Nominations open for VN of the Year
Image: Last year's winners
Nominations for this year's BVNA Northern Ireland Veterinary Nurse of the Year award are now open. The winners will be announced at the gala dinner of the NI BSAVA Congress on 31 May - 1 June, which this year is taking place at the Armagh City Hotel.
There are four categories for which you can nominate - NI Vet Nurse of the Year, NI ANA of the Year, NI Trainee Nurse of the Year and NI Charity Vet Nurse of the Year. The latter award is for the nurse who has made the largest contribution to an animal charity, whether they are employed by one, volunteer, or have been involved in fund raising.
According to the most recent RCVS Survey of the Veterinary and Veterinary Nursing Profession, nurses are on average working longer hours and receiving 30 per cent less pay than their counterparts who have left the profession. Despite this, with their skill, dedication and compassion for pets and clients, veterinary nurses are the back-bone of the practice. These awards offer the chance to recognise the outstanding work of veterinary nurses.
The winner of NI Vet Nurse of the Year will receive a trophy plus £250 worth of gift vouchers, and winners of the other categories will receive £100 worth of gift vouchers. Nominations can be made by vets, practice staff and clients. All nominations must be received by 31 March.
Nomination forms should be displayed in practices and are available from the BVNA, VetNI website and Hill Pet Nutrition (0800 282438).
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
