Head Nurse Congress
Thursday 15 May 2025
Early Bird pricing is available until Friday 21 March 2025
Virtual Event
What is Head Nurse Congress?
Head Nurse Congress is an event solely focused on head veterinary nurses and practice managers - exploring all aspects of the roles; from the many different responsibilities, to the challenges that are faced on a daily basis.
This congress offers 7 hours of evidenced CPD and we will be welcoming a range of expert industry speakers to deliver lectures.
Who should attend?
Head nurses and practice managers. Whether you are a new or aspiring head nurse or practice manager, or have been one for many years, this congress is for you! The congress will be particularly useful if you are:
- New to your role and looking for some guidance
- Interested in learning more about management
- Aiming to progress within your role
- Interested in keeping up-to-date with everything happening in the industry
Why attend?
- Listen to lectures from a range of speakers who will be sharing their experiences and knowledge
- Q&A sessions mean your questions will be answered by the speakers themselves
- Gain practical takeaways on a variety of topics that you can implement in your practice
- Earn 7 hours of evidenced CPD
- Gain information, product knowledge and offers from our virtual exhibitors
- Gain online access to recordings of all the lectures and lectures from previous congresses up until the next event
Online Registration and Exhibition |
Chair's WelcomeTBC |
Understanding and Implementing Contextualised CareJo Megarity, RVN We strive to provide ‘Gold Standard’ treatment however, sometimes this isn’t possible for multiple reasons including: cost, owner compliance, clinic resources and patient personality. This can result in conflict and frustration for all parties as well as suboptimal treatment for the patient. As such, we need to focus on a wider set of parameters, communicate well with all invested parties ensuring we tailor treatment plans to each individual and re-assess and amend these frequently. This refers to more of a partnership approach to the care plan which involves increased dialogue around the patient’s caregiver and their abilities, concerns and expectations. |
How to work in a compassionate way and keep emotionally safe in the processAndrew Hale BSc ISCP.Dip.Canine.Prac Many of us working in animal care, whether in training and behaviour, rescue, veterinary or grooming, struggle with the emotional health pressures our jobs can create. We often turn up to the challenges, and sometimes suffering, of others, on a regular basis and that can really take its toll. For those in supervisory roles there are the added pressures of trying to support team members who may also be struggling, and it is easy to either take on the burden of others or to become somewhat detached from the support others may be seeking as a way of coping. It can be hard to know the level of pastoral care one should be undertaking to team members, and to know how to be available to the emotional needs of others but not take them on for ourselves. Imposter syndrome, compassion fatigue and burnout can all be the unwelcome by products of struggling with these pressures. There are many factors that can contribute but often underpinning a lot of this is the weight felt of the expectations and judgements put on us. These can be directed at us from peers, the wider professional community, our clients and of course those we put on ourselves. Struggling with low self esteem often contributes, as does having poor boundaries and lack of self compassion. In this presentation Andrew will look at some of these issues and offer some ways we can protect our emotional wellbeing whilst still being able to show compassion and support to others. |
Live Q&A PanelPresent questions (anonymously if desired) to the speakers. |
Morning Break and Exhibitor Promos |
Difficult or in Distress? Supporting Neurodivergent Colleagues in PracticeDr Kirstie Pickles BVMS PGCert(CounsSkills) MSc PhD CertEIM DipECEIM FHEA MRCVS Through an engaging presentation using lived experience and case examples, delegates will learn the principles of: |
Live Q&A PanelPresent questions (anonymously if desired) to the speakers. |
Lunch Break, Online Exhibition and Lounges |
Managing Conflict in PracticeAlison Scull The Veterinary Client Mediation Service (VCMS) is delighted to be presenting this session a short workshop which will cover The DNA of effective conflict resolution. Focusing on disputes within veterinary practices, the session will share useful strategies that develop confidence to manage and resolve complaints from animal owners as well as conflicts within the veterinary team. Sharing practical approaches that can be employed when navigating our way through professional and consumer disagreements to avoid escalation and to rebuild trust enabling more effective communication and restore relationships. With an emphasis on resolution and rebuilding a strong team culture and ethos, the session is ultimately designed to extend the toolbox of anyone who attends. |
The Role of Curiosity in Improving Team Engagement and AdaptabilityBecky Jones RVN DipAVN(Surg), VetLed A culture of curiosity has been demonstrated to have many benefits including improved team engagement, enhanced creativity and problem-solving skills and adaptability to change. 1. How to role model curiosity |
Live Q&A PanelPresent questions (anonymously if desired) to the speakers. |
Chair's CloseTBC |
Event Close |
Alison Scull
VCMS
With over 20 years of experience in the veterinary industry in both clinical and non-clinical roles, Alison joined the VCMS (Veterinary Client Mediation Service) in July 2022.
Prior to joining the VCMS, Alison managed escalated and stakeholder complaints at a large referral hospital within a veterinary university. In this capacity, she worked closely with colleagues from the RCVS and VDS (Veterinary Defence Society) to effectively and efficiently resolve client concerns.
In addition to this experience, Alison has also developed a thorough knowledge of mediation techniques through using this approach to complaint resolution. With qualifications in bereavement support and veterinary mental health awareness, Alison brings powerful insights to her role at the VCMS that greatly support the work of both clients and colleagues.
Andrew Hale BSc ISCP.Dip.Canine.Prac
Dog Centred Care
Andrew Hale BSc, ISCP.Dip.Canine.Prac is a Certified Canine Behaviourist with Association of INTODogs. He is the behaviour consultant for Pet Remedy and an expert advisor for Canine Arthritis Management and a Kids Around Dogs Trainer. He also works to support many dog welfare and rescue organisations.
With a background in Human Psychology, Andrew is passionate about exploring the emotional experience that lies behind behaviour, both in dogs and the humans around them. Andrew has played a leading role in the UK Dog training and behaviour community, having been the chair of the Association of INTODogs, and the driving force behind the UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter.
In 2020, Andrew started Dog Centred Care which focusses on supporting a dog led, emotionally centred, approach to providing their best care and support.
Andrew also runs ‘Safe Space’ – a mentoring and support service for animal professionals that focuses on promoting positive emotional wellbeing for the practitioner.
Becky Jones RVN DipAVN(Surg)
VetLed
Becky is a registered veterinary nurse with over 25 years’ experience and holds the advanced surgical nursing diploma. Her background as a Surgical Nurse sparked her interest in Human Factors and Patient Safety.
She is the Clinical Governance Manager for the Langford Vets and an Associate Trainer for VetLed.
Becky also has an interest in One Health, contributing to several publications on this topic and is the co-editor of One Health for Veterinary Nurses and Technicians: An Introduction.
She is currently working towards a masters in Patient Safety and Clinical Human Factors.
Dr Kirstie Pickles BVMS PGCert(CounsSkills) MSc PhD CertEIM DipECEIM FHEA MRCVS
Harper Keele Veterinary School
Kirstie is an autistic equine internal medicine Diplomate with experience in both private practice and academia. She also has a PG Certificate in Counselling Skills and is a qualified Mental Health First Aid Instructor and Life Coach.
She is currently a Teaching Fellow at Harper Keele Veterinary School, alongside providing neurodiversity and mental health training and life coaching through her company Unedited Minds and is also a Trustee of Vetlife.
Kirstie has published research on the workplace stressors of autistic vets and is currently working with the RCVS on recommendations for supporting neurodivergent vet and vet nurse students.
Jo Megarity RVN
AZEVN
Jo Megarity has worked in the veterinary industry since 2007 and has always had a special interest in rabbits. She owns LagoLearn, which provides rabbit specific CPD to veterinary professionals in the UK and Internationally.
Jo spends a significant amount of voluntary time highlighting animal welfare, is the Secretary of the AZEVN and is proud to have been the President of the BVNA in 2019/2020.
She has received several awards over the years including the Blue Cross Veterinary Nurse of the Year in 2014, an RCVS Innovation Award winner in 2017 and the IFAW Animal Advocate Award in 2017.
CAW Business School
CAW Business School was set up in 2012 to offer business related qualifications. CAW Business School offers a number of highly recognised qualifications including the opportunity to study AAT Accounting, Business Administration, Customer Service, TAQA and ILM leadership and management, and coaching and mentoring courses.
Hill's Pet Nutrition
Our mission: To help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. We believe all animals should be loved and cared for during their lifetimes. That's why we're proud our pet foods can make a difference in pets’ lives. We make this pledge to you about our commitment to the welfare of animals everywhere.
We only use compassionate, non-invasive methods necessary to develop nutritional technology so dogs and cats around the world live long, healthy lives. Hill’s is committed to sustainability in many forms. This commitment extends beyond pets and includes People, Performance, and Planet.
Millpledge Veterinary
Millpledge Veterinary has been manufacturing innovative products designed specifically for the veterinary professional for over 30 years.
Ranging from Pharmaceuticals to Nutraceuticals, Bandaging and Fluid Therapy, encompassing products for companion and large animal use. Providing complete peace of mind for the veterinary profession.
Popular products include Rapz Eazy Tear® Cohesive Bandages, Eaze-Off® Tape and Bandage Removal Spray, Tom Tiddle™ Urinary Cat Catheters, Millpack™ Sterilisation Pouches with built-in sterility test strips, Aniset™ IV Sets for small and large animals, and V-GEL® advanced species-specific supraglottic airway devices for Rabbits, Cats, and Dogs.
Visit our website at www.millpledge.com to view our full range.
Pet Remedy
Pet Remedy is a natural plant based range of calming products for pets. Easy to use and fast acting. This unique and patented formula is valerian root oil based and is made in the UK.
Pet Remedy works with the pet's own natural calming mechanisms and is suitable for use in all stressful situations. Pet Remedy will also help with developing emotional resilience and wellbeing. Now used by most veterinary practices and rescues on a daily basis. Visit the vet zone on our website and you will see a detailed explanation by Dr Robert Falconer-Taylor (veterinary neuro surgeon and author), about how Pet Remedy works. You will also see links to 9 published studies showing efficacy in multi-species including cat, dog, rabbit, pig and horse.
PURINA®
At PURINA®, we believe that pets and people are better together. We are committed to helping pets live longer, happier and healthier lives through proper nutrition and care, as well as collaborating with and supporting the veterinary professionals who care for them.
Introducing the new Purina® Vet Centre: the online resource for veterinary professionals. Access scientific publications, patient calculators, CPD-accredited content to enhance your development and patient care.
If you're not registered, contact your VNP or email vettechline@purina.nestle.com for an access token. Stay informed and provide the best care for your patients with our user-friendly platform. Unlock valuable resources at the Vet Centre today!
Sarah Brown Cards Ltd
Combining my veterinary background knowledge and my love for watercolour painting, I have produced a range of quality cards that can be customised for your individual practice needs and offer exceptional value for money. NEW DESIGNS, Pet Casket Bags, Memory Bags, Seeded Cards & Inserts, Remembrance Seeds and Memory Bottles now available!
The College of Animal Welfare
The College of Animal Welfare is one of the largest providers of veterinary nurse training in the UK, with centres in Cambridgeshire, North London, Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, West Midlands, County Durham and Scotland. We strongly believe that education and training is the key to raising standards of animal welfare. To this end, we strive to create new and accessible opportunities for learning, and encourage employers and those working with animals to undertake appropriate levels of training and continue with lifelong learning and education.
Vetlife
Vetlife is a charity dedicated to supporting the veterinary profession.
Everyone in the veterinary community is welcome to contact the Vetlife Helpline for free, independent and confidential support – including veterinary nurses, veterinary students, and non-clinical staff. The Helpline can be reached on 0303 040 2551 or by anonymous email.
Following contact with the Vetlife Helpline, volunteers can refer those needing further care to our award-winning Vetlife Health Support service which provides mental health support.
Vetlife Financial Support is available for eligible veterinary surgeons, registered veterinary nurses, and their dependants in the UK.
VetSkill
VetSkill is an Ofqual and CCEA-approved awarding organisation, a professional regulatory body, and an IfATE and ESFA-approved end-point assessment organisation.
We aim to empower learners to achieve their potential by providing inspirational qualifications and robust assessments. VetSkill-approves colleges to deliver our growing portfolio of qualifications and contracts with training providers and employers to provide end-point assessments for many apprenticeship standards.
Your Safe Space
Your Safe Space is a coaching, mentoring and supervision service just for animal care professionals, that puts a focus on the professional’s emotional wellbeing and mindset. Your Safe Space provides a place for ‘Compassionate Professional Development’ supporting the professional to work in a compassionate, empathetic and effective way, whilst protecting their own emotional and social safety.
VetLed
VetLed are the leading provider of Human Factors and Performance Science training and consultancy to the veterinary profession. We train teams like yours to reliably deliver their clinical and technical skills, enabling safe patient care and a thriving business, through workshops, team days, and longer term support programmes.
We educate and empower veterinary professionals and leaders at every level to bring out the best in their organisations, teams and people. VetLed are the go-to provider for culture, leadership, high performance teams training. VetLed are also regularly asked to speak at events, both in the UK and internationally.
Early Bird Tickets Available
£150 (£125+VAT)
That's a saving of £60
Once the Early Bird promotion ends, your ticket will cost: £210 (£175+VAT)
Early Bird pricing is available until Friday 21 March 2025.
Interested in exhibiting at Head Nurse Congress?
Head Nurse Congress is a unique congress aimed at head veterinary nurses, practice managers and those aspiring to those roles.
Why exhibit with us?
- Limited exhibitor numbers - Unlike larger congresses where hundreds of exhibitors often mean that visitors will not remember everyone, exhibition space for these events is strictly limited. As such you will get the opportunity to engage with all of the delegates attending our congresses personally.
- Make meaningful business connections – Network with those that influence decision making in veterinary practice face-to-face and make relevant industry contacts.
- Cost effective – with exhibitor packages starting from just £50+VAT, our prices offer value for money and fall considerably below that of larger events within the industry.
Download a booking form or call Claire Gregory, on 01480 422060.
Attendees will receive access to videos of this years lectures as well as previous years lecture for approximately one year.
You will be able to share these videos with other members in your practice boosting their CPD hours.
Soon after the event you will receive an email with your access details. These details will expire on the date of the next event.
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Book now
