Nikki Ruedisueli , RVN | VNJ Editor | nicola @ bvna . co . uk
The nights are finally getting lighter and we are heading into spring . It ' s my favourite time of year , when the trees and flowers are budding and everything feels like it ' s raring to go .
Unfortunately , spring is also the time of year when fleas and ticks become more active , so this issue is packed with information about these pesky parasites . We also take a look at the effects of canine obesity and how to combat weight gain in dogs ( page 18 ). On page 22 we investigate variations in the volume of dead space in needle / syringe combinations to determine whether recommendations to use a standard wastage volume are appropriate . On page 30 you ' ll find a fascinating article on the triage of injured coastal and marine wildlife .
In the last issue we teased you with some data from the Protect the Title survey , part of our ongoing campaign to protect the title of ‘ veterinary nurse ’. Our senior vice president Alex Taylor explains why BVNA is so passionate about maintaining the pressure needed to achieve our goal of improving respect for the role of veterinary nurse .
Alex says : “ BVNA wanted to lead the campaign for Protect the Title for three main reasons . Firstly , we felt it was important to support the legislative changes to the Veterinary Surgeons Act with some data and a strong voice , as the proposed changes will give more responsibilities to veterinary nurses . Secondly , we wanted to raise public awareness of the veterinary nurse ' s role and those who look after their pets . It was helpful that so many owners completed our survey , as most of them assumed it is a trained veterinary nurse looking after their animals . Thirdly , BVNA felt it was important to represent the veterinary nursing profession and what matters to you . The majority of veterinary nurses who answered the survey said protecting the title ‘ veterinary nurse ’ would improve attitudes towards the profession and their daily working lives .”
We will continue to keep the pressure on by contributing to important working parties and by lobbying parliament until we achieve protected status . Keep an eye on BVNA ' s social media to stay up to date on how we are progressing .
Don ' t forget to check out the 50th BVNA Congress programme in the last issue of VNJ . You can also find details about the event and early bird tickets online at : www . bvna . org . uk / congress .
One of the many regular Congress highlights you can look forward to this year is Research Bites . This is an opportunity for you to submit an interesting case study , audit or research you have completed recently . Check out the BVNA website to see how to submit an abstract to Research Bites , or email Charlotte Bullard at charlotte @ bvna . co . uk .
May is Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month ( VNAM ) so , if you haven ' t already prepared an event , check out some of the ideas and information on the BVNA website . Our president Charlotte Pace ' s theme for this year is empowerment so , during May , we ' ve arranged several webinars to help empower you in your daily role , and you ' ll also find an article about empowerment from the BVNA Members Advisory Service ( BMAS ) on page 6 .
Finally , if the emergence of spring has you itching ( sorry if your mind went back to fleas !) to get into the garden , go straight to our interview about horticultural therapy with Julia Durbin on page 8 before you head out into the spring sunshine .
Enjoy the issue !
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Volume 38 ( 2 ) • April 2023
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