During May 2025, the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) led the veterinary profession and the public in celebrating Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month (VNAM). The campaign also coincided with the association’s diamond 60th year since its launch, taking on a theme of ‘Progression’ to reflect the ever-evolving skillset and career pathways of veterinary nurses.

An important part of each VNAM is BVNA’s annual competition. In 2025, the competition adopted a special “diamond” theme – and BVNA invited individuals, veterinary teams, friends and family, and pet owners/caregivers to nominate the RVN and SVN “diamonds” in their practice.

The two competition winners and two runners-up are:

Winners

  • Individual: Jessica Dawe

“Jess is the deputy head nurse of Nine Mile Veterinary Hospital and is genuinely the backbone of the practice. She is very heavily relied on by the team, and takes it within her stride. Whether you are a nurse, a vet, a PCA, a receptionist, a client, or a patient, she is always there for help, support and guidance. Every day, she comes in with a smile and puts in 100%, no matter the challenges faced the day before. Jess does not give herself the credit she deserves, as she is an amazing veterinary nurse, colleague, manager and friend to everyone. Her resilience, modesty, knowledge and clinical skills are admirable and we would be lost without her, and therefore, Jess is very much the diamond in our practice.”

  • Team: The veterinary nursing team at ChesterGates Veterinary Specialists

“Our exceptional nursing team covers all areas of the practice. Many of our nurses have advanced post graduate qualifications, and have showed career progression by specialising in their chosen area. Without our nurses, our team of specialist veterinary surgeons would be unable to provide the gold standard care our patients deserve. Nurses have diversified and excelled as clinical coordinators, heads of department, clinical coaches and quality improvement champions. They pass this knowledge and expertise on by volunteering to speak at CPD events for their colleagues or by visiting referral practices to deliver CPD sessions. They truly are a team that exemplifies what it is to be an RVN in 2025 as our social media video shows.”

Competition Runners-Up

  • Individual: Claire Mortimore

Claire has been an integral part of the Caerphilly Veterinary Clinic team since 2016. Her gentle approach, depth of knowledge, and unwavering compassion have made a lasting difference to both the animals we treat and the clients who trust us with their care.

In December 2024, Claire received a diagnosis of breast cancer, and she has been off work since. Despite facing such a life-changing challenge, Claire has demonstrated remarkable resilience and bravery. Her positivity, courage, and determination to overcome her diagnosis are truly inspirational to all of us.

We are incredibly proud of Claire, not only for her professional achievements, but also for the strength she continues to show in the face of adversity. She represents everything this award stands for: dedication, compassion, and resilience. We hope her journey and spirit can be recognised and celebrated through this nomination.”

  • Team: The veterinary nursing team at York Vets4Pets

“I would like to nominate my whole nursing team at York Vets4Pets. Under the excellent management of our Head RVN Sarah, they do an amazing job everyday. Amy, Paige, Aisling, Caitlin, Emily and Emily show a level of teamwork and dedication second to none. They are the heart and soul of the practice, taking care of the clients, patients and our student nurse Lauren every day. I am hugely grateful for their support to the rest of the team too. They are constantly improving and using their skills to ensure the best level of clinical care we can. They offer consults as well as surgical and inpatient care. They are truly the best group of nurses and deserve to be recognised for all of the work that they do. They are all definitely diamonds!”

BVNA President Lyndsay Hughes commented:

“At BVNA, we are delighted with the response we have had to this year’s VNAM competition. It has been a wonderful opportunity to highlight so many of the “diamonds” in the VN profession, who champion the VN role, animal welfare, colleagues, and pet caregivers in their work every single day.

“The entries we have received have inspired and energised us, and we hope it’s been a real boost to all those who have been nominated too. It was incredibly difficult to judge the entries and shortlist our deserving winners and runners up, and we’d like to thank everyone to took the time to nominate their VN “diamonds”.

“Thank you to everyone who participated and played their part during this year’s VNAM, which was especially important to us in 2025 taking place during BVNA’s 60th year. Your continued efforts are crucial to raise further awareness of the incredible work that veterinary nurses do, along with the significant impact they have on animal welfare, and in supporting veterinary teams and their clients.”