Author Archives: Amber Tennant

More motivational ideas and networking opportunities at this year’s Head Nurse Congress

The College of Animal Welfare would like to thank all delegates, speakers and exhibitors who attended Head Nurse Congress on the 14 and 15 May for making the event such a success. This year the event, which was sponsored by the Veterinary Practice Management Association (VPMA), saw over a hundred delegates come together to share ideas and listen to management inspired lectures that left them, in some delegates words, ‘motivated and inspired’ and ‘re-energised to make changes back in practice’.

Following its launch in 2015, Head Nurse Congress relocated this year to the impressive Whittlebury Hall Hotel and Spa in Northamptonshire. This move allowed delegates to stay on site for the weekend if they so wished, enjoy a cocktails and canapés reception on the Saturday night, and wind down with the use of the onsite spa facilities.

Short Course and Events Manager at The College of Animal Welfare, Tracey Croucher, said “We were delighted to see head nurses from all across the country come together with a shared interest and desire to get the very best out of their nursing team”. She continued “Feedback from delegates about what they want to see at next year’s event is already being used to help us to make next year’s event bigger and better than ever before”.

The date for Head Nurse Congress 2017 will be announced shortly. In the meantime you can register your details and be one of the first to hear about next year’s event at www.caw.ac.uk/hnc

RCVS Golden Jubilee Award Winner 2016

Louise O’Dwyer has been awarded the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Golden Jubilee Award, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Veterinary Nursing. First to receive the prestigious award since its relaunch in 2015, Louise was nominated for demonstrating strong leadership abilities within the profession and her commitment to patient care.

Alongside her work as a clinical support manager at Vets Now, Louise boasts many impressive achievements that highlight her dedication to pushing the profession forward, including: lecturing around the world, working on BSAVA committees, volunteering at the Bella Moss Foundation and contributing to over 35 journals across the UK, US and Canada.

On winning the award, Louise said: “Nursing is about making your mark, about being there for your patients, and for me that’s what my career has been about. It’s a bit of a cliché, but we really are the voice of our patients, so when people ask me ‘why do you spend so much time with getting extra qualifications?’, it’s about making sure I’m better able to help my patients.

“As I get older it’s also about educating the next generation of VNs, helping to train them to do the same and to spread our knowledge and training. Our training is something British vet nurses can really be proud of, and it’s humbling to receive this award when I know just how many other dedicated, passionate VNs are out there.”

Louise is also a regular lecturer on our veterinary nursing CPD courses. As a result we are delighted by the news and would like to congratulate Louise on her success. Louise will be presented with the Golden Jubilee Award at RCVS Day on 15 July.

To find out more about the award you can read the full article here. Louise will be lecturing on anaesthesia, emergency and critical care, poisons and toxicity, and nursing the dyspnoeic patient at our Leeds centre later this year. For more information on how to book, you can visit our website.

Reminder about our easy-to-use NPL tracking sheet

The new NPL tracking sheet can be downloaded and saved to track your NPL progress. All you need is a computer with Microsoft Excel (students can download Office 365 for free from the VLE if they do not already have Excel). Simply tick off each task within a unit as you go and percentage progress is calculated for you.

Download the tracking sheet here or via the VLE.

BVNA Congress 7-9 October 2016: Registration Now Open

Registration for the annual British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) Congress is now open. As the largest veterinary nursing event in the UK, it is a great opportunity to undertake meaningful CPD, network with other veterinary nurses and keep up with the latest products and developments.

The College of Animal Welfare will be there, this year at stand number C003. If you are going, please come along and speak to us about placements, training and CPD.

Further information, and details about how to register, can be found on the BVNA website.

RCVS and VN Councils election results for 2016

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) have announced the results of the 2016 RCVS Council and Veterinary Nurses (VN) Council elections. All candidates will take up their positions at the annual RCVS day, this year taking place on Friday 15th July 2016 at the Royal Institute of British Architects.

The six places available on the RCVS council will be taken by:

  • Christopher Barker (2,838 votes)
  • Amanda Boag (2,689 votes)
  • Kit Sturgess (2,586 votes)
  • Stephen May (2,452 votes)
  • Melissa Donald (New member: 2,532 votes)
  • Lucie Goodwin (New member: 2,307 votes)

Stephen May has been reelected and will serve as Junior Vice-President of the RCVS for 2016-2017.

The two places available on VN Council will be taken by new members:

  • Matthew Rendle (547 votes)
  • Racheal Marshall (537 votes)

To find out more about the successful candidates you can visit the RCVS website.