Dear Reader

I wish you a warm welcome to this month’s edition of the Veterinary Nursing Journal, as the new Deputy Editor for the VNJ, replacing Sam Morgan, who has been at the helm over recent years. I would like to express my gratitude and admiration to Sam in her support of the VNJ and its content through hard-work and dedication.

Naturally, you may be asking who I am and how I found myself in this position. I graduated from the University of Lincoln with a Bachelor’s degree in Bioveterinary Science and soon after I started my veterinary nursing career completing my studies with Derbyshire-based, Bottle Green Training. I have worked in a variety of small animal clinics, experiencing a wide-ranging caseload and a growing enthusiasm for the nursing care of exotic species and emergency work. I can often be found at CPD events supporting this interest and read around these subjects, which is part of why I am passionate about the VNJ.

In my current role I lecture on a wide range of veterinary units at Halesowen College, this includes anaesthesia, pharmacy, diagnostic imaging and my major passion, anatomy and physiology. I have a science background which combined with my educational and veterinary interests, allows me to develop my students’ knowledge and support their practices in training the next generation of veterinary nurses. It is this knowledge transfer which I am hugely passionate about. We as a profession can only be as strong as our nursing colleagues.

The diversification and development of the veterinary nurse role is something I am keen to promote, along with inclusivity within the profession and retention of existing nursing superheroes (yes you!), which lead to me being elected on to the BVNA Council. I am privileged to be a voice for our profession as a BVNA Council Member. I am often seen at veterinary events and last year was privileged to walk in Manchester’s pride march, alongside the British Veterinary LGBT + community, promoting inclusivity within the profession. I am proud of my involvement with the BVNA, I am in awe of my council colleagues. We are a diverse range of veterinary nurses, with a diverse interest in veterinary nursing.

In March’s VNJ we have some impressive pieces on surgical nursing of cat bite abscesses and nursing leadership.

With the new year upon us, many of us will have already given up our New Year’s resolutions. My New Year’s resolution is to cover a wider range of topics for my CPD. If you want some inspiration there is an opportunity to take a place on the BVNA’s great value Oral Care Certificate, which begins in March 2019. Here is the link to the course for further information and to register: http://www.localhost:10018/cpd/oral-care-nurse-certificate

Having recently completed the course, I can vouch that it is excellent value for the high quality of learning available. For me the best part was being able to take this knowledge into practice and improve my patients’ oral hygiene.

Best Wishes,

Author

Gareth McCormack BSc (Hons) RVN

VOL 34 • March 2019 • Veterinary Nursing Journal