A Significant Year for Vet Nurses
In 2011 veterinary nursing celebrated its 50th anniversary and two major announcements were made: A new veterinary nursing awarding body, Central Qualifications, was approved by Ofqual and the RCVS was closing its awarding body.
For some time, there has been dissatisfaction brewing with regard to veterinary nurse training. But in 2011, for the first time, a new veterinary nursing qualification was launched by awarding body Central Qualifications.
The Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, or DipVN, is a level 3 qualification which brings a much-needed fresh approach to VN training. A more practically orientated syllabus which uses the Central Skills Log, a customised web-based skills recording system, to replace the NPL, the DipVN promises a brighter future for veterinary nurse education.
What is more, it is the first alternative equivalent qualification to the RCVS level 3 Diploma to be approved by the RCVS, which means that veterinary nursing training is on the cusp of a fresh start.
Nevertheless concerns still exist within the veterinary nursing sector. While the RCVS's decision to close down its own awarding body for veterinary nurse qualifications – opening the way for new qualifications such as CQ's DipVN – avoids issues such as conflicts of interest, the decision to introduce new fees for student nurses is likely to spark fresh rows.
Moving on to other topics, The British Veterinary Nursing Association helped celebrate half a century of veterinary nursing at their annual Congress and announced the move to a venue for 2012.
The RCVS also celebrated 50 years of veterinary nursing with a seminar held at Belgravia House. BVNA president Sue Badger was amongst the speakers who gave a personal account of the development of the veterinary nursing profession.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
