When you think about veterinary nursing, you might picture someone cuddling kittens, holding a paw during surgery, or assisting in a busy clinic. While all of those moments are part of the veterinary nurse role, the veterinary nursing profession is far more than a series of tasks or a job that ends when your shift […]
The College of Animal Welfare News Blog
Why Veterinary Nursing Is More Than Just a Job
What’s Next After RVN Registration? Planning Your 3-, 5-, and 10-Year Career Map
Becoming a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) is a major milestone – a moment to be proud of, after years of study, clinical placements, and rigorous assessments. But once the registration certificate is in hand, many RVNs are left wondering, what comes next? The truth is, registration isn’t the end – it’s the beginning of your […]
Burnout vs Boredom as an RVN: Understanding the Difference and What to Do Next
You’re getting through the day. You’re doing what’s expected – caring for patients, supporting your team, keeping things moving. But something feels off. Maybe you feel drained all the time, or like you’re just going through the motions. The spark that once lit up your veterinary nursing career feels dim, or even gone altogether. Is […]
Training as Veterinary Nurse in Your 30s, 40s, 50s or Beyond? Yes, It’s Possible – and Worth It
For many people, a love of animals has been lifelong – but life doesn’t always lead straight into a veterinary nursing career. Whether you’ve worked in a different industry, taken time out to raise a family, or simply want a more meaningful career path, training to become a veterinary nurse in your 30s, 40s, 50s […]
Panic Awareness Day: 10 July 2025
Panic Awareness Day, observed annually on the 10th of July, is dedicated to raising awareness about panic disorders and attacks, conditions that affect millions worldwide but is often misunderstood. This crucial day aims to reduce stigma, promote mental health resources, and educate people on how to manage panic attacks and support others who experience them. […]
My experience of working as an RVN with a chronic disability and neurodivergence
Zoé Langley RVN ISFMCertFN I’ll start off by saying, not every neurodivergent or disabled person has the same experiences or faces the same barriers, this is just my experience training and working as an RVN with Autism and Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS). I received a workplace diagnosis for Autism in May 2024, as is often the […]
Celebrating Disability Pride Month at The College of Animal Welfare
July is Disability Pride Month – a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of disabled people, while also raising awareness of the barriers that continue to exist in society. At The College of Animal Welfare, we are committed to ensuring that all our students can thrive and achieve their goals in an inclusive, […]
Overview of the VetSkill Level 4 Animal Medicines Advisor (AMA) Course
By Emily Mathias, Course Tutor Hi, I’m Emily, I am a qualified veterinary nurse and became a companion animal SQP (Suitably Qualified Person), or C-SQP, in January 2015. Over the past decade, my SQP qualification has opened up countless job opportunities and provided me with valuable knowledge, helping me in a variety of roles. Most […]
From Student Vet Nurse to Practice Manager: Laura Doran Shares Her Veterinary Nursing Career Journey
Laura Doran completed her veterinary nurse training with us in 2007, going on to study the Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship, incorporating the ILM Level 5 Diploma for Operational Leaders and Managers. Here, Laura shares her career journey so far, as well as her experiences training at CAW: I started my Veterinary career in March […]
Drowning Prevention Week – 14 to 21 June 2025: Staying Safe Around Water
As summer approaches and the temperatures rise, many of us – especially children and young people – are drawn to water for fun, relaxation, and relief from the heat. But with this seasonal shift comes a serious and growing concern: water safety. Drowning Prevention Week, running from 14th to 21st June 2025, is a vital […]