12/19/2024
This is us Thursday!
Meet Tionna Gormley, one of our dedicated ICU Technicians and an integral part of our overnight team. Tionna's journey in veterinary medicine began in her home state of Rhode Island. As a student at the University of Rhode Island, she initially pursued premed large animal medicine and veterinary technology, gaining early experience interning at an equine farm and working with livestock at the URI farm. However, her career took a turn when she applied to Ocean State Veterinary Specialists to gain small animal experience—a decision that would set her on an unexpected and fulfilling path. Starting as a kennel assistant at OSVS in 2013, Tionna quickly realized her passion for working directly with patients. Her enthusiasm for cage-side care inspired her to transition through the TA-to-Tech training program. Ultimately, she decided to leave school and fully dedicate herself to her growing career at OSVS. Today, she is a highly respected ICU technician, overnight supervisor, and tech trainer.
Tionna takes immense pride in her role, describing it as both a career and a community. She thrives in the dynamic environment of the ICU, particularly during overnight shifts. As a tech trainer, she mentors Technician Assistants to help them develop their skills and transition into technician roles. Her dedication to teaching has fostered a culture of growth, where team members aim to emulate the exceptional quality of her patient care. Tionna’s leadership has strengthened the team’s ability to provide the best possible care for every patient.
Known for her innovative approach, Tionna often thinks outside the box when it comes to patient care and teaching. She particularly enjoys working on complex “table cases,” which she describes as “giant living puzzles.” These cases require careful advocacy, as patients cannot easily communicate their needs. By identifying subtle patterns and trends, she ensures that each patient receives individualized care. Her commitment is especially evident with long-term patients who spend weeks in the hospital. For these cases, Tionna finds creative ways to make their stay more comfortable, such as playing cartoons to keep them entertained. A few of her favorite patients include Pico and Jarvis, which if you have been keeping up with our socials have been spotlighted on our page. Tionna also has a knack for connecting with “spicy” cats, finding it incredibly rewarding when nervous or fractious patients learn to trust her and can undergo treatments peacefully. Her compassion and patience make her a favorite among both patients and colleagues.
Outside of work, Tionna leads an active and adventurous life. She enjoys camping and hiking with her two high-energy dogs, Everhett and Arlo, who are both blood donors and excel in dog agility. She also loves paddleboarding, country line dancing, attending concerts and live music events, and traveling to Vermont for camping and shows. Her two cats, Hot Tater Tottie and Orzo, are beloved members of her family and enjoy cuddling at home.
