Care and Professionalism

Professionalism and care have a long and complicated relationship. Both key aspects of the veterinary nursing role, this reflection explores how the emergence of our profession has shaped attitudes today and how this has led to a complex set of challenges which may be impacting how we progress. With legislative reform proposed and an increased focus on the role of veterinary nurses in the practice and community, it is an important time to consider how our history may be preventing a holistic transition to a profession with a robust identity and strong and coherent voice. This reflection provides a brief exploration of veterinary nursing history and professionalism, before examining how this has created gendered connotations of care and continued expectations of hierarchy and subservience, which has been shown to impede professionalism in comparative professions. This reflection will conclude by considering how veterinary nursing can evolve to reflect both its rich history and its potential for future transformation. By challenging outdated norms, we can pave the way for a more unified and forward-thinking community, where care and professionalism can coexist as complimentary pillars of a thriving profession.