b'EMPOWERED TO INSPIRE, ACHIEVE AND LEAD TOGETHEREMPOWERED TO INSPIRE, ACHIEVE AND LEAD TOGETHEREMPOWERED TO INSPIRE, ACHIEVE AND LEAD TOGETHEREMPOWERED TO INSPIRE, VETERINARY WOMAN CHAMPIONS FOR CHANGEACHIEVE & LEAD TOGETHERS U M M A R Y When I left school at 16, I attended Askham Bryan College andattitude leads to a lack of job satisfaction and can leave nurses worked in a small animal, first opinion GP practice. I movedfeeling a little lost. The NURVN wants to be able to supportBackground: I qualified as a Registeredpractices half way through my training to another GP where Inurses feeling like that and understand not only the bigger Veterinary Nurse and have worked inqualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse. I have remained inissues, but the smaller things that would make our day to day the same practice for over eight years,this practice for over eight years and in that time I have been alives more fulfilling.supporting students and completing advanced certification in anaesthesia.clinical coach supporting multiple students, have completedHow do you feel this is making a difference? I co-founded the National Union ofmy Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing in anaesthesiaBeing able to support nurses and give them the power to be Registered Veterinary Nurses (NURVN)and analgesia through RVC and formed The National Union of with a board of dedicated nurses. Registered Veterinary Nurses with a board of equally strongable to speak up for themselves and recognise where thereMission: The RVN profession is overdueveterinary nurses. may be shortfalls in practice is slowly but surely making for change, and I aim to address issuesa difference in the way that nurses view themselves and like lack of recognition, under-utilisationPlease summarise how you are working towards changethe profession. Being able to recognise that just because of skills, and job dissatisfaction by givingin the veterinary professions and why do you feel this issomething has always been done like that does not nurses a voice and empowering them toimportant?necessarily make it right. Being able to encourage nurses to stand up for their rights. The RVN profession is long overdue change. On a larger scale,Challenges: The biggest challenge hasthe lack of recognition faced by nurses on a daily basis, the been getting our name out there andunder-utilisation of our skills, the lack of title protection, overcoming resistance. Many nursesnurses leaving the industry too soon as it is not designed for us dont fully understand what a union can do, and weve faced some pushback,to thrive in, are all issues that I wish to play a part in tackling. but we continue to grow through wordFor the day-to-day nurse, not many of us know our rights. We of mouth and referrals. might recognise when something is not quite right in the wayImpact: Supporting nurses and helpingthat we are treated or something is handled, but were unsure them speak up for themselves iswhat to do about it. slowly changing how nurses view their profession and rights. Positive feedbackIn order to change this, myself and a colleague formed The from our members shows we areNational Union of Registered Veterinary Nurses (NURVN) in making a real difference in empoweringAugust of 2022. Since then, we have grown our membership nurses. base, supported many nurses navigating through issues inAdvice: Be prepared for a challenge!practice and have represented a number of those in grievances Change isnt easy, and there willand disciplinary action. We have made connections with be times you want to give up, butmultiple organisations in the industry, including the RCVS, to perseverance is key. As my father onceget our voice heard. We have formed relationships with trade told me, Fight on - and thats exactly what Ive done. unionists to ensure we can offer the most support possible. Next Steps: I want to continue growingBeing able to represent those that cant speak for themselves the NURVN to give nurses more powerand offer support in times of need has been absolutely and influence, ultimately creating anincredible and every case I have had has felt like a personal industry that supports and encourages nurses to thrive. Together, we can makewin. Its important for nurses to feel supported, like they have a significant difference. someone cheering them on and listening to their voice. If we dont have that, its easy to give up. Its easier to stay quiet and not make waves, to do your job and go home, but that www.veterinarywoman.co.uk 15'