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

BVNA launches Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month 2025
BVNA president Lyndsay Hughes has launched VNAM 2025.

The organisation is celebrating its diamond anniversary.
 
Ahead of Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month (VNAM) in May, organisers BVNA are calling on the profession to champion veterinary nurses and raise public awareness of their important role.

As BVNA marks its 60th anniversary year, the theme of this year’s campaign will be ‘progression’, with a focus on how the veterinary nursing profession has developed and its ambitions for future growth.

During the celebrations, BVNA’s popular VNAM competition will return with a special theme to mark the organisation’s diamond anniversary. Veterinary nursing teams, individual RVNs or whole practice teams are invited to share why they are considered “the diamond in your practice”.

The competition is also open to nominations from from friends, family, pet owners and caregivers, with two winner and two runner-up prizes of either a £100 or £50 Love2Shop voucher up for grabs.

BVNA president, Lyndsay Hughes said: ‘“I am delighted to launch VNAM for another year, and even more so as we mark BVNA’s diamond 60th anniversary since the association was founded. The progression of veterinary nursing as a profession has very much been shaped by trailblazers in BVNA’s history; those who have not been afraid to stand up for fellow veterinary nurses in order to influence positive change.

“Whilst VNAM recognises and celebrates the veterinary nursing profession of today, we’re also celebrating and thanking those individuals who worked tirelessly to get us here. BVNA fundamentally believes that, as a skilled, professional and caring workforce, veterinary nurses fully deserve to be championed and for their role to be better understood by the public. 

“This is especially important as BVNA is continuing to push towards much needed legislative change; for protection of our title, proper utilisation of our training and skillsets, and an even greater contribution to animal welfare. 

She continued: “We’re urging everyone across the veterinary profession, in clinical or non-clinical settings, to support the campaign and highlight just how important veterinary nurses are – to animal welfare, to your team, and to your business.”

“VNAM provides us all with the opportunity to stand up and be proud of our profession – and for veterinary colleagues working alongside SVNs and RVNs to recognise our contributions too. We look forward to celebrating VNAM once again this year and seeing all the creative ways that veterinary teams are educating the public about our incredible profession. 

“I hope this year’s VNAM gives veterinary nurses everywhere the same boost of energy and inspiration that it always does for me.”

More information about VNAM 2025 and details of this year's competition can be found at bvna.org.uk

Image (C) BVNA.

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

Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.