VN Futures initiative launches School Ambassadors Pilot
VN Futures is launching a new School Ambassadors Pilot this November, to address the need for highlighting and supporting pathways into the veterinary nursing (VN) profession.
The pilot is the result of the VN Futures’ Sustainable Workforce Working Group and is set to run for approximately 12 months with regular review points planned for every three months following an Ambassadors’ Development Day on 18 November 2019.
VN Futures project manager, Jill Macdonald, said: “We know that we need more VNs in the profession and that early advice on a career in veterinary nursing may often be lacking.
“Therefore, this pilot aims to support the need for VNs and fill the gap in information provided regarding VN careers.”
She added: “I am excited about getting the pilot underway and learning from our ambassadors about what works well with regards to promoting veterinary nursing futures, which will then support future ambassadors wishing to carry out this role.”
The pilot also aims to highlight and encourage diversity in the veterinary nursing profession, through use of diverse workforce imagery and promoting the message that veterinary nursing is for everyone.
There are currently eight VNs from across the profession, including experienced nurses through to those who have recently qualified as well as both small animal and equine nurses, set to take part in the pilot.
Racheal Marshall, chair of VN Council and one of the Pilot’s School Ambassadors, added: “I am looking forward to the pilot getting underway, both from a VN leadership perspective and as an Ambassador taking part in the programme.
“We know that very little career information about veterinary nursing is available at many schools and so it is vitally important to the veterinary nursing profession that we are well positioned to share information and advice on VN careers – so that we can support a future generation of VNs that is diverse and inclusive.”
The VN Futures Project is a joint initiative powered by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the British Veterinary Nursing Association (