The VN Register: three events to answer your questions

September 2007 sees the opening of the new non-statutory Register for veterinary nurses. It is one of the most major changes to veterinary nursing for several decades and, by regulating veterinary nurses in their own right, recognises the professional role that they play in the veterinary team.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons is hosting three Question Time events for veterinary nurses and their colleagues to find out more about the Register, and the benefits and responsibilities that it will bring.

Those veterinary nurses who joined the RCVS VN List on or after 1 January 2003 will transfer automatically to the Register. Those listing before this date have the option of joining if they wish. Only those registering will be able to call themselves Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN). By following the Guide to Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses  and fulfilling continuing professional development requirements, RVNs will demonstrate to the public and employers that they are accountable for their professional practice.

The Question Time events will be held as follows:

Wednesday 27 June 2007  2.30 pm  RCVS, London
Wednesday 11 July 2007   6.30 pm  Hilton Hotel, Bristol
Thursday 12 July 2007       6.30 pm  Ramada Hotel, Bolton

Following a short presentation, a panel comprising members of VN Council, RCVS Council and the RCVS Veterinary Nursing Department will take questions from the floor. Questions can be submitted in advance or brought on the day.

The afternoon event in London will conclude with refreshments, offering the chance for informal discussion. The evening events will begin with a buffet supper, giving delegates a chance to enjoy a glass of wine and a bite to eat with the panel and colleagues. 

"The opening of the new Register is an exciting development and represents a great deal of hard work from the VN Council and others within the RCVS," explains RCVS VN Council chairman Mrs Andrea Jeffery.

"It's a major change in regulation and will affect all veterinary nurses and their employers. I hope as many people as possible will join us at the Question Time events and that those who can't will contact us with their questions directly."

Invitations will be sent to veterinary nurses living within reasonable travelling distance of the events, but all veterinary nurses and their practice colleagues are welcome. To secure a place at one of the events, and for more details, please contact the Veterinary Nursing Department at [email protected] by 15 June.

If you are unable to attend but have a question you would like the panel to answer, please send an email to the address above.