I was invited to participate in a forum session discussing what advice you would give to your younger self, as part of Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month (VNAM) in the UK. The topic of the session was: ‘What would you say to someone just starting out in the profession? Would you recommend becoming a veterinary nurse? What pitfalls would you want to avoid? What were the best bits?’
As someone with almost 30 years of experience in the industry, would I do the same thing again? There are some aspects that I would say yes, I don't think there are any aspects where I would say no, but there are bits of sage advice that I would like to have received. The main thing for me was the support system that is in place for SVNs. I did my first couple of years in training with no qualified nurses in the practice and the course being taught via distance learning (no Zoom or Teams in those days). Course notes were posted to you and you worked your way through them. I failed my practical exams a few times, passing on my final attempt. I had no one to show me how to perform the practical elements and this was really evident in the examinations. Moving to a practice with qualified nurses, with a support structure, made such a difference. You cannot underestimate the importance of having that support structure in place within the work environment.
Those of you that are in training practices that train SVNs, please celebrate the importance that you have on influencing and ‘rearing’ a new generation of RVNs. Without you, even if you are not a designated clinical coach/assessor, teaching of those practical skills is vital. SVNs cannot pass their exams without your guidance, knowledge and experience.
We are celebrating VNAM in May, here in the UK, and the theme is Resilience. I personally think that the majority of pet owner have an understanding of what we do and how utterly amazing we are at our roles within veterinary practice and in wider industry. I do, however, think we are not so good at inwardly celebrating how good and important we are at our roles. We do underestimate how much pet owners value our role in the care of their pet. We should all take some time this month to reflect on how good we are.
On being asked the question, what would you tell your student self, my answer would be to be more confident in your own abilities. Not to underestimate your worth to the veterinary profession, the clients, the animals and to your colleagues. Even as a SVN you are still a very valued member of the team, just have a bit more confidence in yourself. Don't be afraid to ask that question, ask for someone to run through that case with you, show you how to do something, no one is going to feel less of you for asking for help. We only learn by asking the questions, asking for clarity, asking for help.
VNAM is not just about celebrating and promoting veterinary nursing to pet owners, it is about celebrating ourselves. Part of being resilient is knowing your worth and importance. Veterinary nurses have huge worth to many different areas within the industry, not just in clinical practice. As our profession grows and diversifies, we need to celebrate everyone's role — that is one of the brilliant things about veterinary nursing, there are so many roles that we can perform.