The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has passed a resolution giving veterinary nurse members the right to vote and stand for BEVA council. The move enables RVNs to participate in key decision-making processes for the Association.
“The resolutions regarding nurses being able to vote and stand for BEVA council are a landmark change and very welcome from the viewpoint of Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs),” said Marie Rippingale, Chair of BEVA’s Nurse Committee. “I am very proud to be a part of BEVA. This change will help to empower nurses to speak up and contribute, but more importantly, it will give them an opportunity to collaborate with other members of the equine veterinary profession to bring about change that is positive for all.”
During the past three years BEVA has been consistently increasing support for equine vet nurses, as demonstrated by the recent introduction of free equine vet nurse student membership and the publication of Schedule 3 Guidelines, describing how Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) are permitted to work, and showing the extent of the skillset and adaptability of the RVN in equine practice.
In 2023 BEVA introduced the new Vet Nurse Empowerment Award. This accolade highlights the invaluable skills and versatility of equine nurses by commending an individual within the profession who is actively championing the role of the equine nurse. This year it was won by Phillippa Pritchard REVN at Liphook Equine Hospital.
“What better way to end my Presidential term than to be able to formally recognise the invaluable role of RVNs within the profession in this way,” said outgoing BEVA President Roger Smith. “To enable vet nurses to vote and to stand for council can only be a positive step forward for all members.”