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RCVS survey to address VNs' mental health
The survey aims to understand the mental health issues that veterinary nurses face.
The RCVS is asking for student and newly-qualified veterinary nurses to take part. 

The RCVS has launched a new survey as part of its Mind Matters Initiative (MMI), to help inform future work with the veterinary nursing profession.

Aimed at students and nurses who have qualified within the last two years, the survey aims to collect information about mental health and the veterinary nursing profession, in order to tailor specific events and projects for the profession. The survey is also aimed at the clinical coaches responsible for the practical training of student and newly-qualified veterinary nurses, at RCVS-approved training practices. 

Mind Matters manager, Lisa Quigley, said: “There is a bit of a research gap when it comes to the mental health and wellbeing of veterinary nurses – particularly student VNs – and we are seeking to address this, with this survey being a crucial first step.

“Mind Matters is committed to listening to the people that we want to reach, to help us understand the issues they face and what matters to them, and so if you are a student or newly-qualified vet nurse, or a clinical coach who supports them, we really want to hear from you, whether or not you have had experience of mental ill-health and/or needed support yourself. The survey itself has been developed with the input of veterinary nurses and student veterinary nurses and we are very grateful for their time and effort.

“All the responses will be treated in the strictest confidence but will be used to shape future projects, including an upcoming roundtable event on Student VN wellbeing and the Mind Matters Mental Health Research Symposium.”

Taking between 15-20 minutes to complete, the survey asks several questions surrounding preferred sources of mental health support, levels of support available to access in education and work setting. It also covers levels of stress encountered, discrimination and bullying in both education and work settings, confidence, the impact of the RCVS, and coping strategies for stress and mental ill-health.

The survey is accessible via the Projects section of the Mind Matters website, at vetmindmatters.org

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