CQ’s new qualifications and OSCEs received praise at the recent veterinary nursing symposium
A recent veterinary nursing symposium hosted by Central Qualifications (CQ) saw 40 delegates head to the awarding body's headquarters in Suffolk. Guests at the two-day event included centre managers, internal and external quality assurance managers, lecturers and OSCE examiners.
The symposium began by reflecting on the significant advances made in the past year and the bright future that lays ahead for veterinary nursing.
In recognition of the significant achievement of students successfully completing the CQ Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, the post nominal letters “DipVN” are awarded. This landmark event for veterinary nursing is being celebrated at the graduation ceremony in Central Hall, Westminster.
Around 40 guests headed to CQ's two-day Veterinary Nursing Symposium. 
The role of the whole veterinary nursing team in providing excellent care in the veterinary environment was universally acknowledged as was the key part played by veterinary nursing educators in underpinning this.
Central Qualifications' role as the external examinations board and awarding body was also discussed in detail. The value and currency provided by the impartial robust and rigorous quality assurance processes was a key message of the symposium.
Step-up Qualifications
The value of the two CQ qualifications, Diploma for Veterinary Nursing Assistants and Diploma in Animal Nursing, in raising the skills profile of the whole veterinary nursing team was demonstrated. In particular, the role of the CQ Diploma in Animal Nursing in creating a “pathway of achievement” as well as relieving the pressure on training practices was discussed. The advantages of the DipAN for retaining and training students with the right qualities for successful careers in veterinary practices were appreciated and well received.
Advanced Qualifications
Considerable interest was shown in the development of advanced qualification for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses. CQ’s development of three Animal Behaviour and Training qualifications was well received by the profession at its launch at BSAVA 2014.
Central Skills Log ( CSL )
Delegates benefitted from a number of workshops, presentations and discussions during the first day of the event. Education consultant Susan Newham brought delegates up to speed on updates and new features of the CSL - the online practical skills portfolio developed for CQ. Recent updates allow for faster, easier use by students, clinical coaches, verifiers and the quality assurance team.
The value of the team centric CSL to communications and quality assurance was demonstrated and feedback was received on areas where further enhancements would assist the education teams.
OSCEs
Delegates at the event were also able to see the OSCEs through the eyes of the students as well as completing an OSCE paper as part of a training and standard setting workshop.
External consultant Lyn Hannant ran a workshop on the differences between teaching/writing at Level 3 and Level 4, assessing at Level 4 and Harvard referencing and how to get it right.
On a lighter note, CQ education consultant Kathy Challis gave a presentation on some of the more unusual patients seen during her time as an anaesthesia nurse at Cambridge Veterinary School.
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
