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 Bronwyn Bailey, a Student Council member currently in her final year of her veterinary nursing degree. Here, Bronwyn discusses her experiences of volunteering as a BVNA Council member, and what she is looking forward to in the future of veterinary nursing.

Find out more about how we’re working to represent the veterinary nursing profession at: http://bvna.org.uk/

“Hi! My name’s Bronwyn and I’m one of the BVNA’s Student Council Members. I’m currently in my last year of study for my veterinary nursing degree, and therefore my last year on council. I’ve taken many placement opportunities including those in referral, hospitals, first opinion and shelter medicine, having a soft spot for referral medicine.”

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

“I saw a previous Student Council member posting about their position, and as the voice for veterinary nurses, I wanted to be a part of elevating the voices of our profession! I think if you want to see change, in any instance, you have to be part of that change, and so that’s why I put myself forward to become a BVNA Council member.”

Tell us about the working groups you currently represent BVNA on:

“I represent the BVNA in the Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) taskforce, focused on promoting mental wellbeing within the veterinary industry. I have joined the group relatively recently, so when I’ve got my feet stuck in, I’ll be happy to share more about my experience!”

What do you enjoy about being a BVNA Council Member?

“I enjoy being one of the first people to know about changes in the profession, as well as being part of change for the better, including the Protect the Title campaign and the Diversity, Inclusivity and Widening Participation working group. Whilst doing so, I’ve gotten to work alongside incredible veterinary nurses and learnt about their journeys, which boosted my love for veterinary nursing by being surrounded such passionate and positive individuals, with such diverse roles.”

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

“There are so many opportunities for us. Not only can we branch into referral, hospitals, and other settings, we can branch out within first opinion, specialising in (including but not limited to) consults and anaesthesia. However, we can also do many jobs all at once, including being a phlebotomist, anaesthetist, scrub nurse, ICU inpatient care, radiographer, laboratory technician, and that is only the start. Our opportunities are limitless!”

How do you spend your time outside of work and studying?

“I am in a bout of reading at the moment, so spend most of my spare time with my nose in a book. If I’m not in a book, I’m campaigning for the human and animal rights, practicing photography, and taking care of myself through the gym and other self-care activities I see fit.”

What excites you about the future of veterinary nursing?

“More than ever before, there is a clear focus on evidence-based medicine. As someone who is currently writing a dissertation, this enlivens me greatly. We are forever increasing the standard of care for our patients, and I am so proud to be part of this community. Speaking of community, I have sensed an increased drive to look out for each other, as well as ourselves. The climate is tough right now, but the veterinary community is showing up and out for each other, which is wonderful to see. I look forward to seeing what my colleagues do with our profession!”