Petplan has announced the 2010 finalists for the Vet Nurse of the Year at the Petplan Veterinary Awards. 

The company says it was inundated with over 1,800 nominations this year, and wasn't disappointed in its quest to discover veterinary staff that go far beyond the call of duty.  Each year there is an astonishing public response, with tales ranging from midnight rescues to simple acts of kindness. This year was no exception.

The finalists for the Petplan Vet Nurse of the Year 2010 are:

Amy Floyd of Fivelands Veterinary Centre, Birmingham
Amy has been nominated because of her calm and loving approach to animals and clients. As a Head Nurse, staff look up Amy as a source of inspiration, she leads by example, working hard and going above and beyond the call of duty.

Lisa Strickland of Viking Vets, Bristol
Lisa was nominated for her hard work and dedication. After 20 years as a veterinary nurse, Lisa still works with the same compassion, drive and enthusiasm. Lisa takes enormous pride in her work, ensuring the highest quality of service is provided.

Louise Want of Feldon Veterinary Centre, Warwickshire
After nearly 30 years as a veterinary nurse Louise is as dedicated and enthusiastic as when she first began in the industry. She is always supportive and professional with a caring and approachable manner. Louise's nomination is a reflection of her positive influence and inspiration to other aspiring nurses and students.

The nurses will attend an awards ceremony taking place on 8th April at the Birmingham Town Hall where the Petplan Veterinary Awards will be presented to the winners in four separate categories.  

The finalists for each of the other categories are as follows:

Vet of the Year
Girish Thakral, Blacks Veterinary Group, West Midlands
Mike Hewitt, Wendover Heights Veterinary Centre, Buckinghamshire
Stuart Jackson, Jackson Veterinary Clinic, Oxfordshire         

Vet Receptionist of the Year
Carole Dawson, Kingsteignton Veterinary Group, Devon
Linda Workman, Summerleaze Veterinary Hospital, Berkshire         
Sue Snodin, Towerwood Veterinary Group, Leeds      

Vet Practice of the Year
Ashfield House Veterinary Hospital Ltd, Nottingham  
Mill House Veterinary Surgery and Hospital, Norfolk  
Priors Leaze Veterinary Centre, West Sussex

Alison Andrews, Petplan's Head of Marketing said she was thrilled by the number of nominations received, and the quality of this year's finalists: "This year we are celebrating the eleventh anniversary of the Veterinary Awards which were launched so pet owners could thank their practice for the tireless and wonderful work they carry out. We are delighted that the awards, which we often hear referred to as the 'Vet Oscars', are still going strong.  This year we have received a great number of nominations and the quality and standard really challenged the skills of our esteemed judging panel. We would like to wish those short listed every success on the night."

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vet nurses.