How are you getting involved in promoting Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month 2016?

This month sees the celebration of our Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month (VNAM) 2016 campaign which runs throughout May.

After the rejection of the veterinary nurse title protection by the Government and the recent BVA survey that shows the general public do not understand the role of the Veterinary Nurse, it would very easy for us to just give up. However, that is not what we are about, we are all proud to be registered veterinary nurses and we should use Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month to shout about it.

We have witnessed an overwhelming increase over the past few years of practices and colleges signing up online for a free display pack to promote our amazing profession, so we hope 2016 will be our biggest and best!

Practices and colleges throughout the UK are invited to join us in spreading the word about the importance of the role of the veterinary nurse in practice and the provision of responsible pet care to the general public.

Think about everything you could do to show your clients and local community what amazing veterinary nurses we are, how much we know in order to provide the best welfare for their pets both inside and outside of the Veterinary Practice.

Whether its designing your practice waiting room notice boards to show off the wide range of skills we possess or its organising a careers event to inspire the potential veterinary nurses of the future, you can even set up a ‘pet chat’ in your local park or community centre. Whatever you choose to show off your skills, just do it!

Show your inner Superhero this May!

There have been many different events over the years, including a sponsored dog walk, pet health checks in the park, a charity ball and even sky-diving! We can’t wait to see what fantastic ideas you have come up with for this year! Don’t forget it doesn’t matter how big or small your event is, it’s the taking part that counts!

Please join us in spreading the word of how amazing the veterinary nursing profession is!

You can also take part in our 2016 competition which will consist of the following 3 categories:

   Best Display ‘Showing the role of the Registered Veterinary Nurse’

   Best Event ‘Promoting awareness and the role of the RVN to the general public’

   Best Pet Selfie

There will be winner and runner-up prizes for each of the above categories.

To find out more, receive a free promotional display pack or to register your entry please visit www.vnawarenessmonth.co.uk

You can also post any events you are organising during May via our dedicated National Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/National-Veterinary-Nursing-Awareness-Month-479013145478240/

BVNA will be at the London Pet Show again this year, on stand A820 within the Animal Zone – so if you are there please pop by and say hello! We will be offering a 10% discount on all membership applications and renewals.

Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 31 • May 2016