In this blog for Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month, BVNA Council Member Krishna Mistry discusses how veterinary nursing has evolved dramatically over the past decade. The profession now offers diverse career paths, including specialisms, leadership roles, education, research, and practice ownership. Yet, for these opportunities to be accessible to all, we must continue to champion representation, mentorship, and inclusivity.

Find out more about VNAM here, and how you can get involved this year.

As a first-generation student entering further education, my journey into veterinary nursing was shaped by opportunity, compassion, and encouragement, but also by uncertainty. Coming from a background that is underrepresented within the veterinary profession, I did not grow up seeing people like me in this field. From visiting the local practice with the family dog as a child, or to attending congress, those speaking and representing the profession did not reflect me. Representation matters, whether we realise it or not. When you don’t see yourself reflected in a profession, it can be harder to imagine that you belong, or to believe that your voice has value once you arrive.

For me, the difference was made by those around me who chose empathy over assumption, kindness over judgment, and support over silence. They recognised my potential, celebrated my successes, and encouraged me to pursue opportunities that I might not have considered otherwise. The head nurse at the practice I gained work experience at, my school careers councillor, my lecturers along the way, my colleagues and family. These were people who lifted me up simply by believing in me, and by doing so, they changed the trajectory of my career.

At its core, this is what compassion and empathy look like in our profession, not just in how we care for patients, but in how we care for each other.

Now, as a veterinary nurse with experience in both clinical practice and education, I strive to be that person for others who follow. I aim to pull up a seat at the table for the next generation, helping them see that they too can belong and thrive. Creating a space where empathy, kindness and compassion is given to all to help amplify their talents, their voice and their impact.

Representation goes beyond simply “seeing someone like you.” It’s about feeling included, knowing that your perspective can influence practice, and recognising that your contributions matter. Veterinary nursing, like many professions, has historically struggled with diversity at clinical levels, senior levels, in leadership, and within education. This can make it difficult for aspiring nurses from underrepresented backgrounds to see a clear pathway forward. By actively supporting and mentoring students, sharing experiences, and advocating for inclusivity, we can help change that.

Kindness and empathy are powerful because they are practical, personal, and human. It can be as simple as encouraging a student to ask questions in theatre, supporting a colleague through a critical case, or providing constructive feedback that builds confidence rather than doubt. Creating a space that embraces diversity, curiosity and empowering others to push beyond the barriers of their own perceived limits.

The exchanging of knowledge can not only benefit ourselves but those around us. Working with students and colleagues from different backgrounds continually challenges me to reflect on my own practice, assumptions, and biases. It strengthens my ability to advocate for patients, colleagues, and the profession. In this way, supporting others doesn’t just change their journey, it enriches our collective practice, ensuring we provide compassionate, effective care to every patient and client that comes through our doors.

Veterinary nursing has evolved dramatically over the past decade. The profession now offers diverse career paths, including specialisms, leadership roles, education, research, and practice ownership. Yet, for these opportunities to be accessible to all, we must continue to champion representation, mentorship, and inclusivity. By pulling up a seat at the table for those who follow, we help ensure that the next generation of veterinary nurses can see themselves reflected, feel empowered, and have the confidence to contribute their voices and ideas.

Together with empathy and compassion, we can help shape a profession where everyone belongs, and everyone has the chance to thrive.

Krishna Mistry, BVNA Council Member