Newly-qualified VNs to be welcomed virtually
"We feel that this is the safest and most accessible format for the event." - Julie Dugmore.
Newly-qualified veterinary nurses will be welcomed to the profession at the RCVS VN Evening - taking place virtually this year.
Happening online on Thursday 21 October, the RCVS will formally welcome newly-qualified veterinary nurses to the profession, where attendees will take their professional declaration.
Attendees will also listen to speeches from the Chair of VN Council, Matthew Rendle, and RCVS president Kate Richards. They will also hear more about the upcoming activities of the VN Futures initiative.
Speaking on the virtual nature of the event this year, RCVS director of veterinary nursing, Julie Dugmore, commented: “We took the decision to make this VN Evening virtual, which is a choice we didn’t make lightly as we know how much attendees enjoy meeting other veterinary nurses from across the country in person.
“However, we feel confident that this is the safest and most accessible format for the event, and attendees can be assured that the upcoming VN Evening will be as special and uplifting as always."
Alongside welcoming attendees, Matthew Rendle will be delivering the keynote speech of the event, discussing his career in exotic wildlife nursing.
He will also discuss the changes to the profession since he qualified – including the new 2021 changes; the profession's Diamond Jubilee, the first year of 20,000 registered VNs, and the first VN appointed as a Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) Assessor.
Julie Dugmore added: “VN Evening is always a highlight for my team and the wider veterinary nursing community, and we are really looking forward to welcoming the newly-qualified veterinary nurses to the profession.
“This is a perfect opportunity to celebrate the achievements of veterinary nursing, in a very special landmark year for the profession.”
All veterinary nurses eligible to attend will be sent a link in an email to register for the event. Further details can be requested via email at events@rcvs.org.uk and all members of the profession are invited to attend.
Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
