always a vet nurse video
IVC Evidensia Shines A Light On Brilliant Vet Nurses With ‘Always A Vet Nurse’ Video
12 months ago 
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For this Vet Nurse Awareness Month (VNAM), IVC Evidensia have produced a video celebrating vet nurses and the varied roles that they take on during their careers. It starts with the line, “I am so much more than just a vet nurse”.
This comes after several dynamic training strategies have been launched by the UK’s leading veterinary group, including a new VCA training programme, satellite learning for Vet Nurses and an upcoming Referral Nurse Development Programme, due to be announced soon.
The theme for this year’s VNAM is ‘Empowerment’, and the hope is that this video will shine a light on all the roles that vet nurses occupy in their careers, including being “a clinician, a friend, a mentor, a coach, a leader, an innovator, a lifesaver.”
Jessica Hotchin, Acting Chair of the IVC Evidensia Nurse Board, commented on the creation of the video:
“In making the video, we wanted to make IVC Evidensia vet nurses feel supported in their roles, whilst showcasing the development and career opportunities open to them.
“Whatever exciting path they choose in their nursing career, whether that's specialising or generalising, working in practice or moving to a management position, we're here to support them every step of the way.”
Footage included in the video features many vet nurses within the IVC Evidensia family describing their specific roles, which include being a Clinical Manager, a Farm Tech, a Referrals Nurse, a Student Nurse, an ECC Nurse, a Consulting Nurse, an Equine Nurse and a Mental Health First Aider.
You can see the full video here: https://youtu.be/qFMC2z6kCTs
Always a Vet Nurse
Participants in the inspiring video all had a hand in making it a success and have shared their personal journeys as Vet Nurses and what advice they would give to those thinking of pursuing a similar career path.
Emma Maidment, the ECC Nurse featured in the video, elaborated on her experiences and career as a Vet Nurse:
“I have been a Veterinary Nurse for 34 years plus my 2 years as a trainee nurse and I still enjoy my job as no two days are the same and even after all this time there are new cases to be seen.
“Since Covid I have been working locum shifts for Vets Now, which has expanded my ECC Knowledge and is something I plan to continue in the future, as I enjoy the fast pace of the work and the shift content is so varied.
“If someone was considering becoming a nurse, I would advise them to do some work experience in a variety of practices to make sure it is the right career for them.”
The Clinical Manager in the video, Chrissie Poke, had this to say about her career progress:
“I have been a RVN for 12 years and worked in the veterinary industry for 16 years. I have been at CHVG (Clent Hills Vet Group) since 2014, I became Branch head nurse after few years and then Head Nurse of CHVG in 2019.
“I have recently progressed to Clinical Manager, and I love my work with animals. However, where I take most pride is in helping others develop their skills and allowing them the opportunities. This is why I wanted to progress to management to help make those changes possible.
“My advice to someone interested in a veterinary nurse career is to get as much exposure and experience in practice prior to starting training so you can really see what it is like and what is expected.
“If you can get a job as a VCA this will massively help you get a better understanding of patient care and day to day veterinary so that when you start your vet nurse training, you can relate in back to what you have done or seen in practice.
“Also never be afraid to ask a question, we have all been there and know how it feels to think is a silly question - it never is!”
Vet Nurses take the spotlight in 2023
Aside from being a celebration of vet nurses in all forms, the video also highlights the contribution nurses make to the industry and how they are very much the bedrock of practices operating in the UK today.
To that end, IVC Evidensia created a Nurse Board in 2021 to further the commitment they have of developing and empowering vet nurses.
The board is made up of vet nurses from across the UK, all in various stages of their careers, from student nurses all the way up to Head Nurses who have decades of experience in their respective fields.
To find out about Vet Nurses in IVC Evidensia and the Nurse Board, you can head to the website here.
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