‘I’ve always been waiting for this…’ a word from Vets Now’s first ethnic diversity nursing scholar

Venus has had issues with autism for almost as long as she can remember. 

“I couldn’t fully speak until I was seven,” she said. “When I was even younger, I’d just wail in frustration as I couldn’t communicate and be understood. 

“I used to find some comfort in watching Sir David Attenborough nature documentaries as I had a connection with the animals who couldn’t speak to express what they were feeling.” 

Venus initially went to a special needs school before moving into mainstream education. She didn’t always get the help and support she needed, especially in secondary school, and also had to face up to distressing bullying from those who felt she didn’t fit in. 

But with the support of her family, she kept a focus on working with animals. 

Although around 14% of the working-age population identity as minority ethnic, recent figures show only 3% of the veterinary professions are from such backgrounds. 

And Venus found that to be very apparent. 

“At my school, very few people chose the veterinary profession and it was even rarer for someone from a minority ethnic background,” said Venus.  

“You don’t see a lot of people from ethnically diverse communities and it’s important to change that and see people from all backgrounds,” said Venus. 

“I am used to elements of racism generally and I know there are boroughs of London where I just won’t fit in and where people will stare and avoid me. 

“Obviously I’m just starting to make my way in the profession, and I suppose I’ll learn as I go if discrimination is something I’ll come across, but I’m hoping things will be positive.” 

The Vets Now scholarship is one of the welcome ways of trying to address the concerning situation. 

“We had a really positive response to our scholarship announcement and we are looking forward to making even more of an impact in years to come by increasing the number of spaces available,” said Heather Kirkness, Vets Now’s acting head of clinical nursing. 

“We are working across the university sector to ensure that as many people as possible are aware of the scholarship as well as making use of social media channels. 

“Encouraging diversity is greatly important to us and this scholarship is part of our commitment to embed a culture of diversity and inclusion within our teams to reflect the wider communities we serve. 

“It helps remove financial barriers to that crucial first step into higher education and ensure vet nurses from all backgrounds are able to benefit from the wide range of opportunities that exist both in our company and the wider sector. 

“This is another step towards building a culture that respects diversity and inclusion and improving conditions for future generations.” 

IVC Evidensia has also introduced a new scholarship scheme for undergraduates from ethnic minority backgrounds to study to become vets. 

The first dozen scholars are now in place and the industry leader’s Ethnic Diversity Board insists they will be the vanguard of an ongoing push to change the face of the profession.  

Venus is hugely supportive of the vet nursing scheme. 

“I think it’s really important to have a scheme like this that helps to bring a variety into the profession,” said Venus. “But we also need to make sure people from diverse ethnic backgrounds are made aware of it. 

“My older sister helped me find the scholarship and I think that quite often those who come from BAME backgrounds don’t find these opportunities. 

“So, we need to make sure that they are circulated in the right circles.” 

Although she has only just begun her vet nursing journey, Venus is convinced she has made the right choice. 

“I want to be in the frontline of helping and working with animals and I know vet nursing will let me do that,” said Venus. “My ultimate dream is to work with wild animals, perhaps on a nature reserve.”