VN Week starts here!

Today marks the start of National Veterinary Nurses Week (12-18 November), an initiative from the British Veterinary Nursing Association to help raise awareness amongst the public of the important role that veterinary nurses play.

The need for an increased public profile for veterinary nurses ties in with recent RCVS activity aimed at promoting the standing of the Registered Veterinary Nurse.

The BVNA hopes that the week will build on the success of National VN Day 2006 with a range of regional events organised by members.

It will culminate in a "Health Checks in the Park" event, where a team of veterinary nurses, with the support of a veterinary surgeon, will be on hand to answer the public's queries about caring for their pets, whilst educating them about the role of veterinary nurses. This event will take place on 17 November from 10am-3pm in Kensington Gardens, London, and the BVNA expects it to generate regional and national media coverage.

RCVS VN Council Vice-Chairman Dot Creighton said: "It is very much in the interests of the public and their animals if there is a greater understanding about the training and role of veterinary nurses, especially Registered Veterinary Nurses, so that we are not confused with support staff in the practice.  

"Initiatives such as the National VN Week should help clients become better informed about the treatment and care their pets are receiving, and from whom".

More information about how to get involved can be found on the BVNA website.