VN profession strides ahead
For the first time, the VN Council met at BVNA Congress, providing an opportunity for helpful discussions on the future of veterinary nursng.
"I can say with confidence that it's been an absolutely amazing year," said outgoing BVNA president Fiona Andrew, as she made her last speech as president.
2015 has been a year of great change in the veterinary nursing profession, with the introduction of the Royal Charter and the first official attempts to protect the VN title.
As of this year, Fiona says the BVNA no longer has to ask to speak at other veterinary organisations - the association is now automatically invited and is "leading the discussion on how we can both protect the title and raise our status as a profession".
In another historic step, the VN Council met outside London for the first time this week, choosing to host its meeting in Telford ahead of the BVNA Congress.
This offered an opportunity for BVNA to get involved in Vet Futures - an RCVS/BVA initiative which looks at where the veterinary profession will be in 2030.
Over the past 12 months, Fiona said the BVA has acknowledged that veterinary nurses have not been particularly well represented in this initiative so far. But this week, a "helpful" session was held on 'vet nurse futures'.
"These discussions are signs of a growing relationship and the kind of foundation on which both professions can flourish," Fiona added.
On that note, a busier-than-ever BVNA congress draws to a close this afternoon, following three days of varied and topical lectures, social activities and networking opportunities.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
