insight
CASE STUDY
Veterinary Nursing Journal The technological revolution that's resulted from the pandemic has enabled three organisations to work as one to publish the Veterinary Nursing Journal, explains Melissa Morris The isolation imposed by the pandemic forced all of us to up our tech capabilities, and powered a digital-communication and information-sharing revolution that's entirely changed the way we work and stay in touch. That distance is no longer a barrier to business collaboration is evidenced by the remote publishing team behind Veterinary Nursing Journal (VNJ), the official journal of the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA). VNJ is published in print and digital format every two months for BVNA's 6,500 members, most of whom are registered veterinary nurses. Editor-in-chief Nikki Ruedisueli is responsible for commissioning content and for the clinical accuracy and editorial direction. Early in 2022, Nikki oversaw the transition from VNJ's previous publisher to a collaborative partnership with Salt Media and Latcham printers. Although the journal is produced by three organisations in different parts of the country, they use technology to communicate, share content and manage workflow as if they were in the same office.
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‘The team have enabled BVNA to publish a top-quality, evidence-based journal that engages with our members, and supports and informs veterinary nurses throughout their career,’ says Nikki. ‘We now have a more accessible publication for neurodivergent readers, with a broader range of news, articles and clinical content, innovative digital features and a comprehensive editorial style guide – and the team continue to steer the journal's ongoing development. Good communication throughout has been key to creating a strong team spirit – and it helps that we all like and respect each other.’ Most of the content Nikki commissions for VNJ is written by veterinary nurses. She works with BVNA's editorial board to oversee the blind peerreview of all clinical articles. The advertising in VNJ is also managed by BVNA. Salt Media then brings together the features and advertising copy and manages the journal through to print, via design, copy editing, fact-checking, detailed proof reading and the management of amendments and sign-off by authors, advertisers and the BVNA.
