Abigail McHardy
Glenvale
Summary
Compassionate and motivated new graduate veterinarian with extensive veterinary nursing experience and a strong foundation in clinical practice across small animal critical care, emergency and GP settings. Skilled in patient care, client communication, and teamwork, with a proven ability to adapt quickly in fast-paced environments. Brings practical hands-on experience, strong problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based veterinary care. Dedicated to continuous professional development and building positive relationships with clients, colleagues, and the wider community.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Veterinary Nurse
Highfields Veterinary Surgery
01.2021 - Current
- Company Overview: www.highfieldsvetsurgery.com.au
- Consistently delivered exceptional client and patient service, providing expert guidance on over-the-counter products and clinic services, both in-person and over the phone.
- Competently utilised diagnostic systems, including Vision, Zoetis/Abaxis pathology machines, Imagyst, ultrasonography, and radiography, to deliver accurate and timely results.
- Conducted patient assessments, including pre-clinical health checks, anaesthesia monitoring, pain management, extubation, hygiene checks, IV fluid therapy, post operative care, and intensive treatments to optimise patient outcomes and team efficiency.
- Skilfully handled animals, adapting techniques to maximise patient comfort while ensuring staff safety.
- Proactively maintained and optimised surgical equipment, including but not limited to: monopolar cautery, surgical, orthopaedic and dental kits.
- Developed and implemented training programs for junior veterinary staff to enhance skills and knowledge.
- Effectively triaged walk-in patients, ensuring critical cases received timely veterinary intervention, enhancing clinic workflow and patient care.
Casual Veterinary Nurse
UQ VETS
10.2024 - 02.2025
- Delivered high standard nursing care to small animals (dogs, cats, exotics), including monitoring vital signs, post-operative recovery, medication administration, and general patient husbandry.
- Assisted veterinarians in surgical procedures: prepared surgical instruments, maintained sterile environments, scrubbed in, monitored anaesthesia, and assisted with anaesthetic recovery.
- Performed clinical pathology and diagnostic support tasks: sample collection (blood, urine etc.), handling radiographs/imaging, assisting with laboratory test.
- Maintained equipment and facilities: cleaned, and ensured readiness of surgical, dental, and diagnostic tools; maintained strict infection control and hygiene standards.
- Provided client support: educated owners on treatment plans, administered discharge instructions, answered questions, and ensured good communication with clients regarding animal welfare.
- Handled pharmacy and stock management tasks: assisted with ordering, managing inventory of medications, disposables and supplies; checking stock levels and expiry dates.
- Supported emergency and urgent care cases under supervision: triage, first aid, monitoring critical patients, executing veterinarian directives quickly and accurately.
- Worked within shift-based roster, including weekends / public holidays / overnight duties, demonstrating flexibility and ability to work under pressure.
- Collaborated closely with veterinary and support staff, contributing to a team environment, maintaining flow of clinic work, and adapting to changing priorities.
- Delivered high-quality nursing care to animals in clinical settings.
Veterinary Student on Placement
Pre - Clinical Veterinary Placements
11.2020 - 07.2022
- Ensured safe handling and restraint of animals, including cattle, sheep, horses, dogs and cats, in a farm setting, with a focus on large animal restraint to always maintain personnel safety.
- Engaged professionally with farmers, farm staff, and other clients, to uphold a culture of clear communication and strong working relationships.
- Implemented and provided education regarding on-farm procedures for sheep and cattle castration vaccination, antibiotic administration, welfare monitoring and maintenance to ensure adherence to industry gold standards.
Retail Assistant
The Lucky Charm Newsagency
08.2019 - 12.2020
- Consistently delivered exceptional client and patient service, providing expert guidance on over-the-counter products and clinic services, both in-person and over the phone.
- Competently utilised diagnostic systems, including Vision, Zoetis/Abaxis pathology machines, Imagyst, ultrasonography, and radiography, to deliver accurate and timely results.
- Conducted patient assessments, including pre-clinical health checks, anaesthesia monitoring, pain management, extubation, hygiene checks, IV fluid therapy, post operative care, and intensive treatments to optimise patient outcomes and team efficiency.
Education
Bachelor of Veterinary Science -
University of Queensland
10.2025
Bachelor of Veterinary Technology -
University of Queensland
01.2020
Skills
- Proactive problem-solving
- Critical care nursing
- Efficient time management
- Comprehensive patient assessment
- Adaptable workflow coordination
- Effective client communication
- Compassionate animal handling
- Expert anesthesia administration
- In-depth medical recordkeeping
Websites
Timeline
Casual Veterinary Nurse
UQ VETS
10.2024 - 02.2025
Senior Veterinary Nurse
Highfields Veterinary Surgery
01.2021 - Current
Veterinary Student on Placement
Pre - Clinical Veterinary Placements
11.2020 - 07.2022
Retail Assistant
The Lucky Charm Newsagency
08.2019 - 12.2020
Bachelor of Veterinary Science -
University of Queensland
Bachelor of Veterinary Technology -
University of Queensland