Monika Nawrocka
RVN CertAVN (Analgesia and Pain Management) DipVNZS
Monika had a pet tortoise growing up, and she worked hard to make sure it had the happiest of homes.
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With the inability to vocalise and with body language cues that aren't as widely understood as species such as cats and dogs, reptiles piqued Monika's interest. She became passionate about her pets, observing them and researching her tortoises behaviour to learn more about how to care for them. In university, she took on neglected tortoises, nursing them back to health and providing them with an enriching, attentive home.
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In Poland during 2012, she graduated as a Veterinary Technician. Working at both the Private Veterinary Clinic and Veterinary Center in Lodz, Monika quickly became the 'go to' nurse for her knowledge and interest in exotic species. With a budding interest in preventative care through physiotherapy and analgesia for injured or geriatric cases, Monika became a qualified Masseur Technician at the local human hospital. But she quickly outgrew her environment and in 2016, moved to the UK to expand her craft.
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After overcoming differences in program content between Poland and Scotland, Monika received her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing of Zoological Species, the same year going on to achieve a Diploma in Parrot Studies and Behaviour.
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In 2022 she obtained her Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing with a specialisation in 'Analgesia and Pain Management' from the Harper Adams University. Seeing the success of alternative care (such as Physiotherapy, Acupuncture and Laser Treatment) in human medicine, Monika advocates for a combined, comprehensive approach to medicine in order to maximise comfort and minimise recovery time in injured exotic species. Following this, in 2023 she took an Animal Acupuncture course, a Small Avian Behavioural course and received a 'Avian Fear Free' certification.
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Monika is completing an Advanced Programme in Veterinary Nursing of Zoo Animals with Girling&Fraser Ltd.
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Monika brings her expertise and special interest in Pain Management to the Exotics Team.​