The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Mind Matters Sarah Brown Mental Health Research Grant recipients for 2023 are currently collecting data on how mental health education is integrated into the curriculum of student veterinary nurses (SVNs). Having now reached the second stage of recruitment for the project, the researchers are looking for veterinary nurses (VNs) who are currently working in practice to participate in an interview.
The project is being led by Dr Faye Didymus and Dr Jackie Hargreaves from Leeds Beckett University and will culminate in a set of evidence-based recommendations for how mental health education for veterinary students could be enhanced.
Dr Hargreaves said: “As part of our project we have already explored the curriculum of accredited veterinary nursing courses for mental health content, but we would love to know more about current VN experiences of mental health in the workforce, and how mental health could be integrated into the curriculum of degrees and diplomas. This will include an interview, lasting approximately 60 minutes, about confidence in their practical skills, coping with work stress, and discussion about how to prepare students for the workplace.
“We are seeking VNs who are currently working in practice who have thoughts and ideas about how to further integrate mental health into the veterinary nursing curriculum. If you fit into this category, we would be very grateful if you could take the time to participate in our study. There is currently little research in this area, and we hope that the outcomes of our project will make a real tangible difference to the mental health and wellbeing of veterinary nurses both throughout their studies and in the long term when they enter the workforce.
“Faye and I would like to extend our thanks to everyone who has already supported our research project, and we look forward to hearing about the ideas and experiences of current practising veterinary nurses.”
For further information about the interview, please contact either Dr Hargreaves at j.hargreaves@leedsbeckett.ac.uk, or research assistant Jen Rawson at jennifer.rawson@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
Please note, recruitment for interviews will close Saturday 7 September.