RVNs and SVNs invited to complete questionnaire.

Researchers at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) are asking registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) and student veterinary nurses (SVNs) to complete a survey on their mental health and wellbeing.

The questionnaire is part of the ‘Nursing Matters’ project, which aims to establish benchmark estimates of RVN and SVN mental health and wellbeing in the UK and explore factors which may be leading to poor mental health.

It is hoped the research will provide insights which will allow workplaces and educational institutions to address issues and support the wellbeing of veterinary nurses.

The survey takes 20-25 minutes to complete and answers are anonymous.

Although there is already in-depth research into the mental health and wellbeing of veterinary surgeons and veterinary students, the researchers say there is a comparative lack of research looking at veterinary nurses and the mental health challenges they face.

Dr Tierney Kinnison, project leader, said: “Veterinary nurses are key members of the veterinary clinical team and have received less attention than veterinary surgeons in mental health research to date. Responses from any RVN or SVN in the UK, whether they have been directly affected by mental health challenges or not, will be very useful for this research.”

Dr Jackie Cardwell, co-project leader, added: “This is a great opportunity for RVNs and SVNs in the UK to have their voices heard and contribute to our understanding of how workplace culture and infrastructure can be improved to support their mental health and wellbeing.”

RVNs and SVNs who wish to complete the questionnaire can do so online.

Image (C) Royal Veterinary College