Alexis Lawson
Animal Emergency Referral Center
Years in position/Service to MSU: 2 years 6 months
As a 2023 graduate of Mississippi State University’s Animal Health Technician program at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Alexis Lawson knows firsthand what is expected of students during a clinical rotation at the MSU Animal Emergency and Referral Center, or AERC.
“As an animal health technician trainee, I try my best to create a comfortable and productive teaching environment for these students,” Lawson said.
Along with providing student orientation, mentorship and submitting student evaluations, Lawson’s primary role at AERC is as an ER and ICU nurse. Her duties include delivering nursing care, performing diagnostic imaging, phlebotomy, laboratory procedures, monitoring anesthesia, and performing CPR. She also serves as a charge nurse, overseeing the ER and ICU during designated shifts. In this capacity, Lawson enters and verifies all patient charges manually and monitors financial estimates for hospitalized patients to ensure accurate billing.
For Lawson, the long shifts are rewarding when she sees patients recover.
“While the shifts can be long and grueling, being able to nurse these patients back to health is incredibly rewarding,” Lawson said.
One of her most memorable cases involved a dog named Nala, who was diagnosed with tetanus, a neurological disease that required extra assistance during feedings.
While working the night shift, Lawson would hold Nala on a step stool for at least fifteen minutes after each feeding to ensure proper digestion and prevent aspiration. During those moments, Nala was showered with love and attention. For Lawson, it was inspiring to see how joyful Nala remained despite her illness. Sadly, Nala did not recover and later passed away, leaving a lasting impact on Lawson.
“It took a long time to accept. We all wanted a different outcome,” Lawson said. “Looking back, I know we did everything we could to aid her recovery, and I’m grateful I got to be a part of her care.”
Having a career that combines a love for animals with a desire to care for others confirmed for Lawson that this path was right for her.
“Advocating for patients who cannot advocate for themselves is my biggest motivation every shift.”
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