February 2019

A guide to successful veterinary nurse clinics

Amie Britton, in a two-part article, explores the increasing popularity of this VN role aspect and how to run it to achieve optimum result. This month, she explains the complexities of communication and how to conduct an effective consult.

33 mins
Senior cats and dogs: tackling an age-old problem

Emma Gerrard provides an overview of what RVNs should be telling owners of older canine and feline pets.

46 mins

January 2019

Hollie: a cautionary tale

While mourning the passing of her wilful ward, RVN Jane Davidson recounts their time together as a warning to those considering the purchase of a brachycephalic breed due to their “cute” factor.

17 mins
VN Voice: here for veterinary nurses – always

BVNA president Wendy Nevins reflects on the power – and importance – of belonging to the association’s family.

7 mins
Matt’s Masterclass: an introduction

Matthew Rendle – an RVN with more than 25 years’ experience, with a particular interest around the care and welfare of exotic species in captivity and the wild – embarks on the first of his new column series by introducing himself to readers and sharing his career journey to date.

16 mins
Broadening your career: CPD to postgraduate and beyond

Laura Lacey provides readers with an overview of the various routes to becoming a VN, what each can offer, and career progression and diversification opportunities once qualified.

33 mins
The Consult: Kirsty Cavill

In the first The Consult for 2019, VN Times speaks to an RVN who recounts her many roles within the profession – from volunteering for charities to establishing her own business – and urges colleagues to aspire to their ambitions, whatever they may be.

21 mins
Cat chat: protocols

RVN Verity Johnson – of Sandhole Veterinary Centre in Snodland, Kent – discusses the feline-friendly protocols she and her colleagues conduct daily to put patients at ease and ensure a successful consult/stay.

8 mins
Canine and feline obesity – slimming down a growing problem

Emma Gerrard discusses how to go about approaching this subject with pet owners and giving suitable advice, including what’s too fat and what’s too thin.

36 mins
My Bursary Diary: January

Bursary winner Martin Peters reflects on his hopes for the future and acknowledge the presence of a few butterflies as he embarks on his new adventure in emergency and critical care.

8 mins

December 2018

Specialising from across the pond

RVN Sophie McMurrough is a veterinary technician specialist in small animal medicine – a qualification gained in Washington DC. She explains the origins of the “exciting” role, why no day is the same, and how holding the qualification could enable VNs to progress and get the “recognition they deserve”.

18 mins
The Consult: Beth Acton

In our final column of the year, a deaf RVN shares her journey and undeterred determination to achieve her dream of becoming a nurse.

18 mins
Cystitis in cats and dogs – management and treatment

Emma Gerrard explores two forms of this inflammatory condition – idiopathic in cats and bacterial in dogs – as well as what helps resolve them.

29 mins
VN Voice: help for nurses only a telephone call away

This month, RVN and BVNA council member Gemma Reeve reaches out to colleagues to remind them that, even at the toughest times of the year, the association is there for them.

5 mins
Digestive disorders: strategies in cats and dogs

Kit Sturgess discusses the causes, management and treatment of gastrointestinal issues in small animal patients.

48 mins
Eye on EBVM: taking the lead on quality improvement

This month, VN council vice-chairman Liz Cox throws down the gauntlet to fellow veterinary nurses to take the lead on quality improvement in practice for the benefit of all.

7 mins

November 2018

All aboard! Life on the BVNA bus

Stacey Blease was appointed BVNA head of learning and development six months ago. Here, she reflects on her journey so far, what she has achieved since boarding the "BVNA bus", and considers what the future may hold for the organisation.

16 mins
My bursary journey

Julii Elliott was the winner of last year's £1,000 bursary for the Certificate of Veterinary Nursing in Emergency and Critical Care course, courtesy of VN Times and Vets Now. Here, the RVN reflects on her experience, the challenges of study and the joys of completion.

27 mins
The Consult: Heather MacIntosh

This month we are joined by a ZSL London Zoo RVN, who talks about life on the wild side of animal care.

17 mins
Managing otitis externa: clinical approach

Gayle Morrison and Peter Forsythe outline a strategy for dealing with this ear disease in small animals to maximise the chances of a successful outcome and minimise the likelihood of chronic disease onset.

38 mins