Each year in May, the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) runs Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month (VNAM). The campaign celebrates what it means to be a veterinary nurse, raising awareness of the significant contributions made by veterinary nurses to animal health and welfare, and that of the public too.
This year the theme is Compassion and Empathy. Every day, our Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVN) and our students training to become RVNs express compassion and empathy to their patients, clients and colleagues. At Hollybank Vets we always like to celebrate VNAM by writing about our wonderful RVNs and showcasing what they do on a day to day basis. Below are some photos of what our nurses have been up to this week, and also what a couple of our RVNs had to say about VNAM.
“As a nurse it is within our role to provide compassion to both clients and their pets. This can be done in a number of ways from simply reassuring a client during a stressful time if their pet is unwell or supporting a client through a euthanasia by showing both empathy and sympathy. Even taking a client into a specified euthanasia room or ensuring they come into the practice at a quieter part of the day can go a long way when a client is having to make a difficult decision of letting their pet go. Other ways could be ensuring a client is updated on how their pet is getting on at the hospital if they were in for a procedure or in for the day for example. Small gestures can go a really long way and make the client feel at ease knowing they can trust the team with their beloved pet.” Ellie
“Compassion is a huge role of the veterinary nurse. Whether this be towards patients, clients or other members of the veterinary team, it’s something that veterinary nurses show every day. We may need to be providing advice/reassurance or guidance for a client with a new puppy or kitten, offering support whilst a pet is hospitalised or supporting clients and their pets through the euthanasia process. Veterinary nurses also show compassion to their patients whilst in the hospital. This can mean just providing them company, reassuring cuddles and fuss but also includes assisting those with greater needs e.g. help with feeding, toileting, grooming etc. This often means that the veterinary nurse becomes a familiar face for patients staying in the hospital and they therefore can create a bond with their patients; getting to know their likes and dislikes and therefore tailoring their nursing care accordingly.” Becky
