Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

VN profession should be 'more involved' with RCVS
Marie Ripingale
I have the best interests of all RVNS, small animal and equine, at heart.”

Marie Rippingale believes communication is the key to minimising conflict

“It would be really nice to see the veterinary nursing profession getting involved with issues raised and dealt with by the VN council,” says Marie Rippingale, who is standing in the 2015 VN Council election. “I think communication is the key to minimising conflict, however this has to come from both sides.”

Marie, a head nurse and clinical coach at Scarsdale Vets, is one of three nurses standing for election. As a qualified REVN, she firmly believes that communication between the RCVS and members of the profession could be improved.

“I think better communication is the key. Also, I think the more members of the profession that get involved, the stronger the relationship will be.

“One of the first steps to getting involved is to vote in the VN Council elections. Make sure that you pick a candidate that you can trust and will uphold your values.

“There is a lot of scope for communication, from plain old fashioned phone calls, to emails and the RCVS Facebook page.”

If elected to council, Marie would like to help further the progression of the profession and increase public awareness of veterinary nurses in general.

“I’m very excited at the prospect of being involved with the VN Council [now that] the Charter [has come] into force and we are rightly recognised as a profession.

“As a DipAVN (Equine) I am very aware of the importance of high standards of patient and client care. I am very keen to make evidence-based medicine more widely used and recognised within the profession to keep us up to date and moving forward.”

The election results will be published in early May and the successful candidates will begin their terms of office at the RCVS Annual General Meeting, held in July.

No stranger to fitting extra duties in and around her normal working life, Marie already provides CPD for BVNA, XL Vets and BEVA on a regular basis. As a lecturer on the Level Three Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, she has a real passion for teaching and creating useful and informative CPD – something which she feels would be a useful addition to the VN Council.

“Please do not discount me because I am an equine nurse,” she said. “I have the best interests of all RVNS, small animal and equine, at heart.”

To read our full interview with Marie, visit www.vetcommunity.com. Log in or sign up for a free account to discuss the elections in the VetCommunity chatter zone.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.