Veterinary Nurses Day - October 2019

Veterinary Nurses Day is a day for newly-registered veterinary nurses and RVNs, who have completed their Advanced Diplomas, to celebrate their accomplishment with their friends and family. 

At the October event, we hosted two ceremonies throughout the day and welcomed over 175 newly registered vet nurses to collect their scrolls, as well as nine RVNs who had achieved their DipAVNs. Also being recognised at the event with a lifetime achievement award was Deborah Holland who qualified as a ‘registered animal nursing auxiliary’ (or RANA) in 1981 and has seen first-hand how the profession has changed and adapted over the last 40 years.

The day included Rachael Marshall, Chair of Veterinary Nurses Council, leading the newly registered nurses through their professional declarations, and an address from RCVS President, Dr Niall Connell. Keynote speaker and previous Golden Jubilee Winner, Hayley Walters RVN, spoke about the varied experiences of her career to date, including her international work on rescuing bears in China from the bear-bile harvesting industry and her work in training both vets and VNs at Edinburgh. 

Attendees were also invited to spend part of the day enjoying the zoo grounds. 

The next VN Days are set to be held on 12 & 13 May 2020, in the Prince Albert Suite of London Zoo.