BVNA Vet Nursing Awareness Month

Annually during the month of May, the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) raises awareness of the veterinary nursing profession and the provision of responsible pet care.

BVNA was formed in 1965 and has been representing veterinary nurses for the past 50 years. The aim of the BVNA is to promote animal health and welfare through the ongoing development of professional excellence in veterinary nursing.

Willows are incredibly proud of our veterinary nursing team and during May we will be featuring some of our nurses and the important roles they have at the practice.

Willows have a very strong team of 57 registered veterinary nurses (RVN) with additional student veterinary nurses and support staff. Once registered, veterinary nurses are entitled to use the letters RVN after their name. All of the veterinary nurses at Willows have undergone extensive training and passed their final veterinary nursing examinations, enabling them to be awarded the title RVN. RVNs are now regulated by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and are expected to follow a Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses, which includes requirements to undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and to report their CPD activities to the RCVS. In addition, should any nurse not meet the high standards required of their profession, they can be disciplined by the RCVS as their regulatory body.

Some of the nursing team at Willows have a further qualification called an Advanced Veterinary Nursing Diploma, which represents their advanced knowledge and skill set in a particular area! Having passed their rather daunting exams, these high-flying nurses are able to use the letters DipAVN (in addition to RVN) after their names. Also some of our veterinary nurses have undergone additional, advanced training in specialist areas such as, anaesthesia and internal medicine which have led to the American qualification of Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS).

Willows is a recognised training centre for both student veterinary nurses who are working towards becoming RVNs, and also for already qualified RVNs studying for their Diplomas. We believe strongly in the benefits of having well trained and highly skilled nursing staff, who work closely with and provide vital support to our veterinary teams to ensure the highest levels of patient care.

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