Get to know: Lindsey Ashburner - Bringing Insights on the Front Line of Animal Care
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When every second counts, Lindsey Ashburner is the calm at the centre of the storm.
As an Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Nurse at the Edinburgh University Hospital for Small Animals, Lindsey thrives in one of the most high-pressure, high-stakes corners of veterinary medicine. With years of hands-on experience and an unwavering commitment to animal care, she’s become a trusted figure in the field - known for her skill, composure, and compassion.
We caught up with Lindsey to hear about her dynamic career journey, how she navigates the demands of critical care, and her upcoming sessions at the London Vet Show. Spoiler: her lectures are ones you won’t want to miss.
Q: Can you tell me a bit about yourself and what inspired you to pursue a career in veterinary nursing?
A: I grew up in South Africa, where I originally studied nature conservation. During this time, I had the incredible opportunity to work alongside veterinarians involved in game capture and wildlife management. It was in those moments, out in the field, that I realised my interest was not only in animals but in the science and medicine behind how we care for them. When I later moved to the UK, I knew I wanted to find a career that combined my love for animals with the medical and scientific side of care. That's when I discovered veterinary nursing and it felt like the perfect fit. Since then, I have never looked back!
Q: What sparked your passion to specialise in emergency and critical care nursing?
A: What first drew me to ECC nursing was the adrenaline, the teamwork, and the opportunity to make a real difference in life-or-death situations. I find myself energised rather than overwhelmed by the fast pace and realised that I thrive under the pressure when quick thinking and calm communication can literally save a life. I know this sounds very cliche, but I also love that no two days (or nights!) are ever the same, and that every case is a chance to learn and adapt. It's demanding, unpredictable, and intense - but that's exactly why I love it.
Q: What is one thing you wish you knew before becoming a veterinary nurse?
A: One thing I wish I'd known before becoming a veterinary nurse is just how emotionally demanding the job can be. While I expected the physical and technical challenges, I didn't fully appreciate the emotional resilience it takes to support not only the patients in our care, but also their owners - and sometimes, our own team - through difficult moments. That said, it's also one of the most rewarding aspects of the job through the bonds you form, the trust you build and the lives you help improve or save. Another aspect of the job, which I probably should have expected but never ceases to amaze me, is just how often I'd be covered in some form of bodily fluid. I've been vomited on, pooed on, peed on (more times than I wish to count) and somehow always seem to attract the patients with impeccable aim. This should be included in the job description!
Q: What is the most challenging part about ECC nursing?
A: Similar to my answer to the earlier question on what I wish I knew before becoming a vet nurse, it's managing the emotional intensity that comes with urgent, life or death situations, especially when outcomes don't go the way we hope. There are often when, despite your best efforts, you lose a patient, and those moments can be incredibly hard to process. Learning how to carry that responsibility without letting it overwhelm you is one of the biggest personal growth areas in the veterinary field.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring veterinary nurses wanting to pursue a career in this field?
A: If you're thinking about a career in ECC nursing, my biggest advice is don't be afraid to dive in but be prepared to work hard, stay humble and keep learning. ECC is intense, fast paced, and emotionally charged, but it is also one of the most rewarding paths you can take in veterinary nursing. Say yes to every opportunity to observe or assist in emergency situations or critically ill patients, even if it feels daunting at first. Every shift teaches you something new and experience really is the best teacher in this field. Also, surround yourself with a team you can trust, ECC nursing is never a solo job, and the support of your colleagues makes all the difference. Finally, don't forget to look after yourself. Compassion, fatigue and burnout are real risks in this specialty, so prioritising self-care isn't selfish - it's essential.
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