In 2023, we launched our team of ‘BVNA Advocates’, a role which has evolved from our network of regional volunteers. The Advocate team is made up of seven enthusiastic and proactive RVNs, from a variety of different backgrounds and career paths, who engage with the profession to organise online and in-person CPD on behalf of BVNA.
In this blog, we meet Kay Eminson, an RVN based in Suffolk, who has recently joined the BVNA Advocate team. Here, Kay discusses her career path so far, along with why she chose to apply to become a BVNA Advocate, and what excites her about the future of veterinary nursing.
We’re so pleased to have Kay on board, and look forward to introducing her to members via in-person and online CPD events in the coming months!
Want to suggest a CPD topic for a future BVNA Advocate event? Contact us at bvna@bvna.co.uk.
Why did you choose to put yourself forward to become a BVNA Advocate?
“My current role as a senior nurse at Debenham Veterinary Practice, leading the induction, learning and development of new members of the nursing team has helped to highlight a gap of learning opportunities in the East of England.
After taking my Research Bites project to BVNA Congress in 2024 I was inspired to help support my local nursing community and help empower nurses to lead webinars, talks and new research projects within their own workplace.”
What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your veterinary nursing career?
“There is no limit to what you can do within your role if you put your mind to it. Nurses can help facilitate and lead change, improve standards, teach and inspire.
Take a moment to look at the RCVS QI awards and you’ll see so many inspiring projects and audits ran by nurses and with a forward-thinking team and supportive employer nurses can branch into all areas of the veterinary industry. I currently work with a nurse who has just completed her masters in veterinary anaesthesia, a nurse who has outstanding skills in cytology, nurses writing for publications and nurses leading a whole host of internal audits for improvement.”
How do you spend your time outside of work?
“I am currently learning to sail, my husband and I own a 26ft sailing yacht which we have on the River Deben and having no previous experience I am enjoying learning knots, navigation and hoisting the sails!
We have 6 rescue chickens which I enjoy learning more about, a cat and a black labrador.
My favourite place to walk is in the peak district which we visit every year, Suffolk is very flat so I enjoy being able to get up the peaks and be surrounded by amazing views.”
What excites you about the future of veterinary nursing?
“With the right support and learning, veterinary nurses have so many avenues of opportunities. Since qualifying I have noticed a positive change and nurses are now more commonly encouraged to pursue their interests and go into specialisms rather than begrudge working in certain areas, some of us enjoy nurse consultations and some not so much, some nurses enjoy being a scrub nurse and others not – the development of certificates and merit awards have allowed nurses to grow in areas they have passion about, I hope this passion means we stay within the industry longer and pass our passion onto the next generation. The future of these awards is ever changing and helping to facilitate the growth of nurses and the industry.”
View our upcoming CPD events, including regional and online events organised by our BVNA Advocate team, on the BVNA website here; https://members.bvna.org.uk/events