As veterinary nursing education in the UK moves into its second half century, I'm struck by how much we have moved forward over this relatively short period of time. Fifty years ago, when veterinary nursing formally began, there were no prescription diets, very limited options for wound dressings and many veterinary practices were getting their first X-ray and anaesthetic machines! But veterinary nursing is a science, and like any science subject ideas and techniques are changing all the time as new discoveries are being made and new equipment invented, and these need to be studied and discussed. It is vital, therefore, that like any science profession veterinary nursing keeps abreast of the changes.
The forthcoming BSAVA congress taking place in Birmingham from March 31 to April 3 provides a fantastic opportunity to ‘take a look’ at the latest methods, while meeting up with colleagues, discussing best practice and learning from the experts. If you are lucky enough to be able to attend, come and visit our stand (no. 117) in the trade exhibition — we would love to meet you, hear your thoughts on the journal and hear any ideas you have for future articles.
Apart from the fact that keeping up with the latest ideas can be inspiring, all registered veterinary nurses in the UK are required to carry out 15 hours of CPD each year. While some of these hours can be obtained from attending sessions at conferences, such as the BSAVA, further hours can be obtained from reading articles published in peer-reviewed journals, such as The Veterinary Nurse. In the March issue feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by Charlotte Pace is the chosen CPD article, and multiple choice questions are available online to those with a login. Answering these questions will provide you with proof that you have read and understood the article in the form of a printable certificate.
Also in this issue is an article that discusses a technique that is still in its infancy — Rebecca Webster looks at the use of mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of arthritis. Joanne Westwood tackles a problem highlighted first in the 1960s and summarizes what is known about canine syringomyelia, while Sarah Kelly discusses whether there is a consensus on treatment for feline urethral obstruction, highlighting the need for further research in this area. All these articles add to the body of knowledge essential for the development of veterinary nursing as a profession. This body of knowledge is expanding continuously and never more so than now. The Veterinary Nurse is proud to be able to add to this and play a significant role in the development of veterinary nursing.
Another way of obtaining CPD hours is through writing for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Not only are authors adding to the body of knowledge and progression of the profession, but they are adding to their own professional development through the writing process, which requires a review of the latest literature, as well as through reflective practice. An article by Hilary Orpet and myself on writing patient care reports aims to support authors through the process of writing up ‘case’ studies for publication. Patient care reports written by veterinary nurses in practice help others in the profession develop specialist knowledge and highlight issues that can then be further explored through research studies. So, if the care you have provided to a particular patient strikes you as interesting, then why not write it up for publication? Seeing your name in print brings its own rewards, and you will be adding to the profession's body of knowledge while also achieving more of your required CPD. Don't be afraid to put pen to paper!
Whether a paper is written on ground-breaking techniques, looks back over many years of research, or highlights an interesting patient in practice, it is of value and we welcome your submissions.