RCVS trains teams to support overseas nurses

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is helping practice teams to support overseas-qualified veterinary nurses completing a period of supervised practise in the UK.

Some veterinary nurses who qualified outside the UK must pass the RCVS pre-registration examinations before they can register and practise in the UK. As part of this process, they are strongly encouraged to complete a period of supervised adaptation (PSA) in a UK practice.

RCVS Academy's new ‘Welcoming overseas nurses’ course helps practice teams understand the registration process and how to support overseas-qualified veterinary nurses completing a PSA. It covers eligibility for the PSA, the role of the practice in supporting candidates, and the tasks overseas-qualified nurses are permitted to carry out during their placement, including the supervision required.

The launch coincides with an update to the RCVS Academy's ‘Working in the UK for veterinary nurses’ course, which supports overseas-qualified veterinary nurses through the registration process and preparing to practise in the UK. Following a recent review, the course now features dedicated learning pathways for those with Accreditation Committee for Veterinary Nurse Education (ACOVENE)-accredited and non-ACOVENE-accredited qualifications, new video content, and increased interactivity throughout, reflecting learner feedback and current practice.

ACOVENE is the Accreditation Committee for Veterinary Nurse Education, a voluntary organisation of which the RCVS is a member and that accredits veterinary nurse education programmes in Europe, covering 70 programmes in Belgium, Italy, the Netherland, Norway, Portugal, the Republic of Ireland and the UK.

Victoria Hedges, head of veterinary nursing at the RCVS, said: “Overseas-qualified veterinary nurses bring valuable skills, experience and perspectives to the UK veterinary profession. These Academy courses are designed to help both applicants and practice teams navigate the registration process, ensuring applicants receive the support they need to succeed.”