Help, my patient needs blood! A case-based guide to transfusion medicine
Tracks
Stream One - Plaza Terrace
| Thursday, March 26, 2026 |
| 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM |
| Plaza Terrace |
Overview
Laura Jones
Speaker
Laura Jones
Veterinary Internal Medicine Nursing
Help, my patient needs blood! A case-based guide to transfusion medicine
Abstract
Blood transfusions can be lifesaving, but challenging procedures with many risks, considerations and complications. Veterinary nurses play a vital role in preparing, administering, and monitoring transfusions, as well as supporting both patients who require transfusions and our blood donors. This interactive, case-based session will walk you through the practicalities of transfusion medicine: when to transfuse, what product to choose, how to administer it safely, and what to do if things go wrong - so you feel more confident supporting transfusion-dependent patients in practice.
Learning Outcomes:
● Identify appropriate indications for blood product transfusion
● Understand the steps of safe blood product selection, storage, and
administration.
● Appreciate what makes an ideal blood donor, and how to minimise patient risk during the donation process.
● Detect and respond to transfusion reactions quickly and effectively.
Learning Outcomes:
● Identify appropriate indications for blood product transfusion
● Understand the steps of safe blood product selection, storage, and
administration.
● Appreciate what makes an ideal blood donor, and how to minimise patient risk during the donation process.
● Detect and respond to transfusion reactions quickly and effectively.
Biography
Laura started her nursing career in 2007 at a small GP clinic and became a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) in 2010. Over the years, she gained experience in first-opinion, surgical referral, and emergency clinics. In 2015, she joined the internal medicine team at a new referral centre as deputy head medicine nurse. This role sparked her passion for internal medicine, and in 2019, she earned her Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) qualification in Small Animal Internal Medicine.
To share her knowledge, Laura created Veterinary Internal Medicine Nursing, a platform offering CPD to registered and student nurses through a website, podcast, and social media. She also lectures internationally, has written for peer-reviewed journals, and launched the Medical Nursing Academy in 2023—a learning platform for nurses passionate about internal medicine.
Despite her many achievements, Laura continues to work as a practicing RVN, dedicated to providing excellent care for her patients and supporting fellow nurses.
