The RCVS has announced plans to celebrate veterinary nursing's Golden Jubilee in style this year.

The first nurses to qualify, 50 years ago in 1961, were known as registered animal nursing auxilliaries (RANA). The term 'veterinary nurse' was not used until over twenty years later, in 1984.

Today, veterinary nursing is thriving. The RCVS List/Register of Veterinary Nurses includes 1,715 listed veterinary nurses, and 8,101 who have gone a step further to become registered veterinary nurses (RVNs).

Liz Branscombe, RCVS Veterinary Nurses Council Chairman said: "Still often referred to as a 'young profession' - perhaps because the average age of VNs is a youthful 31- veterinary nursing has reached its half century and has achieved a great deal in a relatively short period. It is moving ever closer to recognition as a fully fledged profession.

"We should be proud of what we have achieved, but it's no time to be complacent: we plan not only to celebrate our history but also to consider what the next decades will hold for veterinary nursing."

The RCVS's plans for the year include, among other things:

  • The 'Step Forward' campaign, which will be launched at the British Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress (31 March to 3 April) to encourage everyone in veterinary nursing to take a small step forward in their careers - meaning the profession as a whole will take a large step forward.
  • A symposium to be held in summer, which will be split into two parts: the focus of the morning will be reflection and celebration, and of the afternoon, action and ideas to take veterinary nursing forward.
  • A campaign to promote the role and potential of the veterinary nurse to animal owners and the veterinary profession at large.
  • A timeline to highlight milestones in the development of veterinary nursing

The RCVS invites any of the pioneering veterinary nurses who received their qualification in the 1960s to get in touch, so they can play a part in the celebrations. Contact Lizzie Lockett, Head of Communications, on l.lockett@rcvs.org.uk.

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vet nurses.