BVNA Latest News

BVNA Veterinary Nurse Certificate in Dentistry

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

The start date for the Veterinary Nurse Certificate in Dentistry has been moved to May 2012 to give Veterinary Nurses more opportunity of completing this unique course.

This is THE most comprehensive dentistry course for Veterinary Nurses currently available, covering in detail all aspects of general dentistry in small animal practice.

The course runs over a calendar year with a mix of contact teaching and directed learning.

It is designed specifically for the qualified, listed/registered veterinary nurse but is also open to veterinary surgeons. Other people wishing to attend the course will be considered but will not be eligible to obtain the certificate.

The contact teaching is in 3 two-day modules held on a Friday and Saturday. The modules consist of a mix of lectures, tutorials, demonstrations, displays and informal discussion. There is a full day of practical (hands-on) teaching in module two.

Module three contains a practice run for part of the final exam - the steeplechase component.

There is also a self learning aspect with set coursework and a reading list. A dental case diary and 4 case studies are to be complied and submitted during the year and will be part of the final assessment. Full instruction will be given during the contact teaching.

Tutors are John Robinson BDS, Dentist to the veterinary profession and Lisa Milella BVSc MRCVS, Principal of a dedicated veterinary dental practice.

During this course it is strongly recommended that students visit places of excellence for example - referral centres or hospitals to gain further experience.

All applicants should be aware that there will be a considerable amount of time and commitment required to achieve completion of the course.

Aims and Objectives

Obtaining the certificate will:

Provide the qualified veterinary nurse with an understanding of the importance of dental health in small animals Enable the candidate to play a greater role in providing effective dental care for small animals and improve the level of dental care offered by their practice

The candidate will gain:

an understanding of which dental problems occur in their patients and how these problems occur an understanding of the aims of the treatments and how they should be tailored to the individual to maximise effectiveness. This means greater improvement to the dental health of the individual animal and also to the pet population as a whole improved job satisfaction when involved in providing dental care Syllabus

All sections principally apply to canine, feline, lagomorph and rodent dentistry.

Anatomy and Physiology of the head and dentition Aetiology & pathogenesis of dental diseases Assimilation of dental diagnostic information Dental Treatment Health & Safety 2012 Course Information

Dates

Venue

Salaries Survey 2012

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

This year the Salaries Survey is being run by the Society for Practicing Veterinary Surgeons in association with the BVNA and the Veterinary Practice Management Association.

Ideally we need one completed questionnaire for each and every Veterinary Surgeon, Veterinary Nurse, Receptionist and Practice Manager including both full and part-time workers from your practice. It is best if each employee fills in the survey for themselves.

It would be really helpful if you could complete this survey online which not only saves postage costs but ensures the results go straight into the database so no one has to re-type them! Go online at:

http://www.questform.co.uk/
Login as: Salary 2012
Password: salary

However, if paper is your preference, please download this form and share it round your practice. As always the survey data is treated as strictly anonymous and totally confidential. If you have two or more jobs, please complete a separate survey for each of your employments. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FORM

The more responses we get the more you will get back from this survey.

Please return completed paper forms to: SPVS
The Governor's House
Cape Rd
Warwick
Warwickshire
CV34 5DJ

BEFORE the end of February 2012

Northern Ireland Veterinary Nursing Awards 2012

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

The British Veterinary Nursing Association and Hill's Pet Nutrition are delighted to once again give you the chance to reward that extra effort by nominating an outstanding individual for the Northern Ireland Veterinary Nursing Awards in 2012. All veterinary nurses are dedicated to caring for animals but sometimes someone stands out above the rest by offering exceptional service.

Click here to download the Application Form and Poster for your practice.

The winners will be announced at the Gala Banquet on 25th May 2012 during the BSAVA (NI) and BVNA (NI) Congress.

BVNA Charity of the Year 2012

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) is delighted to welcome The Retired Greyhound Trust as its Official Charity for 2012.

The BVNA will support the Trust in a bid to help raise much-needed funds for homeless greyhounds at the end of their racing careers, and to promote the great work of the Trust and its volunteers.

Peter Laurie, Chief Executive of the Retired Greyhound Trust, said: "This partnership makes perfect sense. The lives of BVNA members revolve around animals. They have a great appreciation and understanding of what it takes to care for so many retired greyhounds around the country while we are trying to find them loving new homes. I am delighted that we have been invited to partner with an organisation whose members will really care about what we do. We look forward to working with you to raise lots of money for the charity throughout 2012."

Claire Fraser, President of BVNA, said: "We chose the Retired Greyhound Trust because of the great work its volunteers undertake for the welfare of the dogs."

To find out more about the Retired Greyhound Trust please visit http://www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk/

BVNA London CPD Day

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR A BOOKING FORM

Employee Voice Questionnaire

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

BVNA is supporting research on employee voice in the small firm being undertaken by Dr Janet Miller at the University of the West of England. This project is looking at the ways in which veterinary nurses resolve grievances, either with the help of BVNA or by themselves. A comparison will be made between the experiences of staff in veterinary practices and staff working in racing stables, who form the other part of the study.

An on-line questionnaire for veterinary nurses has just been launched which can be found at https://bristol.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_1N8pzFJqEa6COOg. We would like to encourage you to complete the questionnaire which will take around 10 minutes of your time and will provide important information about the way staff handle workplace grievances. A full report of the research will be provided later in 2012.

New BVNA Employment Guidelines Pack

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

All your personnel needs on one CD. Includes:

Guide to Contracts of Employment

Job Profiles

Recruitment & Selection

Rewarding Your Employees

Also includes copies of our Factsheets on Maternity & Paternity, Employment Law, New Job, Bullying & Harrassment and Stress

Just £4.99 + postage

Click here to purchase from our online shop

BVNA Congress Moves Venue for 2012!

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The British Veterinary Nursing Association is delighted to announce that the BVNA Congress is to move to a new venue, Telford International Centre (TIC), for the 2012 event. Next year's event will held between Friday 5th and Sunday 7th October.

The move will provide a modern venue with full conference facilities, excellent onsite hotels plus a range of alternative accommodation within walking distance of the venue. There is also free onsite parking and excellent road and rail links.

Association Manager Angela Mariconda said, 'the decision to change the location of a well-established and successful event was not an easy one to make, but TIC offers many advantages over the previous venue, including purpose-built lecture theatres, excellent exhibition space and a wide selection of hotels from budget to luxury.'.

BVNA Council are very excited about the move as the new venue will not only be more convenient in terms of location and facilities, but will also enable further growth of the scientific lecture programme and provide greater value for delegates.

Further information will be available in January and delegates will be able to register from April 2012.

New BVNA Revision App Ready for Download

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Split into two sections, the app comprises Quick Revision and Full Revision modes. The Quick Revision is a spot test of twenty multiple choice questions with every score recorded on a scoreboard, allowing you to compete with yourself to get better and better. Full Revision mode is a quiz of sixty questions, ensuring you learn all you need to know about the use of radiology in the veterinary practice.

All 125 questions are randomly generated to reinforce every aspect of the subject, and the layout makes it quick and easy to use.

Perfect for a veterinary nurse in training, perhaps with approaching exams, or simply wanting to test and refresh their knowledge, the BVNA Radiology Revision App costs £2.99 and is available now from the App Store.

For more information and to download the app, click here: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/bvna-radiology-revision/id467744104?mt=8

BVNA Congress 2011 Attendance Certificates

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Your CPD Certificates are currently being printed, packed and posted....look out for yours dropping on your doormat shortly!

E-petition to protect the title 'Veterinary Nurse'

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

How should veterinary nurses be regulated in the future?

Responsible department: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

The title veterinary nurse is not protected, despite all veterinary nurses listed with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) having undertaken at least two years of training in order to safeguard animal health and welfare. Only those who are on the non-statutory RCVS Register have formally committed to keeping their skills and knowledge up to date by way of continuing professional development, follow a code of conduct and agree to be accountable for their professional practice. Meanwhile, there are individuals who call themselves veterinary nurses who have no formal veterinary nurse education and training. We the undersigned therefore call on Government to support the work of the RCVS Veterinary Nurses Council, the British Veterinary Nursing Association and the British Veterinary Association to introduce a statutory regime for the regulation of veterinary nurses that will serve the public interest, and better protect animal health and welfare.

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/18700

BVNA attends reception held by RCVS at the House of Commons

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

To read Liz Branscombe's speech please click here

BVNA Congress

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL WE HAD TO CANCEL THE 'NEONATAL EMERGENCIES AND HOW TO DEAL WITH THEM EFFECTIVELY', BY ANGELIKA VON HEIMENDAHL. WE APOLOGISE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE.

National VN Week 2011 Winners Are Announced

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Best Photo: Emma Daw of Uckfield, East Sussex won a digital camera and the runner up Stephanie Given of Perthshire in Scotland won a digital photo frame Best Careers Event: Clare Sparling of Swindon won £ 200 worth of High Street Shopping Vouchers and runner up Ffion Llewelyn of Chippenham won a Thorntons chocolate hamper Best Community Event: Kim Wilson of Whitchurch, Shropshire won an Apple iPad and runner up Caroline Webber, of Whitchurch in Bristol, a Sony Touch Reader

Full details of the winning entries will be published within the October issue of VNJ.

Thanks also go to the official 2011 VN Week sponsors:

Part-time Education Development Co-ordinator Vacancy

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The successful candidate must be a qualified Veterinary Nurse, experienced in VN education and quality assurance, with at least five years post qualification experience, strong communication, IT and presentation skills. Assessor, Internal Verifier and Clinical Coach qualifications plus a teaching qualification are desirable.

The successful applicant will be expected to work flexible hours at home and from our Harlow office with some travel to careers events, conferences and visits to course providers and trainers. Salary is dependent on experience and qualifications.

Closing date for applications is Friday 28th October.

Please apply in writing with a covering letter and CV to Kirstie Shield DipAVN(Surg) RVN MBVNA, Honorary Secretary, The British Veterinary Nursing Association, 82 Greenway Business Centre, Harlow, Essex CM19 5QE

Scottish SVN Questionnaire

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Your completion of this short survey is very much appreciated.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XVCSDFF

Join the BVNA Team at the Essex Country Show

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Each day the team will be offering pet owners free pet free checks and discussing responsible pet ownership, general pet care and promoting the role of the veterinary nurse in practice. As well as offering face painting for a donation to the BVNA charity of the year, The Cinnamon Trust.

With an average 35,000 visitors each year, it will certainly by a busy event and an excellent opportunity to speak to the general public.

Why not visit the BVNA team and join in the fun!

For more information on the Essex Country Show please visit http://www.barleylands.co.uk/essex-country-show

VetSupport+ Employee Survey

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

It is natural that we share with our colleagues and friends what gives us satisfaction, and also what frustrates us, within our daily working lives. However, it is not often that you have the opportunity to have a wider voice on how well the veterinary industry serves you in terms of job satisfaction, career development and training.

VetSupport+ is running an industry-wide survey on the full range of VetSupport+ issues that contribute to employee engagement. The survey is independently run, and no answers will be attributed to any individual. However, it does promise to offer a collective opinion about your role, your practice and your profession.

So we would like to encourage you to have your say on your career, and please take the opportunity to forward to all members of your Practice team to do likewise. As a reward, they are offering a free bar of chocolate to every respondent!

A link to the online survey can be found at:

www.noesis-mi.com/surveys/employeesurvey/

The survey closes on Friday 12 August.

Kindest regards

Sue Badger MEd CertEd VN | BVNA President

West of England CPD Day Announced

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The 2nd BVNA West of England CPD Day has been announced to take place on Saturday 12th November 2011 at Harper Adams University College, Edgmond, Shropshire.

Lectures on the day will be:

The top 10 ways to delay wound healing - Georgie Hollis BSc MVWHA Advanced anaesthesia monitoring - Sam McMillan VTS (Anaesth) DipAVN (Med) RVN VN Consulting from the client's point of view - Wendy Miller-Smith RVN CertEd Triage, patient assessment & emergency stabilisation - Belinda Andrews-Jones VTS (ECC) DipAVN (Surg) RVN LCGI

£110 BVNA Members £140 Non-members

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A BOOKING FORM

BVNA Team promotes VN Week in Essex

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, Barleylands promises a spectacular fun-packed day out for all the family.

What was once an Essex farming family's informal gathering of half a dozen steam engines is now the largest event of its type in the South East, with 31,500 visitors in 2010. The show, with an emphasis on agricultural history and rural crafts, offers something for everyone.

If you would like to visit the show, the opening times are 10am - 5pm each day. For more information about the event please visit www.essexcountryshow.co.uk