The event saw new veterinary nurses formally welcomed to the register.

VN Day event held in person for the first time in three years.

For the first time in three years, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) held its Veterinary Nurses Day event in person, welcoming newly-qualified VNs to the Register of Veterinary Nurses.

Held on Thursday 28 July, the celebration took place at the University of Manchester's Whitworth Hall. 

Over 130 veterinary nurses were in attendance, along with friends and family. Alongside welcoming the new veterinary nurses to the register, the event also saw those who had achieved a Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing presented with their certificate.

Matthew Rendle, Chair of VN Council, said of the event: “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome so many VNs onto the Register and to celebrate those who have passed an advanced qualification. 

“Being a veterinary nurse is something I’m extremely proud of and I hope that everyone who attended today has left with the same feelings of pride in their achievements.”

Mr Rendle started proceedings with a welcome address, and highlighted the profession's achievements over the past few years. He discussed the 60th anniversary of veterinary nursing, the launch of the Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing, and welcoming the 20,000th veterinary nurse onto the register.

He continued: “One of my favourite parts of VN Day is hearing everyone take their professional declaration together, and I felt honoured to be able to lead our most recent cohort of new VNs through their declaration. 

“It was a great opportunity to meet so many veterinary nursing colleagues in-person and I’m confident that the future of the veterinary nursing community is in extremely safe hands.”

Senior vice-president of the RCVS, Dr Kate Richards, gave a speech on the importance of making connections with other veterinary professionals.

Former VN Council chair Andrea Jeffrey gave the keynote speech, discussing what it means to ask 'why?' - and how questioning things has led her on different paths throughout her career.

“Today has been absolutely amazing,” said Sarah-Jayne Richards, an RVN celebrating her Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing.

“The venue is beautiful and it’s such a proud moment to be able to celebrate the achievements of something I’ve been working on for two and a half years.”

Katie Sproull, an RVN who made her declaration on the day, said: “It’s so good to be able to celebrate today with my fellow RVNs. I passed my OSCEs in September and I was so happy when I got the email six months later to let me know that I’d been invited to attend today. 

“I really enjoyed the speech from Andrea Jeffery and have been able to speak to people involved in the day’s presentations at the reception. It helps to bring the community together, especially taking the declaration together as a group.”

Image (C) Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons