The RCVS is inviting all members of the veterinary practice team to attend one of a series of free CPD events it is hosting to share how it believes veterinary nurses can be more effectively integrated within multidisciplinary veterinary teams, and explore why doing so is essential for the future of veterinary healthcare.

The College points to data gathered from its 2024 VN Vision workshops which showed that many nurses believe their skills and capabilities, and the scope of tasks that can be performed within the current legal framework, are not being fully used.

This new project aims to gather insights and empower nurses to play a more central role in the sector by promoting greater involvement in:

• Direct client engagement and long-term condition management
• Conducting routine appointments, such as post-operative checks and booster vaccinations
• Performing minor surgical procedures, including suturing and wound care

Session dates, times and locations are as follows:

• South Wales (Coleg Gwent, Usk Campus) – Tuesday 5 August, 6.15pm to 9.30pm
• Belfast (Ulster University) – Wednesday 13 August, 6.15pm to 9.30pm
• Scotland (SRUC Oatridge Campus, West Lothian) – Tuesday 26 August, 6.15pm to 9.30pm
• Dorset (Lynwood School of Veterinary Nursing, Dorchester) – Wednesday 24 September, 6.15pm to 9.30pm
• A London session will also be held later in the year, with details to be published in due course.

Julie Dugmore RVN, RCVS Director of Veterinary Nursing, said: “Informed by conversations with professionals across the sector and a deep understanding of current practice, this new project recognises that achieving meaningful change requires a fundamental cultural shift.

"Clear guidance, structured support and open dialogue will be key in empowering veterinary teams to adapt to a new way of working.

“An additional crucial focus will be on enhancing public understanding of the Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) role, alongside support for developing stronger interprofessional and public-facing communication.”

Jill Macdonald RVN, VN Futures Lead, added: “These interactive sessions will play an important role in this new branch of VN Vision work, helping to define long term goals, identify the practical steps needed to achieve them, and determine how success will be measured and shared with the wider public.

“We were honoured to have so many fantastic nurses come together last year to help shape the future of the profession, and we’re looking forward to many more engaging conversations with vet team members this time around.

"This is more than just a conversation though – it’s a national effort to strengthen the RVN role through collaboration, clarity and confidence.”

The ‘A vision or a necessity: strengthening the role of veterinary nurses in team-based veterinary healthcare’ workshops are open to all practice team members, including, but not limited to, veterinary nurses, veterinary surgeons, practice support staff, directors, managers, and practice owners.

Workshops will be informal, informative and made up of small groups.

Supper will also be provided.

https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/vet-nursing-vision-events-3253639 

https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/publications/vn-vision-the-future-of-team-based-veterinary-healthcare/