Spring has Sprung!  

Dear VETNNET Members,

We are excited to bring you another edition of the VETNNET Members Newsletter. The newsletter is just one of the ways that we will communicate with you throughout 2016 and will help to ensure you are keep up to date with the latest news and developments from Veterinary Nursing educators throughout the EU. Only 45% of our mailing list read our December newsletter, so please encourage your staff to read our updates so your school or organisation can contribute to the network and shape the future of VETNNET!

This month we bring you news from Portugal and the Netherlands where students have been busy with practical examinations. 

It is great to have so many active VETNNET Members throughout the EU and we look forward to sharing news, photos and stories throughout 2016. We encourage you contribute to the network, sharing ideas, educational developments and resources for the benefit of all Members. If you would like to share your news please email secretary@vetnnet.com

Join us for VETNNET Conference 2016!

21 - 23 September 2016
Best Western, Vilnius, Lithuania

Preliminary Conference Programme

Wednesday 21st September

19.00
Registration 

20.00
Welcome Dinner
Best Western Restaurant

Thursday 22nd September

Morning 
9.30
Welcome and Introduction 

"Veterinary Nurse Training in Lithuania: past, present and future"
Mikas Balkevicius 

"Problem-based learning application in Veterinary Nurse Professional Training"

"PEPAS in Practical Examination
Part 1"
Len Dijstelbloem, Julie Dugmore  

Afternoon 

"PEPAS in Practical Examination
Part 2"
Len Dijstelbloem, Julie Dugmore  

"Relations between vets and vet nurses"
Anne Torgersen

Guided Tour of Vilinus

Evening 

20.00
Dinner Party

Friday 23rd September 

Morning
8.45
Annual General Meeting 

"The whats, the whys and the hows of digitalisation of vet nurse training"
Esko Lius and Harriet Sandfors

Afternoon 

"Education online: a wish list for learners and teachers"
Ian Lever and Leonie Lawson

15.30 - 20.00
Trip to Trakai, Boats in “Galve” lake 

Dinner in Trakai in front of the Trakai Castle"

Early Bird Registrations open April 2016!

Conference Fees:

Members (before 1 June 2016) - €220
Members (normal rate) - €280
Non-members - €440
Partners fee - €110

Erasmus+ Student mobility programme

In 2016, the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu (IPV) foresees the highest level of student mobility within the Erasmus+ programme ever in the institution. This record value is based on the 81 student submissions of which 46 will take on a study period while the remaining 35 will take part of a practice period in an European country namely: Belgium, Spain, France, Netherlands, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Italy, Poland, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Turkey and Romania.

IPV recognizes the importance of such international experiences that is why for 2017 the Institution will increase the offer for mobility, including 79 European Universities/Polytechnics from 25 European countries for which IPV has already signed agreements.

We hope to welcome Veterinary Nursing students from within the VETNNET network!

For more information, please contact 
Joao Mesquita - jmesquita@outlook.com 

Keep up to date with news, events and information through the
VETNNET Facebook page! 

OSCE examinations at Groenhorst Barneveld 

Each year around 175 students veterinary nursing of Groenhorst Barneveld have, as part of the whole examination, their OSCE exams. During this practical exam the students have to show their practical skills at 8 different stations. 

Students are doing the OSCE in two rounds of 4 OSCE 's, and in order to succeed they need to achieve 5 OSCE 's. In total there are 41 OSCE's divided over four core units:

1. managing reception
2. assisting in research , treatment and surgery
3. care of animals and included first aid
4. perform laboratory work and perform diagnostic operations). 

Two OSCE ’s are selected per core unit. Examiners have feedback forms completed during the last years, also based on new insights on best practice. After evaluating this has led in various OSCE 's to modification of the tasks. There are special classes developed in which students can practice with the OSCE 's. This has significantly increased the success rate. 

Groenhorst Barneveld, 
René Wessels

Host VETNNET Conference 2018

The VETNNET Annual Conference is the most important event in the VETNNET calendar as it provides a platform for members to meet, discuss and learn about topical professional matters as well as providing excellent networking opportunities.

The objectives of the annual VETNNET Conference are to: 

• promote and encourage sharing of professional expertise, experience and information amongst delegates
• provide delegates with opportunities to learn about best current practice in the field of veterinary nursing
• provide members and other delegates with information and updates on VETNNETs work
• provide detailed presentations and workshops
• promote awareness of the work of ACOVENE
• facilitate networking amongst participants
• provide members and other delegates with information on PEPAS and Vectar
• provide a venue for the Annual General Meeting
• promote the profession in general and in the host country in particular

Expressions of Interest to host VETNNET Conference 2018 are now open! 

If your school or institution is interested in hosting the conference in 2018 or would like more information, please contact secretary@vetnnet.com

Do you have an update from your College or Institution? 

We welcome news and updates from all VETNNET Members, so if you have anything to share, please do! 

Send your news, updates and photos to secretary@vetnnet.com 

Equine Veterinary Nursing Study Tour 

Discounted rate available to VETNNET member schools and institutions!

UK based, VNExcel invite you attend a seven day study tour designed for qualified or experienced veterinary nurses and technicians. We welcome small and mixed animal veterinary nurses who wish to see behind the scenes and experience equine specific veterinary nursing in practice. The tour is also an excellent opportunity for those involved in veterinary education to increase their first hand experience and knowledge in world renowned equine hospital facilities.

Highlights include:

• Educational tour of equine veterinary centres of excellence including Rossdales Equine Hospital, The Royal Veterinary College – Equine Unit, the Animal Health Trust and National Stud
• Sightseeing including the University of Cambridge and Newmarket racing facilities
• Placement within an RCVS accredited equine hospital
• Equine Nursing  CPD Satellite Day and British Veterinary Nurse Association (BVNA) Congress. 

Registrations are now open. Click here for more information. 

Erasmus+ and K2 Vocational Education Project: 
"Promotion of Social Entrepreneurship in Veterinary Nurses Professional Training"

Our colleagues from University of Applied Sciences Faculty of Agrotechnologies, Vilnius are planning to submit a project and are inviting partners until the 31st March 2016. 

This project aims to train Veterinary Nurses’ competences of social entrepreneurship, that seems to be important for organising social services for animals to ensure animal welfare activities.

The following actions within the project:

• Focus groups’ research / statistical analysis on demand and offer of Social enterprises in Vet. sector EU;
• Creation modules of Social entrepreneurship for Vet Nurses;
• Testing of educational modules in practice.

Preliminary budget for partner organisations:
30 000 – 40 000 Euro

For further information please contact: 
Mikas Balkevicius - balkevicius@gmail.com