Dear Reader

Welcome to the August edition of the VNJ. This issue is a slightly sad one for me as it is my last as editor-in-chief but it marks yet another milestone for the journal. A whole three years has passed since I became editor-in-chief and to say that this has flown would be an understatement. It is a privilege to be a Registered Veterinary Nurse and to be fortunate enough to lecture on subjects close to my heart, but nothing quite compares to the responsibility of providing CPD in journal format for the veterinary nursing community. My colleagues at Taylor and Francis have been so very valuable and supportive in what has been a challenging, yet fun, learning curve. So, thank you all at Taylor and Francis, I now know more than I thought possible about the publishing process!

Whilst there may have been challenges along the way, I am extremely proud of what the VNJ team have achieved in the last three years, and especially the continued progression that the journal has made year on year. I’m sure you will agree that the VNJ continues to strive towards a more evidenced based Veterinary Nursing and One Health approach which was my vision when this journey began.

There have been many changes for the VNJ in the last three years with the most significant being the introduction of the double-blind peer review process. We could not have done this without the amazing editorial board who voluntarily give up their time to review articles, commission authors, and help steer the journal forwards. Thank you all for everything, the last three years would not have been possible without your dedication to the journal and passion to make the VNJ a truly professional journal.

I have very much enjoyed my time with the journal but all good things must come to an end and this is the end of the three-year tenure for the position. Thank you to the BVNA and to you, the readership, for entrusting me with your journal, and I hope you can see the in-roads the team has made in keeping up with an ever-changing, evidence based profession. I leave you in the very safe hands of Stacey Blease who is not only the new editor- in-chief but is also the recently appointed Head of Learning and Development for the BVNA. I wish Stacey and the BVNA every success with the journal moving forwards and I am sure that there are many more exciting things in store as the journal evolves.

Remember to continue to pause in the crazy busy world of veterinary medicine and look after yourselves and your colleagues. Thank you again to everybody involved in the journal including the authors who have produced some amazing articles over the last three years. It has been a privilege and an honour to work with you all.

That just leaves me to say “Goodbye” and I wish you all the best for the future.

Author

Sam McMillan BSc(Hons) VTS(Anesthesia/Analgesia) DipAVN RVN

VOL 33 • August 2018 • Veterinary Nursing Journal