Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 6th May 2022
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

VN school ambassador scheme opens for applications
The VN Futures School Ambassadors Scheme aims to raise awareness of the veterinary nursing role.
RVNs and final-year SVNs are invited to apply.

The RCVS has opened applications for its VN Futures School Ambassadors scheme and is looking for registered veterinary nurses and student veterinary nurses in their final year of study to apply.

Launched to encourage children to choose a career in veterinary nursing, the VN Futures School Ambassadors Scheme aims to raise awareness of the role and how rewarding looking after animals can be.

Through the scheme, ambassadors will be able to access resources and support to enable them to deliver career information to children between the ages of nine and 16. The volunteer will be able to tailor the talks to suit themselves, with suggested topics including how to become a veterinary nurse and real-life scenarios that occur in practice.

The launch follows work by the School Ambassadors Development Group, in which volunteer VN Futures School Ambassadors developed resources and carried out talks in classrooms, at careers fairs and virtually.

Jill Macdonald, RCVS VN Futures Lead, said: “Like so many VNs, I didn’t learn about a veterinary nursing career until I had left school. Many children are passionate about animal welfare, and we hope that hearing a talk from an enthusiastic veterinary nurse will inspire children to consider a career in veterinary nursing. We want to talk to as many budding VNs as possible to help them learn about how valuable and rewarding a veterinary nursing career can be.”

VNs and SVNs that apply to the scheme will undergo induction training and a DBS check provided by STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Learning. They will also become members of the STEM Community and be able to access the many resources that STEM offers.

Ambassadors will also receive access to the VN Futures School Ambassadors website, which includes a host of veterinary nursing-specific resources to download, including interactive worksheets, ideas for approaches to school talks, and colourful careers guides.

Racheal Marshall, VN School Ambassador, commented: “Through my ambassador role, I’ve delivered several online sessions and it's been a great experience to meet children of all ages and talk to them about what VNs actually do. Many of the children I speak to are really interested in animal welfare and may become the VNs of the future.

“Being a VN School Ambassador allows me to talk to them about how they can turn their passion for looking after animals into a career. My ambition as an ambassador is to help increase the diversity of the profession by speaking to children who may not have considered vet nursing as a career option.

For more information about the scheme and to register your interest, visit vnfutures.org.uk

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.