RCVS awards ceremony marks dedication of VNs

The friends and families of over 20 newly-qualified veterinary nurses gathered at the RCVS in London on 28 June 2006 to see them receive VN certificates from the RCVS President.

All but one of the VNs were collecting their certificates in Small Animal Veterinary Nursing: one was awarded an Equine Veterinary Nursing certificate.

The day marked the culmination of a long period of hard work and dedication, and in addressing the group, RCVS President Lynne Hill paid tribute to the support that family, friends and practice colleagues had given the veterinary nurses during their studies.

She went on to urge the new VNs to make the most of their future careers, including opportunities that may exist to use their skills outside of practice: "Your future is in your hands, so make it a good one," she said. "Seize all opportunities that come your way and never be constrained by the lack of imagination of others."

Mrs Andrea Jeffery, who chairs the Veterinary Nurses Council (VNC), reminded VNs of the history of their relatively young profession, with the title 'Veterinary Nurse' only being recognised since 1984 - 'and it's a title to be proud of,' she said.

But, despite its relative youth, the profession has big plans. Under the strategic direction of the VNC, major and positive changes were afoot, explained Mrs Jeffery, with the forthcoming introduction of a new syllabus and occupational standards, a non-statutory register and a guide to professional conduct for VNs.

"2006 is an exciting time to become a VN. Veterinary nursing is a career for life, with many post-qualification opportunities, and I hope it is one you will all enjoy," she told the assembled group.