Comments BVNA NEWS
Following BVNA ' s Chronic Illness survey in 2021 , the organisation has become aware that a large number of VNs have a chronic illness or condition . In the VN Profession Survey 2024 , we explored the level of workplace support available to those living with a chronic illness and those who are neurodivergent .
Some respondents said they would not speak to their colleagues or managers about their condition , and only a small proportion had asked for reasonable adjustments to be made . Respondents cited factors such as the fear of stigma or concern that they would be treated differently and their career would be negatively affected , and some stated that they had been bullied in previous workplaces when they had discussed their condition .
Unfortunately , the term ‘ bullying ’ came up several times in the respondents ' statements , which is disheartening , as a good , open team environment is critical to staff wellbeing and effective patient care .
Of the people who identified themselves as having a condition , only 26 % had asked for and received reasonable adjustments . These included a standing desk , a stool for use when monitoring anaesthetics , ear plugs for use in noisy environments ( such as around barking dogs ) and established break times .
The role of VN
BVNA fully supports the enhancement of the RVN role to maximise the potential of the veterinary nursing profession , and looks forward to a review of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 to make the most of the veterinary team . Although BVNA would prefer a protocoldriven approach to defining the RVN role , we recognise the need for some clarification on the specific tasks that can be carried out under Schedule 3 of the Act .
It was disappointing that the number of respondents carrying out these tasks was relatively low . Only 9 % of the 1,640 who responded were carrying out the removal of soft tissue masses ( not in a body cavity ), 48 % were placing a urinary catheter into the bladder and 19 % were placing a nasogastric tube into the stomach . Based on these responses , there seems to be a lot of missed opportunities for veterinary surgeons ( VSs ) to delegate tasks to VNs , which would give the VSs more time to carry out tasks that only they can do .
The most popular tasks RVNs wanted to be able to carry out were castrating male cats and tooth extraction . However , not everyone wants to complete Schedule 3 tasks , and it is important for RVNs to be able to decline and not feel pressured to carry out tasks they do not feel comfortable with or confident in . Of the respondents , 98 % said they would feel able to decline to carry out a task they did not feel comfortable with .
Protect the Title
Of the people who answered the question ‘ Do you know someone who has not achieved their VN qualification being referred to as a veterinary nurse ?’, 53 % answered that they did . These results are similar to those of the BVNA Protect the Title ( PtT ) survey in 2022 , where 48 % of respondents stated they knew someone using the title inappropriately . Although BVNA has raised awareness of this issue , these results show there is still a lot more work needed to encourage employers to review how they identify their staff roles .
The survey asked participants whether their practice refers to staff members who have not had VN training as ‘ veterinary nurses ’. Of those who responded ‘ yes ’ ( 292 ), the highest proportion worked in the south-east of England ( 19 %), worked in a corporate practice ( 54 %) and worked mainly in the small animal sector ( 70 %).
Untrained staff being referred to as ‘ veterinary nurses ’ made respondents feel undervalued , frustrated and annoyed , with responses including :
• ‘ Feels like the hard work of getting my qualification was not worth it ’
• ‘ Feel stressed due to untrained staff making mistakes ’
• ‘ Sadly , with the qualification unprotected , there is little you can do or say ’.
However , some respondents said they felt that this may have happened more in the past , but not any more , with responses including :
• ‘ Experience counts a lot to the ability of veterinary nurses . The only people I know have been working as VNs for a long time . I am OK with this , but I would not like it if it occurred now with inexperienced people ’
• ‘ Doesn ' t bother me – she is a good “ nurse ”’.
BVNA ' s initial report on the survey , for publication at BVNA Congress 2024 , provides further insights into the VN profession in 2024 , with baseline data that can be referred to in future surveys and reports . It also identifies factors that could improve working practices , direct and support BVNA ' s strategy and future campaigns , and inform professional stakeholders .
Volume 39 ( 5 ) • October 2024
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