Candidate offers experience to VN Council
Image: Sue Badger
With voting for the VN Council election underway, candidate Sue Badger discusses the importance of collaboration.
Commenting on the links between human and veterinary medicine, Miss Badger said: "I would like to see work undertaken to foster collaboration between ourselves and our sister profession of 'human' nursing. Many of the basic concepts of patient care are similar… and I believe that we could learn a lot from a close relationship with them."
She also believes it is "critical" that the RCVS and VN Councils work together to "ensure that the regulatory framework for RVNs is fit for purpose."
She added: "The expertise and experience of current members of the VN Council provides a powerful lobbying tool and it is important that the RCVS Council are fully prepared to listen to its advice regarding the actual requirements for the development of a true professional status for veterinary nurses."
Miss Badger commented on the drastic changes the veterinary nursing profession has seen during her working life, and says now is the time to "tak[e] stock of our achievements and plan clear objectives for the future."
She added: "VN Council has worked hard to promote regulation for veterinary nurses since its inception but many veterinary nurses still appear to be unclear as to the finer details of its role.
"Members of the VN Council have played an important role in disseminating information during the RCVS Roadshows but more needs to be done to assuage the concerns of veterinary nurses, especially the significant number of VNs who have not yet become RVNs.
Whilst Miss Badger would "ideally" like to see a VN Council separate from the RCVS, she accepts this is "not feasible at present". However, she believes there could be a need for "a degree of professional autonomy…once veterinary nursing matures as a profession."
Discussing possible changes to the VN Byelaws, Miss Badger said: "I would like to see the principle of accountability extended to all staff that are responsible for nursing care in veterinary practice." She also believes the amendment to Schedule Three should be "changed to reflect the true role of today's veterinary nurse rather than its present focus which is on minor acts of surgery."
Miss Badger concluded by saying: "I represent the face of the mature veterinary nurse and there is a lot to be said for experience! Having taken early retirement from the University of Bristol I would have more time available to devote to the role [of VN Council member] and my time in practice.
"Over two decades of teaching [and] several years as a BVNA Council member have allowed me to gain a real insight into the different aspects of the veterinary nurses's role over nearly forty years."
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
