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RCVS shares first findings from VN Vision study
Veterinary nurses were asked what role they wanted to play in the future of veterinary care.

The project has heard what RVNs and SVNs want for the future.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has released findings from the first stage of its VN Vision project.

Its report reveals what registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) and student veterinary nurses (SVNs) want for the future of veterinary healthcare, and what role they want veterinary nurses to play in it.

The first stage of the initiative has involved 14 sessions, both in-person and online, during which RVNs and SVNs were invited to share their views on the future of veterinary care. The discussions sought to gain a range of perspectives and asked respondents to keep an open mind.

The discussions focused on two questions: ‘What does the veterinary nursing profession want the future of veterinary healthcare to look like?’ and ‘What role will veterinary nurses play in shaping this future?’.

RCVS’ new report, which was published online this week, reveals the common themes raised in these discussions. Among the topics featured were responsibility and autonomy, recognition from colleagues and the general public, and improved career progression.

The analysis of these findings could inform how veterinary healthcare could be used to maximise efficiency and enhance RVNs' job satisfaction.

The VN Vision project forms part of the wider VN Futures initiative, a joint endeavour with the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA). Launched in 2016, VN Futures aims to conduct an exploration into what veterinary nurses want from their futures.

The next project from VN Vision has been titled ‘A vision or a necessity: strengthening the role of veterinary nurses in team-based veterinary healthcare’.

Launching in the next few weeks, the events will explore how veterinary nurses can be integrated into multidisciplinary teams and why this is important, The sessions will open to all members of the veterinary team, with dates to be announced.

Julie Dugmore, RCVS director of veterinary nursing, said: “I would like to thank everyone who has taken valuable time out of their busy schedules to input into this vital project.

“Your involvement has made a real difference and we look forward to engaging with many more veterinary professionals as we continue working together bring our shared vision for a thriving future to life.”

The first VN Vision report can be read here.

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
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RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."