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 […]

What Veterinary Practices Need to Know About RCVS Compliance When Training SVNs

Training student veterinary nurses (SVNs) is a rewarding and impactful way to grow your team and contribute to the profession, but it also comes with responsibilities. For practices registered as Training Practices (TPs) or auxiliary Training Practices (aTPs), staying compliant with RCVS standards is essential not only to maintain your accreditation but to ensure your […]

From Student to RVN: Mapping the SVN Journey in Practice

For many aspiring veterinary nurses, the journey begins long before their first day in practice. Often it starts with a childhood love for animals, or a personal experience that ignited a passion for caring for them. However, whilst enthusiasm is essential, transforming that passion into professional competence is a longer process. It requires not only […]

VetSkill announces the ‘VetSkill OSCE Star’ award in celebration of learner success

VetSkill recently shared news of their ‘VetSkill OSCE Star’ award, created in recognition of learners who have achieved a Pass grade in all 12 OSCE tasks for the VetSkill VTEC Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal / Equine) and VetSkill Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal / Equine).   What are OSCEs?  […]