home Airbnb and creating an online puppy school, Bri shares her inspiring journey of building not just one, but two businesses from the ground up. We chat about the challenges, the mindset shifts, and the surprising wins that came with stepping outside the comfort zone. Whether you're dreaming of starting a side hustle or simply curious about what’s possible beyond the treatment room, this episode is your permission slip to dream bigger. Grab a cuppa, take a deep breath, and get ready to be inspired by a fellow vet nurse who proves that it’s never too late — or too early — to back yourself. Key Takeaways:

• Vet nurses often seek entrepreneurship due to low pay.
• Brianna's journey into vet nursing began with a career book. Perseverance is key in completing vet nursing qualifications.
• Surgical nursing is a rewarding aspect of vet nursing.
• Compassionate care is crucial for nervous pet owners.
• Brianna transitioned to Brisbane for new opportunities.
• The Airbnb venture was a significant achievement for Brianna.
• Building a brand for the Airbnb was essential for success.
• Mindset and resilience are vital for overcoming business challenges.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:27 Challenges and Progression in the Field 07:04 The Rewards of Surgical Nursing 17:44 Becoming an Airbnb Host 26:33 Building an Online Puppy Training Business 36:17 Tips for Vet Nurses Interested in Entrepreneurship 40:04 Promoting Mental Health in the Veterinary Industry 46:52 Taking Small Steps and Maintaining a Positive Mindset 52:55 Supporting Others in Their Entrepreneurial Journeys 01:18:26 Embracing the Vet Nurse Journey 01:18:27 Overcoming Burnout in Veterinary Nursing Social Media:

• @vethursehacker
• @vickythevetnurse
• @vetxir

Uncage Me: The Radical Reset For The Human Behind The Healer UncageMe is designed for veterinary professionals feeling burnt out. Learn more at www.vetxir.com

In this episode of The Vet Nurse Hacker Podcast, we dive into one of the most underestimated — but absolutely life-saving — tools in your hospital arsenal: nutrition support for renal patients. From cranky kidneys to even crankier appetites, feeding hospitalised cats and dogs with renal disease can feel like a never-ending battle. But don’t worry — we’ve got your back (and your syringe). We break down:

• The real difference between CKD and AKI (without the textbook snooze)
• What’s actually happening in those sad little kidneys
• Key nutritional goals for renal patients (and why they matter so much)
• Practical feeding strategies: from hand-feeding to tube feeds
• How to troubleshoot common issues like food refusal, nausea, and feeding aversions
• And yes… why food left in a cage for 6 hours is a crime against cats everywhere

This episode is packed with gold for vet nurses, techs, and vets alike — whether you're new to renal patients or just looking to level up your feeding game. Because food isn’t just fuel — in renal care, it’s medicine. Takeaways:

• Nutrition is essential for renal patients' recovery.
• Nausea management is crucial before feeding.
• Behavioural strategies can enhance feeding success.
• Early intervention in feeding leads to better outcomes.
• Quality of protein is more important than quantity.
• Feeding should be tailored to individual patient needs.
• Calm feeding environments improve appetite.
• Monitor intake closely to prevent complications.
• Use appetite stimulants to encourage eating.
• Food is a critical part of the treatment plan.

Chapters

• 00:00Introduction to Hospital Feeding Strategies
• 01:50Understanding Renal Disease in Pets
• 05:25Nutrition Goals for Renal Patients
• 15:19Feeding Techniques for Renal Patients
• 23:30Diet Options for Hospitalized Renal Patients
• 32:14Creative Feeding Solutions for Renal Cats and Dogs
• 37:01Understanding Renal Patient Feeding Challenges
• 39:58Nausea Management and Its Impact on Feeding
• 42:31Appetite Support Strategies for Stubborn Patients
• 45:22Behavioral Techniques to Encourage Eating 4
• 7:29The Importance of Monitoring and Nutrition Plans  

www.vetxir.com to learn more!