Doreen Lawrence RVN qualified as a Registered Animal Nursing Auxiliary (RANA) 52 years ago, having begun her training in 1970 at the age of 15.

Now at the age of 70, Doreen still proudly works as an RVN in telemedicine as Senior Quality Assurance Manager for The Vet Connection. In this blog, Doreen reflects on her journey into the VN profession, a career that has so far lasted 55 years (and counting!)

During BVNA’s 60th anniversary celebrations, we’d love to hear from our members past and present with their memories and reflections on how far the profession has come. Please feel free to share any stories and photos you would be happy for us to publish, to bvna@bvna.co.uk.

“I joined my first practice straight from school on 29th May 1970 at the age of 15 on the princely wage of £6 10s (6.50) a week, with 2 weeks holiday a year. I sometimes wonder how I managed to pass the interview stage as even by the standards of the late 1960’s I was very young, shy and innocent and had no experience with animals at all.

“I took the Preliminary exam on 6th December 1971 at the same time as another nurse at the practice, after which we decided we needed some more intensive tutoring for the final so we applied to the only residential Animal Nursing Course in the country at that time.

Doreen with her cohort of VN students, Berkshire College 1973, and reunited in 2000

“Berkshire College of Agriculture offered a 6-month course for the preliminary exam and a 3-month course for the finals, and so in April 1973 we set off for Hall Place in Maidenhead full of enthusiasm. On arrival, we were met by 8 other vet nursing students and 100 male agricultural students. Our nursing tutor was Caroline Franklin and I remember thinking was a fabulous job that would be and aspiring to be like her. I found it amazing that a mere animal nurse could be a lecturer at a college. At that time this was the pinnacle of success for a vet nurse – there were no other opportunities as the profession was yet to be recognised properly, and employers were still deeply suspicious of the qualification – if they were aware of it at all.

“I received the letter telling me I’d been successful in the Final exam on 24th July 1973. Five of us returned to the College for a reunion in 2000 – but only 3 of us were still working in practice, and at the time of writing, I am the only one still working in the profession.

“Having left Berkshire College, I applied for a job with a one vet/one nurse practice. This particular vet had a reputation for being awkward and had worked his way through several non-qualified assistants, but after coping with the vet from hell in my first practice this was a walk in the park. However, I do vividly remember him laughing at me during my interview when I said proudly that I was a RANA. When I explained what the letters stood for, he intimated what a lot of nonsense he thought that was and said he just wanted the job done properly and we’d get along fine.

“I count myself very lucky indeed to be able to continue using my qualification and experience working for a lovely company who do amazing work providing 24/7 veterinary telehealth services. This will be my 18th year with The Vet Connection, and my current role as Senior Quality Assurance Manager keeps me very busy.

“I’d give anything to knock a few years off and be able to pursue some of the amazing opportunities veterinary nurses now have. So many ways to progress their qualifications, and so many job opportunities – not just nursing but teaching, research, business – all avenues open to RVNs now. To someone who started 55 years ago it’s mind boggling to see what an amazing career path it now offers.”

Thank you so much, Doreen, for providing us with an insight into your journey into the profession – keep an eye out for a future blog where Doreen also reflects on some of her most memorable experiences in practice during her career!

In recognition of BVNA’s 60th anniversary, you can find more stories from the profession here; https://bvna.org.uk/blog/category/bvna-is-60/