If you’re a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) or veterinary surgeon, chances are you’ve explained a procedure to a nervous client, supported a student through a tough day, or guided a colleague through a new skill – probably without even thinking of it as “teaching.” RVNs make some of the best teachers, often long before they […]
The College of Animal Welfare News Blog
Why RVNs and Vets Make Brilliant Teachers (and How to Become One)
Announcing the 2025 Laura Turnbull Bursary — Now Open for Applications
Applications for the 2025 Laura Turnbull Bursary, a £1,000 award established in loving memory of our inspirational alumna, Laura Turnbull, are now open. This bursary, co‑funded by Laura’s family and The College of Animal Welfare (CAW), seeks to carry forward her legacy by supporting innovative veterinary nursing projects. Remembering Laura Laura trained with CAW, qualifying […]
Middlesex VN Degree Ranked Best in UK – Two Years Running!
For the second year running the Middlesex University/The College of Animal Welfare collaborative BSc (Hons) Degree in Veterinary Nursing has been ranked Number One in the UK in the 2025 National Student Survey (NSS) results. This amazing achievement is a glowing endorsement of the programmes’ continuing commitment to academic excellence, student support, and the preparation […]
Empathy or Sympathy and which is right at work?
Empathy and sympathy are often used interchangeably, but they represent different ways of relating to others’ emotions and experiences. Understanding the distinction between the two is crucial for fostering genuine connections and support, especially in the workplace. Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of another person. It requires stepping into their shoes, acknowledging their […]
Why Veterinary Nursing Is More Than Just a Job
When you think about veterinary nursing, you might picture someone cuddling kittens, holding a paw during surgery, or assisting in a busy clinic. While all of those moments are part of the veterinary nurse role, the veterinary nursing profession is far more than a series of tasks or a job that ends when your shift […]
What’s Next After RVN Registration? Planning Your 3-, 5-, and 10-Year Career Map
Becoming a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) is a major milestone – a moment to be proud of, after years of study, clinical placements, and rigorous assessments. But once the registration certificate is in hand, many RVNs are left wondering, what comes next? The truth is, registration isn’t the end – it’s the beginning of your […]
Burnout vs Boredom as an RVN: Understanding the Difference and What to Do Next
You’re getting through the day. You’re doing what’s expected – caring for patients, supporting your team, keeping things moving. But something feels off. Maybe you feel drained all the time, or like you’re just going through the motions. The spark that once lit up your veterinary nursing career feels dim, or even gone altogether. Is […]
Training as a Veterinary Nurse in Your 30s, 40s, 50s or Beyond? Yes, It’s Possible – and Worth It
For many people, a love of animals has been lifelong – but life doesn’t always lead straight into a veterinary nursing career. Whether you’ve worked in a different industry, taken time out to raise a family, or simply want a more meaningful career path, training to become a veterinary nurse in your 30s, 40s, 50s […]
Panic Awareness Day: 10 July 2025
Panic Awareness Day, observed annually on the 10th of July, is dedicated to raising awareness about panic disorders and attacks, conditions that affect millions worldwide but is often misunderstood. This crucial day aims to reduce stigma, promote mental health resources, and educate people on how to manage panic attacks and support others who experience them. […]
My experience of working as an RVN with a chronic disability and neurodivergence
Zoé Langley RVN ISFMCertFN I’ll start off by saying, not every neurodivergent or disabled person has the same experiences or faces the same barriers, this is just my experience training and working as an RVN with Autism and Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS). I received a workplace diagnosis for Autism in May 2024, as is often the […]