Successful Veterinary Nursing Stream at 29th FECAVA Conference, Supported by ACOVENE

The 29th Annual FECAVA Conference, held last week in Athens, included a Veterinary Nursing stream supported by ACOVENE (Accreditation Committee for Veterinary Nurse Education).

The stream drew veterinary professionals from across Europe and featured a range of informative talks delivered by experts in the field.

Chaired by Anastasia Karvouniari, a veterinary nurse working with her husband in their clinic, the stream had an average attendance of 50 delegates per session from 10 different countries, most of whom were veterinary nurses or veterinary technicians.

Matt Rendle, RVN, spoke about the fundamentals of clinical nutrition for dogs and cats at various life stages. He emphasized the role of veterinary nurses in educating pet owners about proper nutrition, a topic that many veterinarians find challenging to discuss. Dr. Julian Hoad, President of the BSAVA (British Small Animal Veterinary Association), thanked Matt for his presentation and noted that veterinary nurses, with their trusted relationships with owners, are well-placed to offer guidance on nutrition. The BSAVA also provided Veterinary Nurse Manuals as raffle prizes.

Adina Valentine (RVN, CertECC, CertVNES, NCertRVN) gave a talk on welfare-conscious blood sampling in pet mammals, sharing practical tips for minimizing stress for both animals and nurses. Her presentation was well-received, providing useful advice to improve patient care and nurse well-being.

Prof. Gonçalo da Graça Pereira, a European Veterinary Specialist in Behavioural Medicine, delivered a presentation on “Creating Positive Interaction with Animals in the Practice,” offering insights into improving the human-animal bond in clinical settings.

The sessions were interactive, with delegates engaging in discussions on clinical topics and showing interest in ACOVENE’s work.

Overall, the ACOVENE Veterinary Nursing stream at the 29th FECAVA Conference offered valuable information and fostered professional discussions. Speakers like Matt Rendle, Adina Valentine, and Prof. Gonçalo da Graça Pereira contributed to highlighting the important role of veterinary nursing in promoting animal welfare and clinical practice.