Profession Celebrates at RCVS Veterinary Nursing Diamond Jubilee Evening

25 September 2022

The RCVS celebrated the 60th anniversary of the veterinary nursing profession at a Diamond Jubilee Evening at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History on Friday 19th August. The evening was a chance to review how far the profession has come and to pay tribute to those who have influenced and impacted the professions’ achievements over the years.

From the first RCVS animal nursing auxiliary training scheme taking place in 1961, the very first use of the title “Veterinary Nurse” in 1984, through to the amendment of the Veterinary Surgeons Act in 1991 to recognise in law the role of veterinary nurses, it was certainly an evening to reflect on just how far the veterinary nursing profession has come.

Matthew Rendle RVN, Chair of RCVS VN Council delivered an empowering speech with the message of “keep talking, be honest, be kind”. He spoke of the challenges within the profession, highlighting that mental and physical health differences, don’t necessarily detract from a person’s ability to excel and achieve in their role.

Alison Speakman, BSAVA President said: “It was an enormous privilege as BSAVA president to be able to share in this celebration of such a dedicated and progressive veterinary nursing profession, and to share the passion for the ongoing development of their role as highly skilled and crucial members of the veterinary professional team”.

From 4141 registered veterinary nurses in 2002 to 21,828 in 2022 and the first cohort of nurses passing their Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing qualification, the future looks set to see ongoing progression in the profession and hopefully an “Advanced practitioner” status opportunity for veterinary nurses.