The IVNA have been officially informed that a new correspondence course will become available for provisionally registered nurses this September.  Although long overdue, the IVNA welcome this course and are delighted to see that a practical and formal training solution has been developed.  With the implementation of the Veterinary Practice Act 2005, the industry recognised that mature and experienced individuals who have worked within practice for more than 4years prior to January 2008 are valued members of the profession and as a result should be afforded the opportunity to remain working in such a capacity by entering onto the provisional register until a formal qualification is awarded.  The Provisional Register will cease to exist in December 2012, after which all members must have entered into an approved training programme or received a qualification award.  Should members of the register fail to achieve such an award they will not be permitted to enter the register for veterinary nurses nor continue to work within such a capacity.  Any individual found to be working and completing veterinary nursing tasks without registration will be in breach of the Veterinary Practice Act and liable to prosecution.  This online correspondence course will offer long term employed veterinary staff currently on the provisional register the ability to formalise their veterinary experience by completing a course without having to alter their work commitments.  The IVNA fully support the development of veterinary nursing standards and commit to support its members in whatever way possible to aid in professional advancement.  Further details of the course can be downloaded by clicking on the Read More link or log on to http://www.stjohnscollege.ie/

The atmosphere was electric, and the sun was shining. The exhibitor’s area was buzzing with chatter and laughter, the committee could not have asked for more. The social event brought our Saturday programme to a close with guests gathering for a reception drink in eager anticipation of the night ahead and the announcement of the IVNA Award winners. After the meal, we proudly announced our award winners with a sensational Oscar’s air when announcing “the winner is”; Jeni, Paula and Lorraine, all received great adulation and a standing ovation. It truly was a moment for the history books!!!

Let the games commence, Martin Downes Games MC, did an amazing job by warming the crowd into a jovial mood by getting lucky guests to compete in a "Sterile Limbo Game" by gloving and gowning and without injuries, limbo to win a prize.  Animal Pictionary and Table Quizzing gave other guests opportunities not to go home empty handed with great prizes of stereos, FunkyFobz, Books and of course the obligatory wine.  As the evening went on in to the wee hours and old college mates and colleagues came together with the introduction of new friends, the social quickly morphed to what felt like a great big family reunion, full of craic and laughter.

We where careful not to request too early a start on Sunday, being at many CPD and social events and knowing too well morning after effects of a late night, the Sunday stream started at a very respectable 10.30 am with practical workshops. The relaxed atmosphere on Sunday morning was dreamlike and very comfortable. We thoroughly enjoyed hosting this wonderful event and are completely elated to have received such support and fantastic feedback. Thank you all for attending and making the weekend such a great success.  We look forward to seeing you all next year!!

Ann Marie Byrne RVN

IVNA Chairperson

Just a quick email to all involved in the IVNA Congress to say well done it was a fantastic weekend and really well run.  I only attended on the Saturday but found all lectures very good.  Once again thanks for all the hard work throughout the year and for a great job on the congress.  I look forward to next years.

Mark McCorry RVN, Wicklow

I thought I would email you guys and thank you so much for a really great weekend :) I had a ball and the speakers were fantastic!! So congratulations on a very successful first IVNA congress and may it grow as the years go on! All your hard work was deffo worth it! Well done again and I look forward to the next one cheers :)

Bev Truss DipCAPBT APHC CFRI , Clare

The IVNA Congress was a great success; it was a pleasure to attend both as an exhibitor and a delegate. Tom & I would like to thank you, all the committee members & helpers who made the weekend so enjoyable.  I am definitely looking forward to next year’s congress!  Well done!!

Jackie Buckley RVN, Kildare

Hi, I just wanted to congratulate all the committee on a wonderfully organised 1st congress. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish; it was very informative and interesting.  The evening events were also great fun and most enjoyable, it was a great success.  I hope from this year on it will get bigger and stronger.  Thanks for a great weekend .

Therese O Rourke RVN, Dundalk

August 2010 marks the 25th anniversary of my qualifying as a Veterinary Nurse and I therefore was absolutely delighted to be asked to speak at the Inaugural Congress for the IVNA in May 2010. 

The congress was a great success and the IVNA committee should be congratulated, I thoroughly enjoyed lecturing to such an enthusiastic and interested audience and the Party and Awards ceremony was a credit to the hard work of the IVNA team. 

I am already a member of the IVNA and wear my badge with pride alongside my honorary member’s badge of the BVNA.  Last year after 25 years of service to the British Veterinary Nursing association I was awarded honorary membership, which fills me with pride so I hope that perhaps after 25 years of future service to the IVNA they might consider me for honorary membership too!

Joy Howell RVN Dip AVN (Surgical) MBVNA, UK