Vets Now has awarded the 2025 Louise O’Dwyer ECC Bursary to Alice Cheney, who works at its Hemel Hempstead emergency clinic.

Each year, the Louise O’Dwyer Bursary recognises a Vets Now nurse who exemplifies a commitment to advancing veterinary nursing and upholding Louise’s passion for shared learning.

The winner gets a £2,000 CPD allowance to further their professional development and inspire others.

During her time as Principal Nurse Manager (Maternity Cover) at Hemel Hempstead, Alice has championed team development, mentoring colleagues and encouraging further qualifications.

She introduced a skills rotation programme to ensure all team members, nurses, vets and animal care assistants alike, remain confident in essential procedures, and has played an important role in supporting new clinicians and fostering a collaborative approach to complex cases.

Alice plans to use the bursary funding to pursue a Post Graduate Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (Medical Nursing) at the Royal Veterinary College, aiming to bring fresh insights back to both the Hemel Hempstead and Milton Keynes teams.

Alice said: “I’m truly honoured to receive the Louise O’Dwyer Bursary.

"Louise’s dedication to education and her infectious enthusiasm for emergency and critical care have inspired so many of us.

"I hope to use this opportunity to deepen my expertise in medical nursing and share that knowledge with my colleagues, just as Louise did.”

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