CAFRE Veterinary Nursing Instructor clinches Clinical Mentor of the Year Award

Date published: 10 September 2026

CAFRE’s Interim Programme Manager in Veterinary Nursing, Claire Morris, commented that: “Louise is a highly respected member of the Veterinary Nursing education team, and we are delighted to see her win this award acknowledging her dedication and support of CAFRE’s Veterinary Nursing students. It is extremely well deserved.”

Louise currently leads on Quality Assurance provision in CAFRE’s Veterinary Nursing education team and brings previous experience as both an instructor and a lecturer in Veterinary Nursing to this role. This award represents the latest recognition of Louise’s contribution to education in Veterinary Nursing during her 15-year career at CAFRE.

Louise said: “Receiving this award means a great deal to me, particularly because mentoring and supporting student Veterinary Nurses has always been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. Knowing that I was nominated by those who I have worked with and supported over the years makes the award even more meaningful to me.”

Louise’s journey with CAFRE began as a student on the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. This was followed by work across many different areas of veterinary nursing, including small animal practice, emergency specialist referral and out-of-hours care, as well as the provision of locum cover throughout Northern Ireland. Louise added: “Even as a student nurse, I always knew I wanted to work in education in veterinary nursing. I loved supporting and mentoring student nurses and veterinary students within practice, and over the years that passion has only grown stronger.”

Louise has never stopped learning during her career and has undertaken continuous professional development including the completion of specialist advanced diplomas, and more recently topping up her Veterinary Nursing Qualification to degree level.

Louise’s achievements have also been recognised through the distinction of having twice been the recipient of the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) ‘Services to Vet Nursing in Northern Ireland’ award.

Louise’s reflection on her most recent achievement at the Agria Veterinary Community Awards is that: “This mentoring award is particularly special to me because it reflects the part of my job that I love the most, working with students. If I can help them in even a small way along their journey, then that makes the job worthwhile for me. Good mentorship and support can make such a difference to someone starting out in practice, and I feel very privileged to be part of that process.”

Louise concluded by saying: “I am very proud to be part of the CAFRE team, and to work alongside colleagues who are so dedicated to supporting students and the profession. Looking back, I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have had, the people I have worked alongside, and the students I have had the privilege to teach and mentor over the years. Receiving this award has been a very proud moment for me and one that I will always treasure.”

CAFRE offers Level 2 Veterinary Care and Level 3 Veterinary Nursing courses, delivered at Greenmount Campus, Antrim. To find out more about these courses, CAFRE invite you to attend out Veterinary Nursing Open Day on Wednesday 7 October. Visit  the CAFRE website to find out more and book your place.