Amber Richards says the VN profession needs to become as highly regarded as its human counterpart.

VNs should be as highly regarded as medical nurses, candidate says

The role of the veterinary nurse needs not only better recognition, but better guidance and training, according to one election hopeful.

Amber Richards is head nurse at a small animal practice in London where she says she is "focused on raising nursing standards by introducing various protocols and standard operating procedures".

It is a role she hopes to bring to a wider scale by standing for election for the VN council.

Ballot papers have been sent out today for the VN and RCVS council elections. Voting will close on April 25.

"I am extremely passionate about VNs doing the job they are trained to do, working alongside a vet rather than in their shadow," said Amber who qualified in 2005, and who has worked as a locum nurse in a range of practices including large hospitals specialising in emergencies and 24-hour care.

"My target as a VN councillor would not only be to help VNs to receive the recognition they deserve in their day-to-day work, but for the profession itself to become as highly regarded as its human counterpart."

During her career, she says she has witnessed a mix of care standards. "Too often this is due to shortage of guidance rather than a lack of individual capability," Amber said.

She wants to "enrich" nurses' careers by pushing more practices to encourage their VNs to undertake CPD, and by raising awareness of the CPD opportunities available to VNs through working with animal welfare charities abroad.

"The perception of the college among ‘every day’ veterinary professionals needs to change in order for positive steps to be effective. I believe those within the profession want to know they are being heard and that people like them are making decisions on their behalf, with their best interests at heart," said Amber.

"I want to help give VN’s a voice that I feel is missing at times.

"I am hoping to achieve new standards across the profession, including mandatory training and CPD for kennel and animal care assistants.

"I believe there should be a level of care throughout all UK practices that goes beyond recommendations and guidelines.

"I would like all VN’s to become highly regarded members of the veterinary profession.

"We are an integral part of the veterinary community but I feel we can be underused and overlooked at times, which can prevent us from reaching our full potential.

"That can lead to dissatisfied nurses feeling forced to leave the profession.

"I would like VN’s to be encouraged to undertake further diplomas, courses and experiences during their career to earn greater trust from practice owners and a fair financial reward.

"I am hopeful that the Royal Charter will be passed and that the RCVS can begin to regulate veterinary nurses.

"I hope this will mean a stronger support structure for VN’s, helping us protect our title as well as improving the quality of care given in the UK.

"I feel strongly that there are opportunities to improve our profession, from better guidance and support to new experiences that would give us greater variation at work and the opportunity to develop our skills.”