Shian Forgione almost missed out on learning she had won the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia’s prestigious 2025 Student Vet Nurse/Technologist of the Year Award: she was patiently administering radioactive iodine therapy to a cat with hyperthyroidism when the call came through.
“I was actually gowned up in a lead-lined room, so the phone reception was terrible,” she says with a laugh.
“But I’m very excited. It’s completely humbling and I feel very grateful.”
Shian has been an integral member of the nursing staff at Vets 4 Pets, in the northern Adelaide suburb of Mawson Lakes, since April 2021.
Working while studying
She joined the team while undertaking her Certificate III in Animal Studies, having already completed a university degree in animal science with a view to becoming a vet.
“From the age of eight I wanted to be a vet. I did a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and realised what a vast industry the animal industry is,” she explains.
“The degree was focused on farming, agriculture, and lab work, but I didn’t want to move away from Adelaide or be in a lab all day every day.”
After taking a gap year to consider her options, Shian decided to pivot into vet nursing and is now close to completing her Certificate IV qualification.
She says it’s the best carer decision she’s ever made.
“I walked into Vets 4 Pets and just immediately fell in love with the place. I thought ‘this is where I’m meant to be.’”
Building lasting bonds
For Shian, forging close connections with patients and pet parents is the best part of the job.
“What I love most is being able to make a real difference. Being able to build those bonds with families is wonderful. You become so close with them and their pets and it’s a part of my job that I really cherish.”
Shian was nominated for the VNCA award by Vets 4 Pets’ Managing Veterinarian, Dr Hannah Smart. Her prize includes a trip to the VNCA conference in Brisbane in March 2026.
Hannah praised Shian’s can-do attitude and positive nature.
“Nothing is too much or too hard for Shian. She consistently and without hesitation will give 110 per cent and go out of her way to help others,” she says.
Shian also set up and runs two Puppy Preschool classes at the clinic each week and has taken on the role of organising the clinic’s therapeutic radiation treatment schedule.
“None of this would be possible without her tireless efforts,” says Hannah. “She always takes the opportunity to learn and grow and I’m excited to see what levels she takes her career to next.”
Learning for life
Having already completed the additional study needed to earn her therapeutic radiation license, Shian will next add a diagnostic radiography apparatus license to her skillset.
“That will allow me to do dental x-rays. Not everyone loves to do those, but I find them so satisfying!”
She says she is grateful for VetPartners’ culture of mutual mentoring and ongoing education.
“The mentors and leaders that I’ve had have been so welcoming an easy to talk to. They want to pass on their knowledge and experience,” says Shian.
“And it goes both ways: with our vet nursing students coming through, they’re up to date the newest information and education, so we take their knowledge on board as well.”
While Shian still has plenty of career ambitions to achieve, becoming a vet is no longer one of them.
“I think I’ll leave being a vet for a different life,” she says. “Being there for an animal, especially post-surgery and in recovery, is really special and important. I think that’s where nurses and technicians excel.”
For more information about VetPartners’ veterinary nursing training, visit Veterinary Training Centre.
Shian Forgione, pictured with her dog, Diego, is the VNCA 2025 Student Vet Nurse/Technologist of the Year.
