At the time of going to press, we were just about to publish the results of the winter practical (OSCE) examinations, that took place over the weekend of 30th November to 2nd December 2012 – and the results look very encouraging, with a pass rate of over 70 per cent. Congratulations to all those who have been successful!

Meanwhile, this summer is the last examination opportunity for remaining NVQ/VRQ students. Colleges need to ensure that their students are entered by 3rd May for the June theory examination, and 7th June for the July practical (OSCE) examination. Those entering for exams also need to have completed their portfolios.

Those students who are not entered for these examinations – or who don’t pass them – will need to transfer to a Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, as the NVQ course is no longer approved after this point. There are currently two awarding institutions offering the Diploma – Central Qualifications and City and Guilds. 

Still registered?

The deadline for payment of fees to remain on the RCVS List (incorporating the Register) of Veterinary Nurses was 1st November, although we continued to accept fees until 31st December 2012.

We removed over 600 nurses from the List/Register during January, as their fees had not been received by the deadline.

We have sent a letter to those who have been removed (which included a restoration form), but every year some nurses do not pay their fees because they did not keep us informed of address changes and, therefore, did not receive their fee notice and reminders – and consequently are unlikely to receive the notification that they have been removed.

If you have not received a receipt and VN card for 2013, please check online to ensure that you remain properly registered/listed (www.rcvs.org.uk/registration/check-the-register-list).

To restore yourself to the Register, please contact our registration team at membership@rcvs.org.uk or telephone 0207 202 0707.

Please note that those who are neither listed nor registered are not legally permitted to carry out minor surgery or medical treatment under Schedule 3 to the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. If you are unclear as to your registration status, please contact us. 

Elections around the corner

The closing deadline for nominations to the Veterinary Nurses Council had not yet passed at the time of this issue going to print, but it is likely that there will be an election for the two places available.

Keep an eye out for your voting papers and candidate manifestos, which you should receive during the first half of March. As usual, you will be able to place your vote by post, text or online, so don’t miss your chance to elect those who will shape the future of your profession.

The deadline for voting will be 5pm on Tuesday 30th April.

Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 28 • February 2013 •