Our Nursing Team

Our nursing team comprises qualified REVNs (Registered Equine Veterinary Nurses), one RVN (Registered Veterinary Nurse) and two working towards EVN status, all of whom provide excellent support to our veterinary surgeons at the hospital and diagnostic centre.

The role of the REVN is varied and challenging. Daily duties include critical care nursing, bandaging and management of wounds, administering complex medical therapies and, for our senior nurses, supervising the operating theatres. Our qualified nurses are able to advise clients on wound care, post-operative care and management of stabling environments when their horse goes home, as directed by the responsible clinician.

Two of our nurses spend a considerable amount of time as RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) NVQ assessors, training our nursing students. Much time is also spent sharing knowledge and experience with the visiting veterinary students, and the newly graduated veterinary surgeons who take up positions on our Internship Programme. Senior nurse and current Senior Vice President of the BVNA (British Veterinary Nursing Association) Bonny Millar additionally spends time lecturing, examining, writing and running courses for nursing colleagues from Rossdales and other practices across the country.

What's new for our nurses in 2010?

Our nursing team are committed to continually improving their skills and the services they offer by participating in continuing professional development programmes. The following information gives details of what's happening professionally in 2010 for members of the team:

Jo Gapp has commenced a two year course at Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, working towards the Advanced Certificate in Equine and Canine Veterinary Physiotherapy;
Natalie Bent has enrolled to study for the RCVS Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing;
Lynn Irving has completed her RCVS NVQ Assessor training and is awaiting certification;
Elaine Packer has commenced her first year of EVN training with the RCVS and the Open College of Equine Studies, while Kate Read is well on her way to completing the second year of the Certificate;
Vicky Gregory is taking a sabbatical later in the year to study neonatology in Australia; and finally
Bonny Millar continues her work on the BVNA council, and with the RCVS as an EVN representative, on the implementation of the new VN training scheme. She has also been approached, by a well known publisher, to write a book and to apply to the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians (USA). Bonny will be taking a sabbatical in the spring to assist her husband, a parliamentary candidate, in the next general election campaign.

Trainee Vacancies

We occasionally have vacancies for trainees. However, if there are no vacancies available, we can help guide you in the right direction. If you are interested in training with us, please contact Bonny Millar on +44 (0)1638 577754 or email Bonny Millar.

Information about Training as an Equine Veterinary Nurse