RCVS invites comments on VN Return to Practice course

We are inviting comments on our proposed 'Return to Veterinary Nursing Practice' course for veterinary nurses returning to the VN Register following a break of five years or more.

The non-statutory Register for Veterinary Nurses was introduced in September 2007. Registration is compulsory for those VNs listing after 1 January 2003, and voluntary for others.

Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) signal their commitment to professionalism by agreeing to maintain their competence and skills by means of continuing professional development and abiding by the Guide to Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses. From 2010, a disciplinary framework for veterinary nurses will be introduced.

Veterinary nurses who have deregistered for a period of five years or more are required to complete a 17-week Period of Supervised Practice (PSP) before rejoining the Register. This ensures they have the opportunity to update their knowledge and skills under the mentorship and supervision of other registered practitioners (veterinary or veterinary nursing).

To support nurses undertaking the PSP, we are developing a voluntary Return to Veterinary Nursing Practice course, which will lead to a Certificate in Current Veterinary Nursing Practice. The proposed time commitment for the course is 100 hours, including 30 “contact hours”, which may be taught traditionally in a classroom or via online learning. The cost of the course will be determined by course providers.

In order to ensure the course is fit for purpose, we are inviting comments on its proposed structure from course providers, veterinary nurses and employers by 29 February 2008.

Hard copy consultation documents have been issued to key stakeholders, but all are welcome to comment. The Return to Practice consultation documentation is available to download or by email from [email protected]. We reserve the right to publish selected comments, together with our responses.