An introduction to the Scheme
One of the ambitions of the VN Futures project is to encourage more people to join the veterinary nursing profession by teaching school-age children about veterinary nursing as a career option. We want young people to be excited about the prospect of becoming a vet nurse and learn about the important role that vet nurses play in animal health and welfare, and the wider veterinary team.
Some of the ways we want to raise awareness of veterinary nursing is through delivering veterinary nursing talks in in schools, attending careers fairs, creating materials for online careers hubs and providing materials about veterinary nursing to schoolteachers and careers advisors.
We need as many people as possible to help us carry out these activities and inspire the next generation of the profession. This is where the VN Futures School Ambassadors come in. Throughout 2021, the School Ambassadors Development Group created a variety of resources that guide and support veterinary nurses in an ambassadorial role.
If you are a RCVS registered veterinary nurse you can register to become a VN Futures School Ambassador via the My Account link below.
Why be a VN Futures School Ambassador?
Veterinary nurses are passionate about their role and the difference they make in promoting animal health and welfare. As a vet nurse, you are by far the best placed person to inform and inspire others about how rewarding a career in veterinary nursing can be.
Being an ambassador offers an opportunity for RVNs to have a huge input into the future of their profession, and to help it to grow and evolve.
Personal benefits
As an ambassador, you will have the opportunity to gain additional skills and confidence, through planning, preparing and delivering talks, engaging with others about the veterinary nurse role, and sharing your experiences.
What does being an ambassador involve?
We work alongside STEM Learning, an organisation providing learning and careers support for STEM subjects, and as part of your ambassadorial role, you will also become a STEM Ambassador and complete an enhanced disclosure (‘DBS’ check) which is provided as part of your STEM registration. STEM also provides a short online induction course to get you started.
Once you are registered with STEM and are ready to become an ambassador, you will be given access to our VN Futures Ambassadors area on our website, where you will find resources and materials to guide and support you.
STEM Ambassadors make an impact by:
- Supporting learning – helping young people to understand the real world applications of their learning
- Illuminating careers – showcasing different careers, providing information on roles and pathways into industry while raising awareness of the skills that are important in the workplace.
- Raising aspirations – giving young people the opportunity to meet a wide range of inspiring role models, encouraging them as they think about their future.
(STEM Learning – Becoming a Stem Ambassador)
FAQs
This is an autonomous role, and you will be responsible for planning and delivering your own sessions. However, we will be able to help out with any queries you may have and will be able to provide support should you need it.
STEM Learning also provide many resources and learning modules to help support your role.
Being a VN Futures School Ambassador is an entirely voluntary role. There are many benefits to an ambassadorial role, including giving you the opportunity to shape the future of vet nursing and develop additional skills.
No, you don’t have to have any previous careers advice experience. Any work you have done in this area, including giving talks to the public or fellow professionals, will of course be helpful to you.
You need to be either a Registered Veterinary Nurse, or a Student Veterinary Nurse who is on at least your second year of training to enrol onto the scheme.