Congratulations to all the winners and runners-up of our 2020 VNAM Competition!

The BVNA is once again overjoyed with the response to this years Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month campaign.

The campaign ran for the month of May and was supported with daily posts and shares on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. These called for veterinary nurses to submit videos, posters and photos that showed their roles, stories, career progression, diversification, special interests etc.

Nurses and pet owners were also challenged to get involved in 3 main ways:

  • Design a digital poster or infographic ‘Showing the role of the Veterinary Nurse’
  • Record a short educational video of 5 minutes or less that helps pet owners care for their pets
  • Take a picture of your pet and complete the sentence “I love my Vet Nurse because…..”

These 3 challenges were taken on with gusto and we have really enjoyed seeing everyone’s efforts!

Category A for Vet Nurses | Design a digital poster or infographic ‘Showing the role of the Veterinary Nurse’ 

Winner – Emma Myers

Runners Up – Louise Mathews, Heather Sparks, Hannah Langley, Carmen Griffiths and Amy Williams

Category B for Vet Nurses | Record a short educational video of 5 minutes or less that helps pet owners care for their pets

Winner – Joy Shutt – “Caring for senior cats at home!”

Runners Up – Paige Roberts – “Top tips to help with firework fear!”, Leanne Price – “Why can’t my pet eat that?” and Chloe Little – “How to clip your cats nails at home!”

Category C for Pet Owners | Take a picture of your pet and complete the sentence “I love my Vet Nurse because…..”

Winner – Michelle Gill

“My name is Megan, I’m 12 and I want to tell you why I love Lora D’Alesio at Valley Vets Cardiff.

I don’t like going to the vet. It makes my grumpy and a bit snappy and Mum and Dad always have to hold me tight whilst I’m in there. I can’t wait to leave.

In December, my Mum and Dad became really sad. They said I had Lymphoma and they were going to get me treatment for it with something called CHOP protocol.

In January I was very ill and had to be admitted to the vet hospital and stayed the night. Mum and Dad came in the next day and we sat down and spoke to a vet called Gregg who said he was going to administer CHOP over 25 weeks. My Mum and Dad were worried as they know I’m grumpy and snappy at the vets.

I had to commence treatment that day as I was very ill and they introduced my to Lora. She was nice and she gave me treats. Gregg put needles in me and Lora sat and talked to me giving me treats and fussing me – I liked Lora.

From then on I had to go to the vet most weeks for treatment, then every other. I’m on week 21 this week.

Lora and I became friends. I look forward to seeing her and what treats she has each week. I am always a good girl for Gregg during treatment as Lora takes good care of me. I actually like Gregg now but I don’t always let on that I do.

During my treatment, Mummy tells me that the Hospital was flooded and we had to go to a different branch for 2 months. There has also been a pandemic but I’ve still had treatment and Mummy and Lora wear face masks. I don’t though and I get treats still.

My Mummy says Lora is special person and I know I wouldn’t have had treatment if she hadn’t won me over and become my friend.

I owe my life to Lora and would love her to be recognised for going that extra mile. She also has a good choice in treats. Because of Lora, I will be 13 on June 24th. My Mummy didn’t expect me to make it but I will now. I hope I get some treats on my birthday. Forever grateful!”

Runners Up – Amy Roberts, Caroline Seignot, Charlotte McGinn-Smith, Gail Gibson, H Battersby-Sword, Justine and Steve Cumming, Neil Homer-Forbes, Rachel Sheldon, Sophie Martin and Natalie Lord

The lucky winners and runners up will receive ‘Love to Shop’ or ‘Just Eat’ vouchers ranging in value from £25-£200!