Dear Reader

Welcome to the March edition of the VNJ. Hopefully by the time you are reading this, spring will have sprung and the longer days will be producing some much needed daylight. Spring is a season that always fills me with hope and inspires me to think of new beginnings, whilst the majority of the year still lies in wait. This seems like the perfect time to discuss the recent launch of the British Association of Veterinary Nurse Students (BAVNS) to further represent the Veterinary Nursing professions growing student body. Whilst still under the umbrella of the BVNA, BAVNS as an organisation aims to represent, support and guide the student membership beyond that previously offered by simply being a student member of BVNA. BVNA is certain that the involvement of the student representatives on its main council and representative student members from the colleges and universities feeding into BAVNS will make the student members feel more supported. This certainly is a new chapter for our Student Veterinary Nurses and as a representative body it is commendable that BVNA have recognised that the current voices of the Student Veterinary Nurses will be the voices of our RVNs in the future. Certainly here at the VNJ we would definitely be interested to hear from student members regarding what they would like to see in their journal.

Whilst reviewing the proofs for this month’s journal, and reading with interest the articles on canine hypotension and feline early neutering using the quadruple combination protocol, it reminded me how far we have come as a profession in terms of anaesthesia. Whilst I have to confess this is where a large part of my clinical interest lies, it is truly commendable that the profession wishes to discuss and compare protocols and evaluate ways to prevent and treat common adverse events. This demonstrates the true thirst for knowledge and critical analysis that is being evidenced by enquires to the journal, regarding future topics and how to approach writing an article for the first time. Every Student and Registered Veterinary Nurse has an article or research paper inside of them but sometimes it just needs a little coaxing out. So if you are considering writing for us then please do not hesitate to email for further guidance.

This issue of the VNJ appears to have something for everyone and whether your interests lie with our furry, feathered or scaly friends I very much hope you enjoy this edition.

Author

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

VOL 31 • March 2016 • Veterinary Nursing Journal