In this blog for Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month 2026, BVNA Council Member Helen Stewart discusses how compassion and empathy are at the heart of our work, and how it’s her enduring enthusiasm for animal care that inspires her to continually give her best.

Find out more about VNAM here, and how you can get involved this year.

As a veterinary nurse, my passion for this profession goes beyond clinical expertise – it is the driving force behind every interaction and decision I make. Each day, I am reminded how deeply I care not only for animals, but for the people who love them. Compassion and empathy are the heart of our work, and it’s my enduring enthusiasm for animal care that inspires me to continually give my best. When I see pets brought in at their most vulnerable and witness the worry etched on their owners’ faces, my commitment to helping them only grows stronger. A gentle word or reassuring touch, offered from a place of genuine passion, can be just as healing as any procedure.

Empathy lets me form real connections with those I help, and my love for this field motivates me to nurture those bonds. I strive to recognise the unique relationship between every owner and their animal, understanding the emotional weight illness or injury carries. It’s my passion that fuels my patience and kindness, helping me to create a safe space where pets and their people feel truly understood. This supportive environment, born out of genuine dedication, makes every aspect of care smoother and more meaningful for everyone involved.

For me, passionate and compassionate care shapes every moment of my workday. Whether I’m comforting a shaking, anxious dog, gently handling a shy, nervous cat, or explaining treatments or procedures to a concerned owner, I give my whole heart to each task. These small, heartfelt gestures rooted in love for the profession leave a lasting impact. At the end of the day, it’s this blend of professional skill, deep compassion, and real passion for veterinary nursing that makes my role so fulfilling and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Helen Stewart, BVNA Council Member