By Davina Osborne, RSPCA Veterinary Nursing Lead

“This year, the British Veterinary Nursing Association marks its 60th anniversary – a milestone that coincides with a personal one of my own: 30 years as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN).

During May’s Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month, I was honoured to receive a letter of recognition from the RCVS acknowledging this milestone. It prompted some reflection—on the evolution of our profession and the path I’ve taken within it.

My journey began in an era when veterinary nurse training was documented using the now almost mythical ‘little green book.’ I look back on it with a mix of fondness and disbelief—fondness for its simplicity, and disbelief at how rudimental it was compared to today’s standards. Fast forward to now, and the Nursing Progress Log (NPL) stands as a symbol of how far we’ve come. It represents the robust, structured, and professional approach to training that truly reflects the skilled and complex nature of our work.

The introduction of the formal veterinary nursing register in 2007 was a significant step forward too. Prior to this, there was a lack of clarity and distinction between veterinary nurses and lay staff and it was not uncommon for Veterinary Care Assistants to carry out tasks that would now fall strictly within the remit of RVNs. The title of Veterinary Nurse may still not be legally protected, but in my experience, it is becoming widely respected and valued—earned through professional competence, compassion, and the trust of both the profession and the public.

In the early years of my career with the RSPCA, the work was relentless. At our Birmingham hospital-effectively a charity A&E, we operated in an environment that was fast-paced, high volume, and emergency driven. From domestic pets to wildlife casualties, the theatre was always busy, and the learning curve was steep. We developed exceptional skills through necessity and teamwork. Looking back, I’m proud of what we achieved, though I recognise that compromises were inevitable in the face of overwhelming demand.

Today, the RSPCA’s veterinary work has evolved significantly, focussing exclusively on cases of cruelty and neglect which enables us to concentrate our expertise and compassion where it’s needed most—supporting the RSPCAs vital work and in rehabilitating the most vulnerable animals. For veterinary nurses, this aligns closely with our core identity: we are, above all else, advocates for animal welfare. We are the voice of the animal.

Throughout my career, the RSPCA has been a constant—a grounding and stabilising force that has allowed me to pursue what I value most: animal-centred care, patient advocacy, and professional growth. As a proud charity nurse, my approach is rooted in shelter medicine, which enables us to reach the greatest number of animals while still prioritising individual welfare outcomes.

Now, in my role as Veterinary Nursing Lead, I’m privileged to support RVNs across our national network. My focus is on championing consistent, high standards of care, modernising the role of the charity  nurse, and ensuring our nurses are equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive. This includes fostering expertise in shelter medicine, animal welfare assessment tools, and advocacy for stray, wild, and welfare-compromised animals who rely on us to speak for them. This reflects the RSPCA’s strong commitment to the veterinary nursing profession by recognising the importance of establishing a Veterinary Nursing Lead role and dedicating efforts to championing standardised nursing practices across our extensive network of sites.

People often ask if I feel I’ve missed out by staying with one organisation throughout my career. The answer is simple: absolutely not. I consider myself incredibly fortunate—I found my place early on and have grown within a charity that has both challenged and inspired me.

Working for such a well-known charity as the RSPCA has opened doors to opportunities that go far beyond the traditional role of a veterinary nurse. I’ve had the privilege of taking part in media interviews, featured in children’s animal magazines, and even met A-list celebrities while appearing on the RSPCA Give a Pet a Home show in 2015.

Today, my role is about creating a wider impact—exhibiting at the BVNA Congress to engage with the veterinary nursing community, promoting animal-centred care, and encouraging every nurse to listen to the animal’s voice in all we do. By empowering Registered Veterinary Nurses to take a leading role in animal welfare, we strengthen our profession’s influence and impact. The RSPCA has shaped me as a nurse, a leader, and an advocate.

Veterinary nurses display their badges with pride—symbols not only of our learning but of our identity and commitment. Thirty years on, I’m as proud as ever to wear mine.”