More than 100 hard-working nursing students honoured at graduation ceremony

Proud parents, partners and friends watched on as vet nurses from across the country celebrated passing their Cert VN ECC exams.

All thoughts of saving pets’ lives were temporarily put on hold as the successful candidates were honoured at the Majestic Hotel in Harrogate.

The graduation ceremony was held during the Vets Now ECC Congress, which is one of the biggest CPD events in the veterinary calendar.

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Vet Jennifer Devey addressed the new graduates and wished them luck in their future careers.

She said: “Looking through the requirements for this programme, I was absolutely blown away by the breadth of what you’ve had to learn to achieve the Cert VN ECC certificate.

“As a result, I can honestly say that I would have zero qualms about sending any complicated cases to you because I’d be confident that you would know how to take care of it. I would be honoured to work alongside each and every one of you.”

The Certificate of Veterinary Nursing in Emergency and Critical Care qualification, developed by Vets Now and accredited by City & Guilds, is for vet nurses who have an interest in extending their knowledge of small animal emergency and critical care.

It’s open to anyone registered with the RCVS as well as international colleagues who have a similar accredited qualification.

Image of Cert VN ECC graduation students
Some of the 139 vet nurses who gained their certificate in 2018

At Vets Now we encourage and support vet nurses to complete the qualification.

This year, 182 vet nurses sat the final assessment, with 76% passing, and there are currently another 557 students working their way through the course at various stages. Overall, more than 600 vet nurses have successfully gained the qualification since its launch.

Laura Kidd, clinical development adviser for the Cert VN ECC, said: “Our certificate holders have developed their knowledge, understanding and confidence to influence the development and progression of patient care standards across the veterinary profession.

“They have shown a massive amount of dedication and perseverance to complete the course and we’re immensely proud of all the students who have achieved the award.”

Over the past few years, Vets Now has partnered with VN Times to offer a bursary of £1000 for one RVN to take the Cert VN ECC.

At the graduation ceremony, last year’s bursary winner, Julii Elliott, received her certificate from VN Times editor Holly Kernot. Holly said: “It’s a great honour to support the Cert VN ECC and I’d like to congratulate Julii for her wonderful achievement.”

For RVN job opportunities at Vets Now contact our recruitment team on 01383 841181.