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 Sarah Hampton, an RVN based in Northern Ireland, who has recently joined the BVNA Advocate team. Here, Sarah 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 Sarah 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?
I wanted to become a BVNA Advocate because I am passionate about supporting and championing the veterinary nursing profession.
As a lecturer in veterinary nursing, I work closely with both student and qualified nurses, and this has highlighted how important accessible learning opportunities, professional support, and representation are. I am particularly interested in improving nursing standards, welfare, behaviour, and encouraging greater involvement in nurse-led research.
I would love the opportunity to help empower nurses to share ideas, lead projects, and develop confidence in their own careers.
What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your veterinary nursing career?
The biggest lesson I have learned is that veterinary nurses are capable of far more than we sometimes give ourselves credit for.
Throughout my career, and especially now as a lecturer, I have seen firsthand how nurses can lead meaningful change within practice, education, welfare, and research. When given the right support and encouragement, nurses can improve standards, influence patient care, contribute to quality improvement, and inspire others around them. I firmly believe there is no limit to what veterinary nurses can achieve when they are empowered to pursue their passions. Whether that is in clinical nursing, behaviour, welfare, teaching, leadership, or research, our profession has an enormous capacity to shape the future of veterinary care.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with animals, being outdoors, and making time for creative hobbies.
I love artsy activities such as drawing and crochet, which I find really relaxing and a great way to switch off. I am also a huge movie buff and love nothing more than getting lost in a good film or book. Reading and creative activities give me a great balance alongside my professional life and help me recharge.
I also enjoy spending time in nature and walking, which is another important way for me to unwind.
What excites you about the future of veterinary nursing?
What excites me most is the growing recognition of the breadth and value of the veterinary nursing role.
I am encouraged by the increasing opportunities for nurses to develop special interests, pursue further qualifications, and take ownership of areas they are passionate about, whether that is welfare, behaviour, education, leadership, or research. The profession is evolving in such a positive way, with nurses increasingly being recognised as leaders in patient care and advocates for best practice.
I am particularly excited by the future of nurse-led research and evidence-based practice. Supporting nurses to ask questions, investigate new ideas, and contribute to the evidence base of our profession is something I feel strongly about. I believe this will continue to strengthen standards, improve patient outcomes, and inspire the next generation of veterinary nurses.
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