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 […]

Empower the Next Generation of Veterinary Nurses with Cutting-Edge Veterinary Nurse Training from CAW

At The College of Animal Welfare (CAW), we’re committed to shaping confident, capable, and compassionate Student Veterinary Nurses (SVNs) – ready to meet the evolving demands of modern veterinary practice. That’s why we invest in the latest learning technologies and provide support for training practices across the UK. Whether you’re already training SVNs or thinking […]

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 […]

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 […]

From Student Vet Nurse to Practice Manager: Laura Doran Shares Her Veterinary Nursing Career Journey

Laura Doran completed her veterinary nurse training with us in 2007, going on to study the Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship, incorporating the ILM Level 5 Diploma for Operational Leaders and Managers. Here, Laura shares her career journey so far, as well as her experiences training at CAW: I started my Veterinary career in March […]

How to Choose a Veterinary Nursing Course

Choosing the right veterinary nursing course is a crucial step towards building a successful career in the profession. Taking the time to choose the right course will help ensure that your training meets your needs and prepares you for the challenges and rewards of the veterinary nursing profession. With a variety of veterinary nursing courses […]