Page 6 - eclipse - Autumn 2018

GENERAL NEWS
10 year anniversary of the Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Nursing
This summer we welcomed the 10th intake of students to our Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Grad Dip VN). Since the first intake of students in 2008, we have seen 122 Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) complete this university accredited distance learning course. Designed to help develop greater professional knowledge, critical thinking skills and implement evidence based improvements to patient care, the Graduate Diploma is delivered online, making it ideal for RVNs and their employers who need to balance study with work commitments.
“The Grad Dip course encouraged me to take a more proactive role in patient care and promote an ethos of providing
a patient-centred, holistic approach to care in the hospital. Completing the course challenged me to look at why certain techniques were being used and assess whether there was an evidence base for updating and improving standards.” Alison Devonshire (2014)
Alison Devonshire
“Patient care has always been at the forefront in my current practice. We routinely carry out rounds with nurses presenting the cases to the vets in the morning. This group approach allows
all members of staff to have input on the approaches to patient care. Completing the Grad Dip has allowed me to manage and assess cases more thoroughly.” Michael Needs (2016)
Grad Dip mums on their graduation day this year. These incredible RVNs have shown that you can achieve great things when you work hard, holding down full time jobs with young families and gaining a university qualification.
Success stories:
Charlene Oosthuizen (2013) was promoted to Patient Care Nurse Supervisor on completion of her Grad Dip VN.
Emma Williams (2015) is now Deputy Head Nurse.
Michael Needs (2016) took up a Head Nurse position at a mixed, small animal practice where he currently manages a team of 15 RVNs.
Georgina Roberts (2014) was promoted to Head Nurse of a large charity veterinary practice.
“I don’t think there’s another comparable course out there; it’s unique and
the continuing achievements of its graduates speak for themselves.” Catherine Wager (2012)
Catherine has recently been the recipient of the prestigious Pilkington Prize for
her work in setting up the Clinical Skills Centre at Cambridge University.
These are just a few of the many achievements there have been from Grad Dip VN graduates. If you are one of the 122 graduates, why not share your achievements with us too? Email us at development@rvc.ac.uk.
More information about how you can develop your veterinary nursing career with the RVC Grad Dip and also the discounts you can receive for being an RVC alumnus can be found at: rvc.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/ graduate-diploma-in-veterinary- nursing
You can also follow us on Twitter: @RVCGradDipVN
Catherine Wager photo: Amy Stelman, Clinical Research Co-ordinator at the QVSH, University of Cambridge
Michael Needs
Catherine Wager
Grad Dip mums
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INTERESTING FACT:
There have been 34 peer- reviewed published articles by Grad Dippers