Wendy Nevins may be BVNA president, but things could have taken a very different turn had she not listened to her mum and explored her love of animals before heading off to university.
Here, she explains how she almost became a schoolteacher before discovering the joys of veterinary nursing, and outlines her hopes for the remainder of her presidential year.
Wendy, why did you choose to forge a career in veterinary nursing and what was your route in?
I came across veterinary nursing by accident almost. I was in the middle of my A-levels and needed to find two weeks’ work experience. The fact I had to resit my GCSEs meant I had already done work experience while at school, in a building society.
By that time, I had already worked a few part-time jobs, so really felt it would be a waste of time – I knew I was going to university to study a joint theatre studies and English degree, then become a teacher, so what was the point of work experience?
However, my mum had other ideas. Her first suggestion was to try Guide Dogs, because she said I loved dogs. But following a big fat no from the charity, her next suggestion was the local vets. I really wasn’t too keen on that idea, though – I was sure I would pass out if I had to watch an operation.
However, the local vets did accept me for the two-week stint. My college thought it was a bit random, but said it was okay. But by the end of the first week, I knew this was the profession for me. The existing student nurse had just sat her finals and had handed in her notice – I applied and got the job. I never went back to college.
It was a huge pivot for me, but I will never forget that feeling when I realised this is what I wanted to do. This was who I wanted to be – a veterinary nurse.
I still have my enrolment letter from the RCVS dated 2 September 1991.
When I failed my finals on the first attempt, I was working full-time and studying around work, so decided to leave employment when I failed and attend a full-time, three-month residential course at Berkshire College of Agriculture. I sat and passed my finals in December 1993.
How did it feel to be nominated as BVNA president and what has been your highlight so far?
When I became president in 2017, I said: “I am extremely excited and honoured to be your president, I’m also happy, proud, delighted, eager and also just a little bit nervous.”
Nineteen months on and those feelings are exactly the same. I also said: “In everything I will do for the BVNA, I will ask myself the following:
- “Is this the right thing for our profession?
- “Is this the right thing for animal welfare?
- “Is this the right thing for our members?”
I still ask myself those three questions on a daily basis.
What are your plans for the remainder of your presidential year?
The BVNA is here to support nurses and students throughout their lives – not solely during the time spent in clinical practice, studying or training. We all carry out so many roles professionally and personally, and all of these should be celebrated and supported.
Many of us have gone through life experiences that other members may be just about to face for the first time. We are here to help you celebrate the many successes – but also when things may not be going to plan. When you are involved in front-line nursing; studying nursing; business – and when you are doing none of these.
Veterinary nursing is not just something we do – it is also something about who we are.
So, looking ahead, we will do the following:
- PROMOTE veterinary nursing and the interests of veterinary nurses. This is what we do every day. We want to see the value of nurses and nursing realised in the work we do, the society we work in and the laws that frame our work.
- POSITION the BVNA as the representative organisation for veterinary nurses. You may have noticed we have started to “stand a little taller” with our partners, fellow professionals and stakeholders. The BVNA has a unique perspective on – and value to – the veterinary profession. We influence decisions and help make things happen – and will make sure that continues.
- PREPARE the BVNA and our members for the challenges ahead. The veterinary profession is changing, and we are changing with it. We are thinking differently, preparing for this changing landscape and equipping our members to thrive. We are investing in new ways of working and communicating, and you can expect to hear more about these in the coming months. We have a fantastic foundation on which to build.
- For the latest RVN vacancies, visit Vet Times Jobs.
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