Dear Reader

Welcome to the April edition of the VNJ. Spring is finally springing and we can all look forward to some sunshine and, for me, this time of year always give me a more positive outlook. A reminder to look at the programme for the 2018 BVNA congress and book to ensure that you get the best rate possible. The call for abstracts for the conference has already launched this year – so, if you are a current student or did your degree or advanced diploma some time ago then I once again urge you to dig out your abstracts and review them for submission. This year we are also again hoping to see more submissions from our RVNs in practice and in education – we invite you to support the association at the grass roots of nursing rather than take your abstracts elsewhere. If you are unsure what an abstract should comprise of then please do take a look back at the January edition where we published some of the winning abstracts from 2017.

As a profession, we are undoubtedly moving forward thanks to official recognition as a profession in 2015 and the hard work of all involved in the Vet Nurse Futures initiative. It is however always thought provoking to read feature articles such as Camilla Deaver’s ‘What does the Public really think?’ and I think this helps us to evaluate how we are moving forward and what the profession needs to still achieve. It also really reinforced to me that social media can really influence public opinion – I find that it is often the feature articles that give me a platform for reflection and I hope that you all enjoy them as much as I do.

The April issue also sees the second part of Stephanie Almond’s two-part series on ‘Reducing Stress in Canine Patients whilst Hospitalised’. I am always impressed at the standard of articles that continue to be submitted to the journal but this series has particularly impressed me with its relevance to all nurses in practice and the integration of relevant and current literature throughout the articles – thank you Stephanie.

This issue of the VNJ appears to have something for our SVNs and RVNs alike and I very much hope you enjoy this edition (alongside the extra daylight hours). However, if there is something that you feel the VNJ is lacking or a topic that you would like to see covered in more depth then please get in touch. This is your journal which represents your association as the voice of Veterinary Nursing so please help us to make it the very best for all readers.

Author

Sam McMillan BSc(Hons) VTS(Anesthesia/Analgesia) DipAVN RVN

VOL 33 • April 2018 • Veterinary Nursing Journal