Newly-qualified VNs welcomed to RCVS

A group of 17 newly-qualified veterinary nurses gathered at the RCVS in London on 20 February 2007 to receive VN certificates in Small Animal Veterinary Nursing from the RCVS President Professor Sheila Crispin.

Family and friends attended the ceremony and Professor Crispin recognised the support that they, together with practice colleagues, had given the veterinary nurses during their studies. She even paid tribute to family pets, recognising that they may have been the inspiration for some of the VNs' choice of careers - and potentially even have played a part in training!

"There are now nearly 7,000 listed veterinary nurses. This means you are catching up with the veterinary surgeons, which is important as it is a team effort," explained Professor Crispin, who stressed the essential role that VNs play in the practice.

She also urged veterinary nurses to consider the RCVS as their College: "Do contact us if you need to. We would rather help with a potential problem than wait for it to turn into real issue. It's a small profession - stay in touch!" she said.

Mrs Andrea Jeffery, who chairs the Veterinary Nurses Council, welcomed the newly-qualified VNs to the College and reminded them that they would be among the first to join the non-statutory Register for veterinary nurses when it opens later in the year.

"The non-statutory Register marks the first step towards self-regulation for veterinary nurses," she explained. "We will have our own Guide to Professional Conduct and continuing professional development requirements. The Guide and CPD materials will be available from April, so I urge you look out for them."

The VN Register will open on 1 September 2007, pending approval at the RCVS Council meeting on 8 March 2007.