Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

RCVS survey to address VNs' mental health
The survey aims to understand the mental health issues that veterinary nurses face.
The RCVS is asking for student and newly-qualified veterinary nurses to take part. 

The RCVS has launched a new survey as part of its Mind Matters Initiative (MMI), to help inform future work with the veterinary nursing profession.

Aimed at students and nurses who have qualified within the last two years, the survey aims to collect information about mental health and the veterinary nursing profession, in order to tailor specific events and projects for the profession. The survey is also aimed at the clinical coaches responsible for the practical training of student and newly-qualified veterinary nurses, at RCVS-approved training practices. 

Mind Matters manager, Lisa Quigley, said: “There is a bit of a research gap when it comes to the mental health and wellbeing of veterinary nurses – particularly student VNs – and we are seeking to address this, with this survey being a crucial first step.

“Mind Matters is committed to listening to the people that we want to reach, to help us understand the issues they face and what matters to them, and so if you are a student or newly-qualified vet nurse, or a clinical coach who supports them, we really want to hear from you, whether or not you have had experience of mental ill-health and/or needed support yourself. The survey itself has been developed with the input of veterinary nurses and student veterinary nurses and we are very grateful for their time and effort.

“All the responses will be treated in the strictest confidence but will be used to shape future projects, including an upcoming roundtable event on Student VN wellbeing and the Mind Matters Mental Health Research Symposium.”

Taking between 15-20 minutes to complete, the survey asks several questions surrounding preferred sources of mental health support, levels of support available to access in education and work setting. It also covers levels of stress encountered, discrimination and bullying in both education and work settings, confidence, the impact of the RCVS, and coping strategies for stress and mental ill-health.

The survey is accessible via the Projects section of the Mind Matters website, at vetmindmatters.org

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.