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 […]

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 […]

Employer Webinar: Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing with CAW

Are you a Head Veterinary Nurse, Clinical Supervisor or Practice Manager exploring veterinary nurse training options for your practice? Join us on Thursday 4th September (3pm-4pm) for a free, informative session that covers how our veterinary nurse training works specifically from an employer’s perspective. We’ll explain the structure of our diploma programme, what’s expected from […]

5 Benefits of Becoming a Training Practice (TP)

In order to train veterinary nurses, veterinary practices have to be approved as either a Training and Assessment Practice (TP) or an Auxiliary Training Practice (aTP) by an Approved Centre (Primary Centre). Becoming a Training Practice offers veterinary practices the chance to grow and strengthen their team in a cost-effective, sustainable way. From developing your […]