The BVNA has announced that Christine Robinson, Bethany Scott and Courtney Scales have won its annual awards. 

The awards were announced during a virtual evening event last Saturday called 'This Is Us 2020', which started with a presentation by Dr Jane Goodall DBE, followed by the award presentation by the BVNA’s Junior Vice President, Jo Oakden.

Christine Robinson won the St Francis Award, which is given to the nurse who has gone above and beyond for their team, for their patients and for the veterinary nursing profession over the past 12 months.

Christine said: "I am delighted to have won this award, and very surprised! In my very long and diverse career, I have never won an award at all. It’s been lovely to have been acknowledged by others and seen as a role model, and for my nursing to be recognised."

Bethany Scott won the Help in the Community Award, which is for a nurse who has gone above and beyond to help animal owners and/or their clinical teams during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Bethany said: “I am absolutely shocked and I really wasn’t expecting this! Thank you to those who nominated me and congratulations to everyone else.”

Last but by no means least, Courtney Scales won the VNJ Writer of the Year Award for writing articles which have encouraged positive change, discussions or improved clinical standards in practice.

Courtney said: "This has made my entire year! I am just super super proud, having presented the topic at Congress last year and then going on to write the articles. I really think I have changed quite a few nurses’ perceptions, protocols and patience, and it’s just so exciting."

Jo Oakden said: “It was fantastic to see all the worthy nominees and finalists for our new BVNA awards and Hills and Blue Cross awards.

"The high standards, dedication and resilience of our profession was demonstrated with all of our nominees and winners of the awards, showing they can adapt and overcome to be champions in our profession to help educate and inspire those within and outside of our profession.

"It was a huge honour to be able to present these awards and still keep the celebratory feel in these unusual times. A huge congratulations to all our winners.”

Hear hear!

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