BVNA Council is made up of a team of registered and student veterinary nurses from around the UK, who work tirelessly for BVNA on a voluntary basis.

All Council members share a common desire to represent the veterinary nursing profession, and with complete belief in what veterinary nursing can achieve.

In this blog, we meet Victoria Foulkes, a full (RVN) Council member based in Cheshire. Vic shares why she chose to put herself forwards for BVNA Council, and her experiences from her first year as a Council member.

“Hi, I’m Vic, since qualifying in 2008 I have worked in mixed practice and emergency OOH. I now split my time working as the internal medicine team leader at a busy referral hospital in Cheshire and as a tutor on the level 3 veterinary nursing diploma.”

Why did you choose to put yourself forward to become a BVNA Council member?

“I am deeply passionate about veterinary nursing and increasing awareness of the role of the veterinary nurse, and of what is required to provide high standards of welfare and professionalism within the veterinary sector. This includes the importance of ensuring these high standards of animal care are maintained, and available for current and future generations of VNs.”

What do you enjoy about being a BVNA Council member?

“This is my first year on Council and so it has been and still is a massive learning curve, I am very proud of how much the BVNA does for the veterinary nursing profession and how many other associations they are involved in to give veterinary nurses a voice. I’m currently involved in groups putting together toolkits for clinical coaches and VCAs, as well as helping with this year’s Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month.”

What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your veterinary nursing career?

“It is our job to speak up!”

How do you spend your time outside of work?

“I have several interests outside of work. I had always wanted to keep bees and for my 40th birthday my partner bought me a beehive. With a little care and love this initial colony has now grown to 5 hives. I also enjoy paddleboarding, usually on the lakes around North Wales, as well as Field archery where the courses are set in woodland. I find these hobbies good for both my body and my soul being out in nature and feel it provides an escape from the busy lives we all live these days.”

What excites you about the future of veterinary nursing?

“I’m excited to see how the profession progresses – I’m eager to see the title becoming protected and what opportunities will arise from updating the Veterinary Surgeons Act. I am also passionate about teaching the next generation of nurses, seeing them grow in both their skills and confidence so that they can carry the profession forward.”