Dear Reader

Hi, I’m Lacey Pitcher. I started in practice 12 years ago, having decided a career in law wasn’t for me. I walked into a vet practice and told them why they should take a chance on me, and there it was, my first break.

Simply winging it; I worked really hard, eventually finding some-thing I had real passion for and a drive to learn. I knew this was what I wanted to do, so I called practices in the search for the elusive training position. I struck gold. I happened to call a practice where, by fluke, a head nurse answered. I simply asked how she was and meant it. It’s amazing what a little kindness can do. She took a chance on me and here I am 12 years down the line still passionate about veterinary medicine. Still learning, still winging it, still grateful for those people who continue to take a chance on me.

For such a long time I felt that eventually someone would realise I was a huge imposter, that I didn’t quite fit all the tick boxes, that all these lucky breaks were exactly that, luck. In the last 2 years, I’ve come to realise this simply isn’t true. This is where BVNA council comes in.

Two years ago, I decided to start exploring my values and personality traits more. We are all so different and there is so much power in harnessing those differences. My dyslexia has often made things a little trickier. A diagnosis of ADHD later in life made so many

things make much more sense. I’d implore anyone who thinks they may be neurodiverse to explore it. Putting a label on things doesn’t prevent you growing, it opens doors to learn how.

I applied to stand for council for this very reason. At the beginning of my career, I believed that these hurdles held me back. I’m not going to lie, the elections were nerve wracking, and the “meet the candidates” section was particularly daunting, but I did it. I pushed myself, supported by people who only want to see me succeed. Now, having earned my seat on council, I still feel lucky but also realise I’ve earned it. I am part of a diverse group of people, with different voices and niches. I am learning, both professionally and personally, how much BVNA has to offer. I am advocating for those who want their voices heard. My voice used to shake, small and unsure. BVNA is teaching me and supporting me to raise my voice and so much more.

This is such an exciting time to be a veterinary nurse. We are growing as a profession in so many ways. I am very early on in my council term, but excited for everything to come. I now know it isn’t luck, it’s passion. We are shaping our profession driven by the nurses who work in it. If you have any questions about what I do for BVNA, about council in general, or even how to apply to become a council member yourself, please email us: council@bvna.co.uk

Author

Lacey Pitcher

Lacey Pitcher, BVNA Council @ laceythevetnurse2020@outlook.com DOI: 10.1080/17415349.2021.1890413