Kim RathboneVeterinary nurses in the Midlands are set to benefit from more CPD opportunities following the appointment of Kim Rathbone as the regional representative for the BVNA.

Kim, who is a veterinary nurse at Avonvale Veterinary Centres’ Heathcote practice, felt there was a lack of CPD events for nurses in her area, and made it her mission to do something about it.

She has already organised three CPD events for the remainder of 2019, with the first one taking place last month.

Kim said: "As a dedicated RVN who loves nothing more than a good webinar to watch or a CPD event to expand my knowledge, I thought it would be great if I could put that passion into providing CPD for fellow vet nurses.

"I contacted the BVNA asking if they needed a representative and it didn’t take long for them to get back to me saying they would like me to join the team.

"My main job is to provide high-quality CPD at affordable prices for veterinary nurses and the aim is to provide at least three evening CPD events a year or one full day course.

"Other aspects of the job role include taking part in Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month. You can do this by organising an event, coming up with stories for social media, or asking the local paper or radio station to interview you.

"We also go to the BVNA Annual Congress to raise awareness of the BVNA and the vital role nurses play."

Kim plans to focus on nurse consultations this year and the first CPD event will look at pet obesity which, she said, is a major concern in the UK, so feels it is important that veterinary staff have the most up-to-date information to give to the public.

She added: "I very much look forward to seeing as many veterinary nurses at my CPD events as possible and I hope my passion comes across in what I can provide for them.

"If anyone wishes to request a particular subject all they need to do is ask and we will endeavour to find a speaker and get something organised."

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vet nurses.