Dear Reader 

Welcome to the June edition of the VNJ. I’m sure that, like me, you are all looking forward to some well-earned summer holidays, and for the students among us this signifies the much-needed break from University or College. Just a reminder to book, if you haven’t already done so, for the 2017 BVNA congress. October will be here before we know it, as it always seems to quickly follow the Summer evenings filled with barbeques, stick injuries and heat stroke! You just about have time to submit your clinical abstracts for the conference too (if you are quick), and all the details can be found on the BVNA website. The programme for this year looks brilliant once again, with a full three days of behaviour lectures and workshops. The Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists are providing a sponsored anaesthesia stream on the Saturday and the equine stream returns once again for a full day on the Friday. Analgesia, rehabilitation, leadership and management, surgical nursing and controversies and welfare, also feature alongside dedicated student, and education and teaching streams. It really looks like there is something for everyone again this year and BVNA congress is certainly proving to be both a reputable and affordable source of CPD in the RVN calendar.

Whilst reviewing the proofs for this month’s journal, I have very much enjoyed Jen Barlow’s glimpse into referral nursing from the perspective of the newly qualified nurse. All those who have ventured down the referral path will identify with this piece, and I truly hope it spurs on and inspires anyone reading who wants to try referral nursing but is still a little unsure whether to make the leap. The other feature for this edition is a look at the inspiring work of RVN Shakira Miles and her mission with the SaveABulls campaign; another motivational and uplifting piece that shows that you can really make a difference if you try. Is there someone you know who is really making a difference in the RVN world?

If so, then we would love to feature them – we all need a little motivation every now and again and reading about what can be achieved in veterinary nursing can sometimes be just what is needed.

This issue of the VNJ also features a nutritional clinical article by Sarah Collins on Triaditis in cats, which is not only interesting but also provides an evidence based update on the way we approach dietary management in some common feline conditions. Sarah is currently writing a series of articles for the VNJ so we look forward to more articles from her in the near future. You may also have noticed that this months’ issue has an expanded Science in Shorts section – this will be happening every few months so do let us know if you like it. As always, the team work hard to provide a variety of content to appeal to all our readers but, 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.

Author

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

Editor-in-Chief

VOL 32 • June 2017 • Veterinary Nursing Journal