In this powerhouse episode of The Vet Nurse Hacker Podcast, Vicky is joined by the legendary Megan Brashear, BS, RVT, VTS (ECC) — a veterinary technician specialist, international speaker, educator, and deeply respected leader in emergency and critical care. From baby Megan’s animal-obsessed beginnings to becoming one of the most recognisable voices in veterinary nursing education, this episode explores her journey, lessons learned, and why she believes ECC nurses are absolutely superheroes. Megan opens up about:

• The chaotic but exhilarating early days of ECC
• Why mentorship, teamwork and emotional intelligence are non-negotiable in vet med
• How she navigated burnout, leadership and major life change
• What keeps her in love with ECC, even after two decades
• Why techs teaching techs is the legacy she's most passionate about
• Her favourite topics to teach (spoiler: bring on the acid-base nerds!)

Packed with honesty, humour, real-life stories (including auto-transfusing blood in a white boxer at 3AM), and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in the veterinary profession—especially those curious about ECC, leadership, or public speaking.

💡 Topics Covered:

• Megan’s vet tech origin story
• ECC highs, heartbreaks, and what makes it magical
• The truth about burnout and working “invincible” shifts
• The transition from floor to education and leadership
• Training tips and in-the-moment learning in emergency settings
• Her journey to becoming an international educator and speaker
• Advice for vet nurses wanting to get into public speaking
• The secret to longevity in vet med (hint: it involves peanut butter & good people)
• Rapid fire: scrub pocket surprises, chaotic shifts, theme songs & more

🧠 Key Takeaway:
“You can do this—you just may need to make a few changes. You don’t have to push so hard all the time. The knowledge will come. You’ll get there.” — Megan Brashear
🔗 Connect with Megan:
Catch Megan at upcoming conferences like VMX and IVECCS, or come say hi at her next international speaking engagement—she promises she actually loves talking to people, even as an introvert.

Follow Vicky@vickythevetnurse and @vetnursehacker and learn more at www.vetxir.com