RCVS Knowledge is inviting applications from veterinary nurses for this year's Knowledge Awards, which celebrate the achievements of individuals and teams who are championing the use of Quality Improvement (QI) methodology in their work.

The awards recognise individuals and teams who drive continuous improvements for better outcomes for patients, better service provision to clients, an improved business or environmental case, or better working conditions for the team. In addition, applicants will be assessed on their passion for QI, and for encouraging and championing QI.

Applications are invited from anyone who works within the veterinary industry or veterinary education, including educators and learners from under- and post-graduate education and everyone working in a practice setting, including the administration team, veterinary nurses, practice managers and surgeons at all levels.  

Individuals can nominate themselves, their team, or their colleagues.

Louise Northway RVN and RCVS Knowledge Quality Improvement Clinical Lead (pictured right), said: “QI has completely changed the way I approach my role as clinical lead RVN in practice. It has provided me with helpful tools to help me measure how we are doing and guidance on improving areas that require further work.

“QI is a continuous, reflective process that stops you doing things the way they’ve always been done and enables you to review the systems, measure the outcomes and consider how things can be improved for the benefit of your patients and team.

“I encourage anyone who is passionate about implementing QI to apply for the 2022 Knowledge Awards, or nominate a colleague who is championing QI in your workplace.”

Winners will be named ‘Knowledge Champions’ or ‘Champion Practices’ and receive a £250 prize, tickets to the awards ceremony and the chance to work with RCVS Knowledge to continue promoting their Quality Improvement work.

The winners of the 2021 Knowledge Awards were recognised for a range of QI initiatives:

• An outcome audit on peri-operative hypothermia.
• Implementation of a new course that teaches QI to veterinary nurses.
• Guidelines for performing cytology on patients presenting with ear pathology.
• Auditing small animal ear cytology on a national scale, resulting in an increase in diagnostic tests and a reduction in antibiotic use across practices.
• Embedding QI into the curriculum for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The deadline for nominating colleagues is 18 October 2021, and the deadline for applications (whether you have applied directly or have been nominated) is 4 December 2021. Winners will be announced in early 2022.

For more information, visit: www.rcvsknowledge.org/KnowledgeAwards/ 

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