Vet Times

Tag: RVN

  • Personal finance for the veterinary nurse

    Personal finance for the veterinary nurse

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    We know we aren’t that well paid compared to vets, but can we do things to improve our lot? YES! Budget – and stick to it (do you need that latte every day?) Save – even a little can help (also, make it difficult to get at – think ISAs or Premium Bonds) Pensions –…

  • Do you know your student nurses?

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    This sounds simple, so I know you will be able to answer me… just tell me their name, their likes, dislikes, strengths and weaknesses. But what course are they on? How are they funded? What could be a hurdle to their success as an SVN? Do they need to study further maths and English qualifications…

  • Are nursing arts dying?

    Are nursing arts dying?

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    I have been asking on my twitter account (@JaneRVN) about experiences of the nurses and “nursing arts”. Do we utilise all our skills? Are some nursing arts dying? Does VN training reflect what goes on in practice? The responses have been different, which is good, but the nursing arts I have specifically been asked about…

  • Singing from the same hymn sheet

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    My thanks to fellow blogger Will Easson – we seem to think alike on many subjects, and his blog post regarding the RCVS survey on graduate employment struck a chord. In particular the paragraph that read: As a profession our treatment of colleagues is variable, to say the least. Many practices are very good, understanding,…

  • Coincidence

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    I work in an emergency practice and things come in fits and starts. If I see a blocked cat on the first day of my week, I know I’ll see at least two more by the end. Then I might not see any more for a couple of months. It’s weird like that when you…

  • Planning the VN year: an update

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    An update to my previous post, entitled “Planning the RVN/SVN year” for you… OSCE dates from City and Guilds: Three windows this year and more centres available. EXAM WINDOW ENTRY DEADLINE RESULTS PUBLISHED LOCATIONS Friday, May 16 Saturday, May 17 Sunday, May 18 April 1 w/c June 30 (1) Myerscough, Lancashire Friday, Aug 1 Saturday,…

  • 24-hour provision: have your say

    24-hour provision: have your say

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    On December 23, 2013, an important announcement was made by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons: an open consultation on out-of-hours (OOH) services! The college is calling for evidence on provision of 24-hour emergency veterinary cover, in order to understand “how best to meet the expectations of all those involved”. Further details are available from…

  • Where are the training practices?

    Where are the training practices?

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    The RCVS has announced an increase in the number of Training Practices (TPs) to just over 2,000. In a recent article I wrote of the differences between EMS for vet students and the TP scheme for student nurses. I have been spurred on by a recent Twitter chat (@JaneRVN) with @vetinpractice about where the TPs…

  • Planning the RVN/SVN year

    Planning the RVN/SVN year

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    We can start our good intentions now! Let’s make 2014 the year of pre-planning and proactive rather than reactive decisions… promise? To help, here’s a few dates we already know: RCVS diploma exams – written and OSCE [link]. City & Guilds (C&G) and Central Qualifications (CQ) exams are held “in-house”, so you should contact your…

  • OSCE results: what if it’s bad news?

    OSCE results: what if it’s bad news?

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    RCVS OSCE results are due on January 9, 2014 – another new group hopefully entering the RVN workforce. Exam results should mean celebration – but that won’t be the case for everyone. The national average pass rate is usually between 70-80%, so not all will receive good news. So, what to do if it isn’t…