In last month's editorial, Jennifer discussed the importance of specialism within veterinary nursing, and there has never been a more important time for change. Last year I gained the VTS (ECC) and I can honestly say this more focused way of learning has changed the way I look after my patients. The role of the veterinary nurses and the close relationship with patients is never more important than when nursing a critical patient. Nurses play a vital role in the outcome of these patients as their recovery is dependent on close monitoring, and monitoring their response to treatment. As nurses improve their skills set through education and experience, this knowledge base and close attention to detail allows them to become increasingly respected and trusted members of the clinical team. Our nurses’ views on patients’ treatment plans are viewed as being vitally important, as they are the ones who spend the majority of the time with the patients and notice the subtle changes in their clinical signs. With the introduction of specialisms nurses are able to play to their strengths and make a vital difference in patient outcome.
Next month I will also have the opportunity to take part in the SPVS Seminar for final year veterinary students, my new role as Clinical Director within my practice means I am responsible for the recruitment of all veterinary staff, both vets and nurses, and so I have been asked to sit on a panel of ‘bosses’. The veterinary profession as a whole is beginning to realize that more and more nurses are starting to take on more senior management roles within veterinary practice, and also beginning to own their own practices. This means when new graduates go out into the world of work for the first time it could well be a veterinary nurse who interviews them and employs them. This recognition of veterinary nurses is another huge step forward in terms of veterinary nurses gaining respect from their fellow professionals (vets), and hopefully paves the way for the future when veterinary nursing finally becomes a protected title as it rightly should be.
I feel honoured that my employers felt I held the skills required to manage a team of over 80 staff. As veterinary nurses there is no longer the need to feel that our job and position is below that of our fellow veterinary surgeons, we are now fully in a position to stand alongside them as equals, but this will only happen if nurses continue this push forward within the profession. We need to be prepared to stick our necks out and prove our worth, none of this will come easily, but I feel that with hard work and determination opportunities will come our way (as they have for me). Look beyond the boundaries of the standard veterinary nurse qualifications, there are more and more post-graduates courses becoming available, from diplomas to Masters Degrees, gaining these qualifications is not the be all and end all but it will certainly help in the development of new skills and knowledge and demonstrates your dedication to your role. So nurses embrace your roles and take action to achieve your dreams and goals.
This month's issue include a particularly relevant article on literature searching and reviewing, an essential skill for those undertaking further qualifications, and also a CPD article on unintentional hypothermia. Excitingly there is also the WSAVA nutritional assessment guidelines, The Veterinary Nurse is the only UK nursing journal to have been asked to include these notes, and we are honoured to do so. Other ‘clinical’ articles include guinea pig nutrition, an extended care report after graft surgery for a descemetocoele and a practical article by me on caring for the bite wound patient. Last, there is a research article on veterinary nursing student perceptions of an experiential simulated client communication workshop. I hope you will enjoy this issue of The Veterinary Nurse.