November 2018

All aboard! Life on the BVNA bus

Stacey Blease was appointed BVNA head of learning and development six months ago. Here, she reflects on her journey so far, what she has achieved since boarding the "BVNA bus", and considers what the future may hold for the organisation.

16 mins
My bursary journey

Julii Elliott was the winner of last year's £1,000 bursary for the Certificate of Veterinary Nursing in Emergency and Critical Care course, courtesy of VN Times and Vets Now. Here, the RVN reflects on her experience, the challenges of study and the joys of completion.

27 mins
The Consult: Heather MacIntosh

This month we are joined by a ZSL London Zoo RVN, who talks about life on the wild side of animal care.

17 mins
A walk on the wild side

From treating lemurs with lasers and checking penguin chicks, to scanning pregnant sloths while up stepladders, and caring for poorly pigs, no two days are the same for a zoo RVN. Holly Kernot visited ZSL London Zoo to find out more...

49 mins

October 2018

Practice Champions: hyperthyroidism knowledge tips to raise your game

Jen Oliver discusses the intricacies of hyperthyroid cases and the VN role within them – from assisting early detection to client education.

15 mins
Dive into a career in canine hydrotherapy

Canine hydrotherapy has been a treatment option for more than two decades, yet the canine hydrotherapist's role remains unregulated. Angela Griffiths, owner and chief executive of Greyfriars Veterinary Rehabilitation Referrals in Surrey, explains why she is leading a revolution for regulation.

17 mins
The Consult: Sally Bartlett

In the next of our series, we hear from an RVN's experience helping rhinos in South Africa – with one case in particular that has stayed close to her heart.

16 mins
Turning the tide on animal welfare work overseas

Holly Kernot speaks to Tree of Life for Animals founder Rachel Wright, who lifts the lid on more than a decade of helping animals in need, changing the perception of pets in India – and how VNs should follow their dreams.

18 mins

September 2018

New Level 3 diploma set to prepare SVNs for practice

VetSkill's two-year veterinary nursing (companion animal) qualification has been given provisional accreditation by the RCVS.

4 mins
Learning light bulb moment leads to ‘invaluable’ revision resource

Holly Kernot speaks to two women who together created an education enterprise aimed at offering support to VNs revising for their exams.

13 mins
The Consult: Bonnie Blake

Kicking off a new article series seeking out the vast and varied work of RVNs, we hear from one nurse’s “incredible” time in India.

20 mins

This month we team up with MSD Animal Health and are joined by Kayleigh Williams RVN, who ponders the problems flea, tick and worm infestations pose – and how she tackles them.

9 mins

August 2018

Going for VN gold

Gavin Goldsbrough first stepped into Westway Veterinary Group's Eden Hills branch in County Durham as an 18-year-old student on work placement. Five years later, not only is he a qualified RVN, but holds a bachelor of science in veterinary nursing, too. Holly Kernot finds out more...

5 mins
Broadening RVN career horizons

Holly Kernot finds out about clinical nurse lead Lucy Montague’s journey, how she helps colleagues map their career path and her “top tips” for those looking to emulate her.

20 mins

This month sees us team up with Miele and hear from Ella Tolliday REVN, who discusses the challenges of maintaining a clean, sanitary environment and how she meets the standard.

8 mins
Ensuring an ethically sound study proposal

Alison Devonshire, of the RCVS Ethics Review Panel, discusses the fascinating facet of research in the VN sphere, before guiding nurses through how to make an ethical study proposal – especially if not affiliated with an academic institution.

17 mins

July 2018

VN Futures: stating a case for investment in nurses’ skill sets

RVNs play an invaluable role, yet are increasingly harder to recruit, and arguably harder to retain, than vets. For practices to remain successful, recognising, rewarding and developing VNs is no longer an optional extra ...

17 mins
What could future VN day be like?

Paul Imrie reports on a BSAVA Congress session by Liz Cox, chairman of RCVS VN council and a co-chairman of the RCVS/BVNA VN Futures project, where she described her vision of the nursing role in 2025.

20 mins
Curious creatures coax VNs to event

VN Times editor Holly Kernot reports on the latest Association of Zoo and Exotic Veterinary Nurses conference, held at West Midland Safari Park and hailed “the best yet”.

6 mins
Preparing for an RCVS PSS assessment

Scott Parry shares his experience of participating in the Practice Standards Scheme evaluation process and offers top tips for those preparing for the big day.

17 mins