VN Times Podcast: Recent Episodes
VN Times
The monthly VN Times podcast takes a deep dive into the issues impacting on the veterinary nursing profession. From making the right career choices to dealing with disability โ it's no holds barred with editor Rachael Buzzel.
In this VN Times podcast, editor Lacey Pitcher RVN discusses the broad opportunities of a vet nurse passport with Donna Wills, an RVN and animal physiotherapist. Donna shares her career pivots and the decisions that have led her to now support from the other side of the consult table to provide more holistic care for animals and their people. โขโขโข ๐๐ข๐ก๐ก๐ ๐ช๐๐๐๐ฆ ๐ฅ๐ฉ๐ก, ๐ฃ๐ด๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐ ๐ฃ๐ต๐๐, ๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ฉ๐๐ฃ(๐ฉ๐ฃ) Donna qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2003 and has worked in small animal practices, veterinary hospitals, ECC and rescue homes. Having qualified as an animal physiotherapist in 2005, Donna set up Animal Physiotherapy Ltd and went on to establish physio clinics in the south of England, hosted by five veterinary practices and the Pet Spa at Harrods โ the latter of which led to media work. Outside of work, Donna is a keen gymnast, and is proud to have represented Britain in the Masters Cup at the age of 42.
VN Happy Hour made a triumphant return for Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month 2024, tackling the topic of parenting in the profession and asking, are we progressing? VN Times editor Lacey Pitcher was joined by a brilliant panel who shared their wisdom and candour to bring the community together and answer some tricky questions.Guests included @mortagefreeleigh โ a content creator passionate about tax-free childcare and making things less overwhelming โ who provided our audience with some great advice and signposting. Lianne then joined our panel of Emma Townson and Miles Asteri, both experienced RVNs who have worked in a range of roles to unpack key themes such as flexible working. Happy Hour returned with a bang and we hope you enjoy the conversation.Useful links:https://mortgagefreeleigh.com/ https://www.gov.uk/tax-free-childcare https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/tax-free-childcare/ https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/find-information/?information_filter_search=1&tags%5B%5D=g_0_4230&tags%5B%5D=g_0_4219&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw9cCyBhBzEiwAJTUWNbsbBheL94I_eHwPc3pNKHHT6d8l5Za2UbXP3ZEv2u9d77DWQu__qRoCFf8QAvD_BwE https://www.cipd.org/uk/knowledge/factsheets/flexible-working-factsheet/ Sponsorhttps://www.lintbellsvet.com/pages/mobility-libraryhttps://vetactivelife.com/
In this episode of the VN Times podcast editor Lacey discusses leaving clinical work with Sophie Giddens, a former Equine RVN who has forged a career supporting veterinary clinics while utilising many of her skills acquired in the clinic.Sophie reflects candidly about not necessarily having a plan when leaving her role, and the power of community and networks while making career connections.๐ฆ๐ข๐ฃ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ก๐ฆ Sophie works at VET.CT as a group case manager and trainer, helping with the training of the case manager team and taking responsibility for IT design and developments that improve the operations team workflows.After working at an equine hospital as a nurse for 12 years Sophie made the move to a non-clinical role at VET.CT. Being able to move out of clinical practice while still being able to work closely with, and positively impact, the veterinary industry has made the change in career a successful one.
In this VN Times Podcast, editor Lacey Pitcher RVN discusses careers with Kirsty Cavill. Kirsty has a passion for veterinary nursing that has allowed her to develop and utilise her skills in a variety of ways to not only help improve animal welfare but also provide accessible care in a variety of ways. Kirsty, an award-winning vet nurse, shares her advice and insight to help other consider how they can support and nurture the human-animal bond.๐๐๐๐: ๐๐ถ๐ฆ ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ต๐ฆ๐ค๐ฉ๐ฏ๐ช๐ค๐ข๐ญ ๐ช๐ด๐ด๐ถ๐ฆ๐ด, ๐ธ๐ฆ ๐ฆ๐น๐ฑ๐ฆ๐ณ๐ช๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ค๐ฆ๐ฅ ๐ข๐ถ๐ฅ๐ช๐ฐ ๐ช๐ด๐ด๐ถ๐ฆ๐ด ๐ฅ๐ถ๐ณ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ช๐ด ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ฅ๐ค๐ข๐ด๐ต, ๐ธ๐ฉ๐ช๐ค๐ฉ ๐ธ๐ฆ ๐ค๐ข๐ฏ ๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ญ๐บ ๐ข๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ญ๐ฐ๐จ๐ช๐ด๐ฆ ๐ง๐ฐ๐ณ.
In this episode, VN Times editor Lacey Pitcher welcomes experienced RVN Sara Ho-Le to discuss training, leadership and peer mentoring.Saraโs career has been varied and her passion for emergency and critical care has seen her travel to the other side of the world.Sara discusses utilising her career passport to nurse down under and how mentor nurses have shaped her career.โขโขโขโขโขโขโขโขโขโขโขโขโขโขโข๐ฆ๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ข-๐๐ ๐ฅ๐ฉ๐กSara completed her veterinary nursing diploma after passing the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in 2011. After working in clinical practice for several years, Sara obtained RCVS clinical coach status and is passionate about the training and development of student veterinary nurses.In 2018 Sara returned to study and completed the Certificate in Veterinary Nursing for Emergency and Critical Care (CertVNECC) through VetsNow Ltd. In 2022 Sara obtained the Veterinary Technician Specialist qualification in Emergency and Critical Care through the Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians and Nurses (AVECCTN).Sara has worked in a variety of practices, including first opinion, specialist centres, university teaching hospitals, and not-for-profit organisations in the United Kingdom and Australia. She currently works as the training and development coordinator at one of Melbourne's largest veterinary hospitals. Saraโs professional interests include emergency and critical care nursing, disease pathophysiology, anaesthesia and analgesia, wound care, and in-clinic teaching and training.โขโขโขโขโขโขโขโขโขโขโขโขโขโขโข๐๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ด๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ ๐ฉ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป EVE website โ https://eve-veted.com/EVE Instagram โ www.instagram.com/eve.vet.ed/EVE Facebook โ www.facebook.com/eve.vet.ed/
In this episode, VN Times editor Lacey Pitcher welcomes experienced RVN Helen Harris to discuss squiggly careers and falling back in love with veterinary nursing.Helenโs career has been varied including GP, charity and shelter medicine and now, zoo nursing.Helen discusses starting out as a veterinary nurse and how her various workplaces have shaped not only her career, but her outlook on animal welfare and veterinary medicine.
In this episode, VN Times editor Lacey Pitcher welcomes experienced RVNs Jackie Hay and Michelle Barley, two of the nurses behind UK Vet Nurses Worldwide, an initiative dedicated to advancing animal care worldwide by helping facilitate skilled vet nurses sharing their knowledge and education with others to help improve animal welfare. Despite experiencing technical issues, Jackie and Michelle rallied in true vet nurse fashion to make things work โ even resorting to recording the second half of our interview in a car using mobile internet (pictured) โ because the conversation was too valuable not to be had.Follow UK Vet Nurses Worldwide on social media at:www.instagram.com/ukvn.wwwww.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554955708249You can also support the initiative at www.gofundme.com/f/uk-vet-nurses-worldwide__๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ฌ ๐ฅ๐ฉ๐ก Michelle is a qualified Veterinary Nurse with twenty-nine yearsโ of experience and she works part-time as a nurse, she has worked with large animals, small animals, equine and exotics.Michelle was on the Board of Trustees for St Francis Dogs Home, Newquay from 2019 to 2022 and has now become the Fostering Coordinator. Michelle has a particular passion for dogs and horses and has a keen interest in dog behaviour and currently working towards her behaviour certificate.__๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฌ ๐ฅ๐ฉ๐ก Jackie has been a qualified vet nurse for 18 years. She enjoys emergency and critical care and gained the Vets Now ECC certificate in 2019. Throughout her career, Jackie's main focus has been the care of small animals but she has also supported British Divers Marine Life Rescue with the rehabilitation of seal pups. She is passionate about maintaining high-quality care standards and has been a clinical coach supporting student vet nurses. Jackie was inspired to create the charity UK Veterinary Nurses Worldwide after working with charities in Cyprus, Romania and Sri Lanka where she trained vets and their assistants in anaesthesia, safe practice and animal welfare. The initiative, UKVNWW, will continue this work and promote animal welfare internationally.__๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฆ๐ช๐ข๐ฅ๐ง๐ ๐ฅ๐ฉ๐กFay initially started with a career in human medicine and later decided to retrain as a veterinary nurse. Since 2016 Fay has been involved with trap, neuter, and release clinics and actively gets involved with outreach projects where she can.Fay wasnโt a guest on this podcast episode but as a valuable member of the team, we wanted to credit her.
In this episode, VN Times editor Lacey Pitcher talks to RVN Laura Jones, founder of www.veterinaryinternalmedicinenursing.com and veterinary technician specialist in small animal medicine.Laura is a regular speaker at many big conferences around the UK and further afield, but in this podcast we learn about the person behind the accolades and how she is sharing her passion for medicine with other nurses.______________ ๐๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ข๐ก๐๐ฆ ๐๐ฆ๐ฐ(๐๐ผ๐ป๐), ๐๐ถ๐ฝ๐๐ฉ๐ก(๐ฆ๐บ๐ฎ๐น๐น ๐๐ป๐ถ๐บ๐ฎ๐น), ๐๐ฆ๐๐ ๐๐ถ๐ฝ๐๐ก, ๐ฉ๐ง๐ฆ(๐ฆ๐๐๐ ), ๐ฅ๐ฉ๐ก Laura began nursing in 2007 and qualified as an RVN in 2010. She went on to gain the RCVS Advanced Nursing Diploma in 2014, before moving to a multidisciplinary referral centre in Hampshire as an Internal Medicine nurse. Here, she completed a top-up degree in Advanced Nursing, graduating in 2017.In January 2019 Laura moved to The Ralph as Senior Medicine Nurse and, in June of the same year, became a member of the Academy of Internal Medicine Veterinary Technicians, completing the VTS entrance exam in Arizona.
In this VN Times podcast editor Lacey Pitcher speaks to Laura Hughes about the importance of conversations surrounding nutrition.Laura is a veterinary nurse development manager at Purina PetCare who firmly believes that supporting nurses has a direct impact on animal welfare. This conversation includes:โข what the Purina Institute offers nursesโข CentreSquare resources and toolsโข a teaser of what Purina will be offering at BVNA congress___________________๐๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐จ๐๐๐๐ฆLaura qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2002 and worked across first opinion, referral, and rescue centre practices before joining Purina. Since then, she has worked in various roles across the Purina business.Her current role is to support veterinary nurses in practice as well as technical training for the Purina Veterinary Nutrition Partners.Lauraโs aim is to further develop the awareness of Purinaโs research and to inspire more people to be passionate about nutrition.
In this episode, we join Congress Times editor Tom Jackson as he speaks with BVNA president Charlotte Pace, who provides some practical advice for veterinary nurses who may wish to develop the knowledge and skills required to successfully and confidently support cardiology patients in their care.
Charlotte looks at the definition of heart disease โ which presents differently in different species โ before going on to discuss the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicineโs consensus statement guidelines for the classification, diagnosis, and management of cardiomyopathies in cats and dogs.
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๐๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ข๐ง๐ง๐ ๐ฃ๐๐๐ ๐๐(๐๐ผ๐ป๐), ๐ฅ๐ฉ๐ก, ๐ฉ๐ง๐ฆ(๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ผ๐น๐ผ๐ด๐-๐๐ ), ๐ฃ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐(๐ฉ๐ฒ๐๐๐ฑ), ๐๐๐๐ Charlotte qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2003, while working in practice in London. In the same year she moved to the RVC to work as a medicine nurse. In 2006, she became the dedicated cardiology nurse for the RVC Queen Mother Hospital for Animals.
In 2010, Charlotte passed American veterinary technician exams and became the first nurse to hold the cardiology qualification outside the US. Since 2012, she has taught veterinary nurses on both degree and diploma programmes.
Charlotte returned to veterinary practice in 2015 โ she works at Vets4Pets in Cambridge โ and continues to write and lecture on veterinary cardiology.
She is BVNA president for 2022-23.
Arlene Connor, national referral nursing lead (UK referrals division) and Helen Rooney, clinical and development support (referrals) at IVC, join VN Times editor Rachael Buzzel to chat about their career journeys and what referral nursing means to them. They also discuss the launch of IVC Evidensiaโs Introduction to Referral Nursing Programme, on which you can find further information at https://bit.ly/43BRICR_____________________________________๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ข๐ก๐ก๐ข๐ฅ ๐ฅ๐ฉ๐กArlene has more than 20 years of industry experience, many of which saw her holding senior roles in referrals with Vets Now and, later, IVC, where she was passionate about influencing and shaping the role of the referral veterinary nurse. Arleneโs career path started as a veterinary nurse with a focus on surgical nursing, before progressing to a senior surgery role. She then became the clinical nursing manager at Vets Now referrals in Glasgow and moved on to become national referral nursing lead (UK referrals division) for IVC Evidensia. Arlene is involved in managing business-critical projects for IVC, but referral nursing is never far from her thoughts, and she continues to champion the role and development of referral nurses._____________________________________๐๐๐๐๐ก ๐ฅ๐ข๐ข๐ก๐๐ฌ ๐๐ถ๐ฝ๐๐ฉ๐ก(๐ ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น) ๐ฅ๐ฉ๐กHaving qualified as a veterinary nurse in 1996, Helen has spent most of her career working in the veterinary referral sector in patient care and surgery. She gained a ward manager position before accepting the role of clinical nursing manager at Vets Now in Manchester.Helen has many years of experience in the veterinary education sector, where her focus was patient care and medical and critical care nursing. She is now clinical and development support (referrals) at IVC, where she is able to indulge her passion for nurse training and education, and support Arlene with the development of exciting and diverse progression opportunities for referral nurses within the group._____________________________________๐ฆ๐ฃ๐ข๐ก๐ฆ๐ข๐ฅ๐๐This podcast is sponsored by IVC Evidensia.IVC Evidensia is incredibly proud of its talented nurses, who can be found excelling across disciplines, areas of specialisation, stages of career, and more. Veterinary Nurses are vital members of its clinical teams, and its nurses are valued clinicians in their own right, bringing their skills and knowledge to first-opinion practices, referral hospitals and beyond.Discover brand new nursing opportunities, across its network at ivcevidensia.co.uk/careers
Linnaeus chief nursing officer Andrea Jeffery and RVN Sue Badger, who has been in the profession for more than 50 years, join VN Times editor Rachael Buzzel to discuss their new book Professionalism and Reflection in Veterinary Nursing.A project more than 10 years in the making, Andrea and Sue hope the book will support the evolution of the professional RVN and equip vet nurses to contribute to the ongoing development of a professional identity.For further details of the book, or to order a copy, visit http://bit.ly/3zih9Mj________________________๐๐ก๐๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐๐ฑ.๐, ๐ ๐ฆ๐ฐ, ๐๐๐๐, ๐๐ถ๐ฝ๐๐ฉ๐ก (๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐ด), ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ฑ, ๐ฅ๐ฉ๐ก Andrea is chief nursing officer at Linnaeus โ a unique role within the veterinary sector that ensures the nursing team is represented at executive board level โ and was at the forefront of the creation of its central support veterinary nursing team, formed to further support and develop its vet nurses.Andrea began her career as an NHS nurse before training as an RVN. She soon discovered a passion for educating the next generation of veterinary nurses and has played a key part in passing the baton of knowledge on to future nurses by spearheading various undergraduate programmes for the University of Bristol โ latterly, helping develop the first graduate training programme and a Masters by Research for RVNs.Andrea gained her doctorate in 2021 in the area of veterinary nurse retention, she has a Masterโs degree in e-learning, and co-developed the Orpet and Jeffery Ability Model 2007 โ the first model of care for veterinary patients of its kind, aimed at ensuring VN teams deliver consistent patient care. Andrea has served on RCVS VN council and is a member of the RCVS VN disciplinary committee.________________________๐ฆ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ฅ ๐ ๐ฒ๐ฑ, ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ฑ, ๐ฅ๐ฉ๐ก Sue has been a veterinary nurse for more than 50 years, qualifying as a registered animal nursing auxiliary in 1976 and working in many clinical environments over the years.Sue has seen many significant changes in the role of the RVN and was instrumental in setting up both the original veterinary nursing course at the University of Bristol and the universityโs first four-year degree. Sue is a past-president of the BVNA and was the second recipient of the RCVS Golden Jubilee Award in 2012. Having retired from practice, she remains on the RCVS VN register.
VN Happy Hour welcomed three of the biggest names in UK veterinary nursing when the hugely successful live event returned on 23 February 2023.The online event saw a lively discussion around the theme of โProtect the titleโ, during which our panel discussed why itโs so important to protect the โveterinary nurseโ title and what this would mean for you as a VN, as well as the profession.More than 1,200 delegates have attended VN Happy Hour events since the concept was first launched during the pandemic, and we experienced one of our biggest turnout to date when BVNA president Charlotte Pace, Linnaeus chief nursing officer Andrea Jefferey and RCVS VN council chair Matt Rendle, tackled the hot topic of vet nurse title protection.Answering questions sent in by delegates, our all-star panel provided insights and discussed developments on this key issue, as well as offering tips and advice on all things veterinary nursing.
RVN and clinical tutor in veterinary nursing at Myerscough College Rachel Pilling has always had a passion for well-being and is a strong advocate in supporting mental health of veterinary professionals.Having always wanted to become a wellness coach, the time never seemed to be right. However, a devastating diagnosis for Rachel paved the way to building a new business to help others look after their mental health and learn lessons in โself kindnessโ. ๐ฅ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฃ๐๐๐๐๐ก๐ ๐ฅ๐ฉ๐ก, ๐๐๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ญ๐ฅ๐ , ๐๐ค๐ Rachel always pursued a career working with animals โ from horses at her local riding school to an animal keeper at a safari park for eight years, followed by the journey to becoming a qualified veterinary nurse.After the birth of her daughter Meghan, Rachel moved into a more supportive role as a clinical tutor of veterinary nursing at Myerscough College, alongside locum work as an RVN.When Rachel returned to practice after a year of maternity leave, she noticed a difference in her confidence and looked at ways to build this back up, which was difficult while working part-time hours. Following a diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma in August 2022, Rachel was given the push to complete an accredited diploma in life coaching in October 2022 and decided to set up her own coaching business, with a focus on improving positivity and mental well-being within the veterinary profession. She wants to help others discover their own potential and to show that anything is achievable with the right mindset. Rachel is in the early stages of developing her business, but is very excited to see where it will lead and the impact that it will have on professionals working within the veterinary sector.For business updates, follow Rachel at https://www.instagram.com/the_veterinary_coach/
As fireworks season approaches, RVN Nikki McLeod joins VN Times editor Rachael Buzzel to advise on how practices can support pet owners and their pets through this unsettling time and why vet nurses are perfectly placed to do this.๐ก๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ฐ๐๐๐ข๐, ๐๐ฆ๐ฐ(๐๐ผ๐ป๐) ๐ฅ๐ฉ๐ก, ๐๐ฆ๐๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐๐ก ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ฑ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐๐ Nikki, a self-confessed โcrazy cat ladyโ and โstudy geekโ, has been an RVN since 2000. She is a cat advocate and consulting nurse for a small animal practice in Fife, and is studying for multiple certificates.Not satisfied with gaining her first undergraduate degree at 50, she is now going on to study clinical animal behaviour at The University of Edinburgh, with a view to becoming a practice-based clinical animal behaviourist.She will also be joining BVNA council and serving a three-year term in October.
After a bit of a break, regular hosts Rachael Buzzel and James Westgate hit the ground running with a Medivet sponsored episode titled โKnow your worth โ are VNs paid enough? How to gain confidence when talking about moneyโ.
Our lead interview is with BVNA council member Lyndsay Hughes, who spearheads a nursing network within XLVets and believes empowering nurses will lead to improved confidence in them being able to achieve all that they want to within their roles.
Joining her in our panel discussion will be VMG senior vice-president and WSAVA executive director Rich Casey, and financial advisor Ruth Downs, who uses her knowledge to help simplify finance for others.
This episode originally took place at 8pm on 29 September 2022.
This month, VN Times editor Rachael Buzzel is joined by locum RVN Jack Pye, who specialises in emergency and critical care and has a passion for ultrasonography.
Jack is also a member of BVNA council, sits on the VN Times editorial board, and is a regular guest, contributor and official quizmaster on VN Happy Hour.
He joins Rachael to discuss his love for ultrasonography; from the lightbulb moment to speaking at BVNA Congress and now offering CPD in practices all around the country. __________________
๐๐๐๐ ๐ฃ๐ฌ๐ ๐ฅ๐ฉ๐ก Jack began his career in first opinion practice where he developed a passion for progression. He is currently a locum RVN and undertaking his certificate in emergency and critical care.
Jackโs specialist interests are ultrasonography and ECC, and he enjoys sharing his experiences and new learnings by engaging with others on his social media platforms ( @pye_rvn ), with the hope of encouraging and supporting others' professional development.
Jack has started providing in-house CPD on ultrasonography and enjoys supporting others in this area of diagnostic imaging.
Building resilience has been the theme of Alexandra Taylorโs year as BVNA president โ and she joins us to review some of those initiatives, as well as preview how the campaign will conclude at congress.
Charlotte Pace, who will take over as president at congress, also joins us to provide an insight into her aims and objectives around the theme of empowerment.
Mrs Taylor and Ms Pace also discuss the launch of two new BVNA toolkits over the coming months โ one aimed at supporting student VNs, the other offering advice around the topic of pay.
Congress takes place at Telford International Centre from 7 to 9 October. To learn more about this yearโs event, look out for your copy of BVNA Congress Times, being mailed with Septemberโs VN Times. ____________________________
๐๐๐๐ซ ๐ง๐๐ฌ๐๐ข๐ฅ ๐ฅ๐ฉ๐ก, ๐&๐, ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฆ๐๐ก, ๐๐ฆ๐๐ ๐๐ถ๐ฝ๐๐ก, ๐๐ฆ๐๐ ๐๐ฑ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐๐ Alex qualified as a nurse in 1997, and has worked in both first opinion and referral practice.
She is especially interested in feline nursing โ and has completed both the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) feline nursing certificate and diploma, as well as the ISFM Advanced Certificate in Feline Behaviour.
Alex runs her own company, โThe Cat Nurseโ, where she offers CPD about feline nursing and behaviour. She also volunteers for Milton Keynes and District Cats Protection, where she runs workshops about cat behaviour and care for groups of adults and children.
A member of the ISFM Feline Wellbeing Panel, Alex has a particular interest in nutrition, behaviour and stress-related diseases. She has been a BVNA council member since 2018 and is the associationโs president for 2021-22. ____________________________
๐๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ข๐ง๐ง๐ ๐ฃ๐๐๐ ๐๐(๐๐ผ๐ป๐), ๐ฅ๐ฉ๐ก, ๐ฉ๐ง๐ฆ(๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ผ๐น๐ผ๐ด๐-๐๐ ), ๐ฃ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐(๐ฉ๐ฒ๐๐๐ฑ), ๐๐๐๐ Charlotte qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2003, while working in practice in London. In the same year she moved to the RVC to work as a medicine nurse. In 2006, she became the dedicated cardiology nurse for the RVC Queen Mother Hospital for Animals.
In 2010, Charlotte passed American veterinary technician exams and became the first nurse to hold the cardiology qualification outside the US. Since 2012, she has taught veterinary nurses on both degree and diploma programmes.
Charlotte returned to veterinary practice in 2015 โ she works at Vets4Pets in Cambridge โ and continues to write and lecture on veterinary cardiology. Charlotte will become BVNA president for 2022-23 at congress.
RVN Nicola Lakeman is the keynote speaker at BVNA Congress 2022 โ and her lecture will give an insight into how resilience has played a part in her career.
Ahead of congress, Ms Lakeman joined us to share her excitement for the event and discuss how she hopes delegates will be able to relate to her experiences.
โBuilding resilienceโ is the headline theme of congress, which takes place at Telford International Centre from 7 to 9 October. To learn more about this yearโs event, look out for your copy of BVNA Congress Times, being mailed with Septemberโs VN Times. ________________________
๐ก๐๐๐ข๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ก ๐ ๐ฆ๐ฐ, ๐๐ฆ๐ฐ(๐๐ผ๐ป๐), ๐ฅ๐ฉ๐ก, ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฆ๐๐ก, ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฉ๐ก๐๐๐, ๐ฉ๐ง๐ฆ(๐ก๐๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป) Nicola worked as the head medical nurse at Plymouth Veterinary Group for 20 years. She is now nutrition manager for IVC Evidensia.
Nicola graduated from Hartpury College with an honours degree in equine science and qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2002. She has written for many veterinary publications and textbooks, and is the editor of Aspinallโs Complete Textbook of Veterinary Nursing and consultant editor for The Veterinary Nurse.
Nicola has recently gained a Masterโs degree in Advanced Veterinary Nursing with the University of Glasgow.
The VN Times VN Happy Hour broadcast on 28 April 2002, entitled โFinding your nursing nicheโ, looked at how developing a nursing specialism can enhance your clinical career.
Guests this month included Emma Gerrard, a specialist staff theatre nurse at a not-for-profit community interest practice and the first VN to hold an officer position for the BSAVA when she was elected regional chairperson and council representative for the Cymru/Wales region.
Aprilโs VN Happy Hour also saw the return of Jack Pye, who discussed his nursing niche in the world of diagnostic imaging, as well as his latest career development as a much sought-after provider of in-house and online ultrasonography CPD.
Abi Edis rounded up Aprilโs exciting panel. She qualified as a nurse in 2010 and, after three years, pursued her career with exotic medicine. Abi has worked as an exotic species veterinary nurse at the RVCโs Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital for more than eight years, has lectured at both national and international conferences, and enjoys clinical research in practice.
Lacey Pitcher tells us all about her new role at the RCVS as part of the Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) team, how the role aligns with her core values and allows her to continue working in practice as a locum RVN.
Lacey shares how she balances these two roles, her thoughts on well-being within the profession and her top tips for looking after your own mental health.
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LACEY PITCHER RVN Lacey is a registered veterinary nurse originally based in South Wales, who has worked throughout the UK utilising her qualification in a variety of roles. She is passionate about public education and communication, firmly believing in building bigger tables and not bigger walls.
Lacey has worked alongside rescue for a number of years and has a particular interest in brachycephalic breeds, given their increased welfare needs. Lacey still works out-of-hours in emergency care, alongside her role at the RCVS.
Join us for Februaryโs Happy Hour as we discuss dog breeding, as well as highlighting good breed health โ the VNโs role in education and the pre-purchase journey (consults, campaigns, social media etc).
Our amazing panellists for this monthโs VN Happy Hour, which took place on 24 February, were:
KATHRYNE WRIGLEY (lead interview) Kathryne has a keen interest in canine reproduction and completed her dog breeding diploma in 2010. She is a The Kennel Club (KC) Assured Breeder and breed health coordinator for Gordon setters.
In practice, Kathryne is keen to promote responsible breeding and enjoys supporting novice breeders. She has run successful antenatal clinics and, as a trained pregnancy scanner, believes she is in a position to advise and support breeders throughout the breeding process.
LACEY PITCHER Lacey is passionate about public education and communication. She has worked alongside rescue for a number of years and has a particular interest in brachycephalic breeds given their increased welfare needs.
CHLOE MACKINTOSH Chloe Mackintosh is head veterinary nurse at PDSA Romford, and has a passion for all things charity and shelter medicine. Chloe enjoys educating owners on preventive medicine, as well as the responsibility of maintaining breed standard health. She will be starting a Masters in molecular biology in September.
VN Times editor Rachael Buzzel is joined by RVN and chair of the Veterinary Critical Care Nurses (VCCN) region of the British Association of Critical Care Nurses (BACCN), Laura Edwards.
Laura shares with us plans for the coming year, and explains how the collaboration between human and animal nurses can open the doors to incredible opportunities and possibilities for both professions. _________________
LAURA EDWARDS BA, RVN, AFHEA Laura has worked for the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at The University of Edinburgh since 2011. She started her career as an animal care assistant and then qualified as an RVN in 2017. She started working as a veterinary nursing lecturer at Scotlandโs Rural University College in 2019. This move to teaching has been instrumental in focusing her efforts on RVN progression and retention within the sector.
Having worked with and been taught by some of the most inspiring, ambitious, and knowledgeable nurses, Laura has spent the past three years trying to find ways to lift the RVN profile.
In 2021, Laura created the VCCN region within the BACCN and became chair in September 2021.
VN Happy Hour returned on 25 November for a look at obesity and nutrition in companion animals.
Hosts Rachael and James were joined by Nicola Lakeman, a well known and very highly respected veterinary nurse with expertise in the fields of nutrition and nursing clinics, as well as Royal Canin Weight Management Clinic Nurse Georgia Woods-Lee and NutritionRVN.com founder Jessica Joosse.
Have you ever wondered what the role of the vet nurse will look like in the years ahead?
Have you thought about how the current shortages of veterinary surgeons could be eased by the skills of vet nurses if you were allowed to do more? Or what future training requirements will be like for vet nurses?
Octoberโs VN Happy Hour looked at these and other topics affecting vet nurses as we focused on the future of veterinary nursing with BVNA president Alex Taylor, BVNA senior-vice president Jo Oakden and BVNA council member Lyndsay Hughes.
This monthโs VN Happy Hour was extra special, as it was the one year anniversary of the launch of our VN power hour. When we launched VN Happy Hour we wanted to create an event which provided not only networking opportunities and thought-provoking discussions but also fun and laughter.
VN Happy Hour returned in September with the theme of โBrachycephalic breeds โ the best approachโ.
This month saw the return of RVN and brachycephalic campaigner Lacey Pitcher in our lead interview slot to answer delegatesโ questions on how to support clients with brachycelphalic pets and more.
Our panel discussion saw Lacey joined by blogger, vlogger and former Peke owner Jane Davidson (JaneRVN), and Happy Hour newbie Polly May Mewse. Known on Instagram as The Brachy Nurse, Polly is a consultant at Animal Trust and brachycephalic breed advocate.
Augustโs VN Happy Hour โ sponsored by Bought By Many โ was all about behaviour, and how VNs can support owners of pets with behavioural problems and the importance of โfear freeโ methods for handling pets in a clinical setting.
Whether you werenโt able to join us on the 26 August or simply want to listen to our fantastic guest speakers again, we have you covered.
This month we were joined by RVNs Linda Ryan, Elle Boden and Zoe Blake, who expertly answered delegatesโ behaviour-related questions.
Zoom threw some technical gremlins our way, so we apologise for the drop in audio during the panel session. Linda, Elle and Zoe are happy for you to contact them via their social media channels should you want to speak to them in more detail about their answers.
There were so many great resources mentioned on the night, so here they all are for you to look through:
LC Fitness www.instagram.com/lauracopley7
Inspiring Pet Teaching www.inspiringpets.com
Inspiring Pet Teaching FB page www.facebook.com/InspiringPets
The Friendly Pet Nurse https://thefriendlypetnurse.co.uk
The Friendly Pet Nurse FB page www.facebook.com/thefriendlypetnurse
The Friendly Pet Nurse Instagram page www.instagram.com/zoethefriendlypetnurse
The Behaviour Nurse www.thebehaviournurse.com
The Behaviour Nurse FB page www.facebook.com/ellethebehaviournurse
The Behaviour Nurse Instagram www.instagram.com/thebehaviournurse
The Behaviour Nurse short questionnaire: Cat Behaviour www.vettimes.co.uk/app/uploads/2021/09/Short-Questionnaire-Cat-Behaviour.pdf
The Behaviour Nurse short questionnaire: Dog Behaviour www.vettimes.co.uk/app/uploads/2021/09/Short-Questionnaire-Dog-Behaviour.pdf
Respect The Lead https://respectthelead.com
International Cat Care https://icatcare.org
iCat Care Cat Friendly Clinc https://icatcare.org/veterinary/cat-friendly-clinic
Fear Free Pets https://fearfreepets.com
AVSAB Positive Veterinary Care Position Statement https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Positive-Veterinary-Care-Position-Statement-download.pdf
Low Stress Handling Dr Sophia Yin https://lowstresshandling.com
The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) www.apbc.org.uk
Dogs Trust Welfare crisis www.dogstrust.org.uk/latest/issues-campaigns/dog-welfare-crisis
The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) https://apdt.co.uk
The Pet Professional Guild British Isles (PPGBI) https://ppgbi.com
The Association of Into Dogs www.intodogs.org
IMDT www.imdt.uk.com/find-a-qualified-imdt-trainer
K9 Working Heroes The Dog Aggression Ladder http://www.k9workingheroes.co.uk/health/the-dog-aggression-ladder-brightdog-academy-dog-training-shared-link
RSPCA: cats body language https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/cats/behaviour/understanding
Sustainability has been the theme of Jo Oakdenโs year as president of the BVNA โ and this increasingly important topic dominates the agenda for BVNA Congress, which returns to Telford International Centre from 2 to 4 October following its hiatus last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In this special episode of the VN Times Podcast, Jo explains why she chose sustainability as her theme, how the four pillars โ human, social, economic and environmental โ are equally important in ensuring a sustainable veterinary profession, and what she hopes delegates take away from congress.
BIOGRAPHY Since graduating from the RVC in 2008, Jo has worked in a variety of small animal and mixed veterinary practice. She has also completed the Certificate in Feline Nursing, and the Certificate in Canine and Feline Veterinary Nutrition.
Jo has worked with the BVNA as a regional co-ordinator since 2014 and was elected on to BVNA council in 2017. She is the BVNA president for 2020-21.
Outside of the BVNA, Jo joined VetPartners as business support manager in August 2021, having previously been practice manager at Vets4Pets Leicester Central.
A two-month campaign by the BVNA is aiming to create a better environment for โ and a better understanding of โ the challenges faced by veterinary nurses who suffer from a chronic illness or condition.
The campaign is being led by BVNA junior vice-president Alex Taylor, who joined the VN Times Podcast to discuss its objectives โ chief of which is the creation of a digital toolkit to support VNs, and help practices in developing protocols and supporting their staff.
BIOGRAPHY Alex Taylor qualified as a nurse in 1997 and has worked in both first opinion and referral practice. She is especially interested in feline nursing and has completed the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) feline nursing certificate and diploma, as well as the ISFM Advanced Certificate in Feline Behaviour.
Alex works as a locum RVN and runs her own company, The Cat Nurse, where she offers CPD about feline nursing and behaviour. She also volunteers for her local Cats Protection branch.
A BVNA council member since October 2018, Alex is 2020-21 junior vice-president and will become president at BVNA Congress in October.
If you havenโt attended one of our VN Happy Hour virtual events yet, youโre missing out. Itโs a โpower hourโ packed with fun, laughter, top tips, prizes, and talks with fantastic and talented panellists.
This month we were joined by RVNs Claire Harrison, Claire Bloor and Nicola Lakeman, each of whom expertly answered a number of dentistry-related questions submitted by delegates.
Where can your veterinary nursing skills take you?
In this monthโs VN Happy Hour, the team will be exploring all the angles and showcasing the diverse range of careers and lifestyles on offer to the UKโs โgreen armyโ of veterinary nursing professionals.
In this episode we hear Belinda Andrews-Jones, Luke Frewin and Fraje Watson answering questions posed by the people that matter โ you and your peers.
VN Times editor Rachael Buzzel is joined by RVN and manager of the Linnaeus Veterinary Nursing Post Registration Programme, Sophie Venables.
The programme launched in early 2020, but Linnaeus had to think fast and adapt as COVID hit and the nation was thrust into its first national lockdown.
Sophie talks us through the first year of the programme and how, though it was not what they expected, they have learned from it and plan for future cohorts.
For more information on the programme and how to apply for the March 2022 cohort, email vetnurseprp@linnaeusgroup.co.uk or visit the Linnaeus website: https://www.linnaeusgroup.co.uk/nursing-post-registration-programme/
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BIOGRAPHY During Sophieโs career she has worked as an RVN in a variety of clinical settings to cover primary care, charity and referral clinics. Throughout these roles, she has always had a passion for education and development of veterinary nurses.
While working at Wear Referrals part time, Sophieโฏ commuted to the University of Bristol for the remainder of the week as a veterinary nursing clinical demonstrator. Here she was involved in the design and implementation of veterinary nursing clinical rotations at Langford Small Animal Hospital, as well as being responsible for supporting students during their six-month โฏrotations.
Sophie joined Linnaeus as one of two Veterinary Nursing Post Registration Programme Managers in January 2020. Within this role she supports 0 to 12 month post registration RVNs make their transition from student to veterinary nurse.
VN Times editor Rachael Buzzel sits down with RVN and university lecturer Amanda Curtis to discuss wound care, management and the VNโs role in this complicated process.
There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to wound care and it is important vet nurses understand what can go wrong when caring for these injuries.
Amanda Curtis talks us through the process and, in particular, how to keep a step ahead of the sometimes tricky biofilms. _________________
This monthโs podcast is sponsored by Essity.
Essity is a leading global hygiene and health company, dedicated to improving well-being through its products and solutions, essentials for everyday life. Essity, best known in the veterinary market for key brands such as Soffban and Tensoplast, is excited to introduce the Advanced Wound Care range through its Cutimed and Leukomed product portfolios. _____________
Amanda Curtis began her veterinary nursing career in late 2006 working for a small animal hospital. She has worked in a variety of clinical settings, including the Queen Mother Hospital at the RVC as an emergency and critical care nurse in the ECC department. She is a lecturer of veterinary nursing for the Coleg Gwent part of The University of South Wales and out of hours weekend lead nurse for Valley Veterinary Hospital in Cardiff.
Outside of clinical practice, Amanda writes for the The Veterinary Nurse Journal and sits on the editorial board. She is also studying for a Bachelor of Science in health science, and looks to use this degree alongside her veterinary nursing to create a one health approach to her practice.
Amanda is a BVNA regional representative for the South West Wales region and is running for BVNA council this year.
On 27 May 2021, VN Happy Hour 5 โ sponsored by AnimalCare โ focused on the topic of senior pets.
Hosted, as usual, by Vet Times editor James Westgate and VN Times editor Rachael Buzzel, the evening featured a lead interview with RVN Kirsty Cavill and an expert panel comprising Nicola Lakeman and Emma Gerrard.
This month VN Times editor Rachael Buzzel is joined by locum RVN Molly Fiander to chat about life as a locum, coping through COVID-19, and her love for helping VNs find/rediscover their passion and get the most out of their qualification.
Molly qualified as a vet nurse in 2017, but has had a huge passion for animal welfare since she was a little girl. In 2018 she โfellโ into locum life, but hasnโt looked back.
Molly is super passionate about teaching other veterinary professionals about locuming and improving the standard of care across the industry.
She built her own consultancy business to help vets and VNs thrive as locums.
VN Happy Hour 4.0 saw vet nurse, writer, educator and leading blogger Jane Davidson feature in our main interview to discuss her perspective on physical and mental well-being, before joining our expert panel for a broader debate on some of the big issues in the veterinary nursing profession.
RVN panellists Aoife Smith, Elle Payne, Jane Davidson, Zara Livingstone and veterinary nurse-turned personal trainer Adam Robinson โ all leading experts in their fields of well-being and health โ answered delegatesโ questions and shared the day-to-day magic moments that make being an RVN a job like no other.
Following on from the monster success of our first two events, we were delighted to lift the winter blues and blow away the cobwebs by hosting Vet Nurse Happy Hour version 3 on 28 January.
Januaryโs online event saw Lacey Pitcher in the lead interview slot, followed by a panel discussion with a team of expert speakers (Kirsty Cavill, Gisela Luckhurst and Helen Manning), hand picked to offer the latest insights into the best ways of making nurse led clinics work in your practice.
Hear these interview highlights in this podcast, or head over to http://bit.ly/3qaMUAV where you can find the whole event in video format, including the breakout sessions with Holly from Vetfit and our own daring duo, Lee and Nikki.
Following the monster success of our first VN Happy Hour event, we decided to do it all over again โ and our second event took place on 26 November 2020.
For those that missed the event, however, this podcast includes โExotic encounters: fFrom lizards to llamasโ โ our big interview with VN Council chair and leading exotics nurse, Matt Rendle.
Also, contained is โOwning your futureโ, our panel discussion featuring Tom Reilly, Emma Eve-Raw and Matt Rendle, all offering advice on how to diversify your nursing career. This section is hosted by VN Times editor Rachael Buzzel and RVN Jack Pye.
VN Times editor Rachael Buzzel is joined by RVN and veterinary manager at Pet Blood Bank UK (PBBUK) Caroline Peacock.
Caroline tells us all about her work with the UK charity set up to support vets by providing a blood service for pets, and the vital role of the VN in its work.
To find out more about how you can get involved with the charity, read โPet Blood Bank: how VNs can helpโ in the November 2020 issue of VN Times.
For more information about PBBUK, and to view its literature, support tools and CPD, visit www.petbloodbankuk.org/vet-professionals
VN Times sits down with Linnaeus chief nursing officer Andrea Jeffery to talk Schedule Three and what it means for the future of the veterinary nursing profession.
Andrea discusses how proposed legislative changes could have the biggest impact on this crucial role in decades.
A huge advocate for the VN role, Helen speaks to VN Times about how her nursing team has helped take the drama out of the corona crisis.
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Helen Manning is an RVN with more than 20 years experience in a variety of different roles and practices settings.
She has worked in industry as well as independent and corporate practices and is now both manager and a partner at Swaffham Vets in Norfolk.
This month, RVN John Redbond joins VN Times editor Rachael Buzzel to discuss dermatology, what piqued his interest in this speciality, and how VNs who share this passion can get involved.
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John qualified in 2004 and worked at Castle Vets in Reading for 17 years. From 2011 he also ran a dermatology clinic at the practice and completed the BSAVA Merit Award in Dermatology.
He has had several articles published in different journals around the subject of dermatology nursing, and has lectured at events such as at London Vet Show, BSAVA and BVNA.
John left practice in 2018 to become group manager of the Veterinary Nursing Dermatology Group (VNDG) and works for the groupโs sponsor Vetruus.
For further information, visit www.vetnursedermgroup.co.uk
Following fantastic social media feedback about her article โCharging for VN consults: will owners pay for services?โ, RVN Helen Tottey joins VN Times editor Rachael Buzzel for a chat about what inspired her to tackle this important topic and to offer advice to VN colleagues who may be considering broaching the subject with their practice.
Helen qualified in 1996 and quickly realised clinical nursing was not for her, so she started a full time nurse consulting role in 1998.
Helen has enjoyed a varied career, including working as a Petplan rep, a trainer for Onswitch, and she also set up and ran her own veterinary practice for five years. Helen now works in the business support team for VetPartners, where she is able to help other nurses develop their nurse consulting roles.
2020 looks set to be another exciting year for RVN, blogger, author and lecturer Jane Davidson.
In the latest VN Times podcast, former editor Holly Kernot catches up with Jane, who chats about her career journey so far, becoming an author and embarking on a PhD looking at the history of the veterinary profession.
She also discusses getting lost in The British Library, a desire to feature on the This Morning phone-in while recovering from spinal surgery, and why one might want to avoid putting personal possessions on the floor in carpeted changing rooms.
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Jane RVN is a London and Kent based vet nurse who writes to educate and support vets, vet nurses and pet owners. She runs the award-winning online community #PlanetRVN.
Sharing stories is a universal desire in us all, and Jane uses blogs, vlogs and more to promote vet nursing, animal welfare and share the stories of those who need it.
โข Visit https://janervn.com for all things Jane Davidson.
This month, former VN Times editor Holly Kernot speaks to Flick Caldwell, who, in the August 2019 issue of the magazine, shared her experience of working as an RVN, despite suffering with a condition that causes chronic pain.
Here, Flick talks more about her condition and the symptoms that affect her everyday life, and how she copes, as well as how she hopes to help and support other VNs suffering with disabilities.
Read Flickโs article at https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/the-consult-flick-caldwell/
Almost 90% of BVA members think vets should play a more active role in the sustainable agriculture agenda, so this yearโs BVA Congress โ being hosted by London Vet Show โ will open by discussing ways to โgreen the professionโ.
Ahead of the show, Ellie West of Davies Veterinary Specialists โ who will be taking part in the session โ discusses why sustainability is critical to global health care and how the veterinary profession can play its part.
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Davies has a strong sustainability ethos, having formed a โgreen groupโ in 2017 in response to staff interest in being more environmentally friendly at work. It has since worked with Investors in the Environment (IIE) to enhance its green credentials and achieved Green level accreditation in September.
Miss West graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2003 and worked first as an intern in a private referral practice, then as a general practitioner in a first opinion clinic.
She has been an anaesthetist since 2006; first as an intern at University College Dublin, then as a clinician-teacher at the University of Liverpool and now as a clinical anaesthetist at Davies. She is a European and RCVS-recognised specialist in veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia.
Miss West is the sustainability lead at Davies and achieved a Best Green Champion Award from IIE earlier this year.
More than two-thirds of people experience the impostor phenomenon at some point in their lives โ so how can they overcome this oft-debilitating emotional experience?
Step forward Kate Atkin โ who will explore the concept in her keynote lecture at BVNA Congress and offer tips on how to manage it.
Ahead of congress, Kate discusses how she discovered the phenomenon while studying for a masterโs in applied positive psychology, her experiences with the โimpostor chatterโ, and how VNs can tackle it in practice.
As a boy with an interest in animals, Matt Rendle was given two options by his careers advisor: be a farmer, or work in an abattoir. Not quite what he had in mind (but those were the 1980s for you).
Thankfully, he didnโt heed the advice and went his own way.
Listen in to hear how he forged a career as an RVN, worked in one of the UKโs most iconic zoos, developed an interest in wildlife and exotics and went on to care for everything, from ants to elephants.