Student Veterinary Nursing Congress returns in January 2027

We’re pleased to announce that Student Veterinary Nursing Congress is back by popular demand and will be taking place on Monday 25 January 2027.  Student Veterinary Nursing (SVN) Congress is a free, virtual event specifically for veterinary nursing students. With its comprehensive programme, esteemed speakers, and the convenience of a virtual format, this congress provides an […]

100% of CAW Veterinary Nursing Students Pass August 2026 OSCEs

We’re delighted to share that all of our student veterinary nurses who took the August 2026 VetSkill OSCEs (practical exams) passed their exams!  OSCEs are an important part of veterinary nurse training, giving students the opportunity to demonstrate the practical skills and knowledge they have developed throughout their studies and time in veterinary practice.  This fantastic result reflects the hard work and commitment shown […]

I’m a School Leaver and Want to Be a Veterinary Nurse – What Do I Do Next?

Leaving school is the beginning of an exciting new chapter, and if you already know you want to work as a veterinary nurse, you’re in a great position to start building towards that goal. The good news is that there are clear and achievable pathways into the veterinary nursing profession. Many people begin their journey […]

Student Spotlight: Kate MacKenzie on Driving Sustainability in Veterinary Practice

At The College of Animal Welfare, we are always proud to celebrate students who are making a real difference within the veterinary profession alongside their studies.  Kate MacKenzie, a second-year Student Veterinary Nurse (SVN) studying with CAW and working at Highgate Vets in Cumbria, has led sustainability initiatives across two veterinary practice sites through the Positive Pawprint scheme.   In […]

Why practices with in-house SVNs thrive: a look at culture, retention and Return on Investment (ROI)

Training student veterinary nurses (SVNs) in-house may require time, planning and supervision, but for many practices, it’s a strategic investment that delivers far more than clinical support. In-house training builds a culture of learning, strengthens team retention, and can provide a real return on investment. Whether you’re already a Training Practice (TP) or considering becoming […]

The secret to building a resilient veterinary nursing team

In veterinary practice, resilience is more than just a buzzword. It’s what keeps nursing teams going through busy days, emotional cases, and the ongoing challenges of recruitment and retention. While resilience is often spoken about in individual terms, team-level resilience – how people support and strengthen each other – plays an equally vital role. So, […]

Mentoring Without Burnout: How to Support SVNs Without Overloading Yourself

Mentoring student veterinary nurses (SVNs) is one of the most rewarding roles in clinical practice, but it can also add pressure to a busy day. For clinical supervisors, balancing high standards of veterinary nurse training with rota demands, caseload pressures, and unexpected emergencies can be a challenge. The good news is that mentoring a student […]

When Things Don’t Go to Plan: Supporting Struggling SVNs with Compassion and Clarity

Supporting student veterinary nurses (SVNs) on placement is one of the most rewarding roles in practice, but it’s not without its challenges. Sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, a student begins to struggle. Whether it’s confidence, clinical skills, communication, or personal circumstances affecting performance, it can be difficult for clinical supervisors to know what to do […]

The First 90 Days: How to Help SVNs Settle into Practice and Succeed

Taking on a student veterinary nurse (SVN) is a fantastic opportunity to support the next generation of Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs). For many students, their placement is the first real taste of working in a veterinary practice setting. These early weeks are critical in shaping how they feel about the role, the profession, and their […]

Supervising an SVN? What you can and can’t expect from them

Supervising a student veterinary nurse (SVN) is a rewarding responsibility, but it can also raise questions about what’s appropriate to expect at each stage of their veterinary nurse training. Some students come in with a lot of confidence; others may be quiet, cautious, or unsure. Without clear expectations, it’s easy for SVNs to feel overwhelmed […]