Sheila Wills (and her cat Hugo!), Director of ISVPS
Improve International Launches New Online Feline Nursing Programme In Partnership With ISVPS
2 years ago 
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An online Feline Nursing course has been launched by Improve International in order to help nurses working in both general and referral practice extend their knowledge and skills. The course also offers the opportunity to achieve a Nurse Certificate (NCert), Veterinary Technician Certificate (VTCert) or Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate (VPPCert) from the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS).
The fundamental principles of nursing feline patients are covered in detail on the course with recommendations also given as to how to adapt practice procedures to optimise feline care and welfare. The programme commences in July 2022 and comprises eight modules covering key topics in feline nursing including: feline-friendly practice; principles of feline nursing, surgery, anaesthesia/analgesia and oncology.
The modules are delivered every other month over a 14-month period. Each module consists of four sessions delivered over one month. Sessions comprise separate lessons for learners to work through at a pace to suit them. The fourth week of the month provides reflective sessions and, during the months, when the module is not running, training in revision and study skills will be provided.
The course director is Stephanie Sorrell BVetMed (Hons) MANZCVS DipECVIM-CA MRCVS with tutors including globally recognised feline nursing experts, such as Laura Jones (nee Rosewell) BSc (Hons) DipAVN (Small Animal) ISFMDipFN VTS(SAIM) RVN; Alison Mann DipAVN (Small Animal), DipHE CVN, RVN; Elle Haskey RVN BSc (Hons) PGCert VTS(ECC) VPAC A1, Jennifer Busby BSc VetSci, VTS (Anaesthesia & Analgesia) RVN and Alice Foley RVN GradDipVN ISFM AdvCertFB.
Commenting on the launch of this new programme, Director of ISVPS, Dr Sheila Wills BSc BVetMed CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS said:
“Cats are a remarkable species and are often poorly understood in terms of their behaviour and needs especially within the practice environment. As an RCVS Recognised Specialist in Feline Medicine, I am delighted with the launch of the new ISVPS NCert in Feline Nursing, which will offer incredibly valuable skills and knowledge for anyone working with cats. It is a wonderful opportunity for veterinary nurses to improve their understanding of the behaviour and hence their approach to the feline patient together with gaining a deeper understanding of feline medical and surgical nursing. This combined approach will greatly enhance the provision of compassionate care for our feline patients”.
Operational Head for Improve International in the UK, Dr Charlotte French, added: “With levels of cat ownership continuing to increase both in the UK and globally, the capability of veterinary practice teams to provide the highest standard of veterinary nursing care to these much-loved but complex animals will only become more important. We hope our course will help nurses with a particular interest in cats to promote feline-friendly practices among their team and to positively advocate for feline patients, ensuring they receive the highest quality care.”
As with all of Improve International’s online learning programmes, the modules are available 24/7 and are hosted on a world-leading online learning management platform, which also includes interactive elements such as quizzes and a discussion forum. A dedicated Programme Coordinator provides support and assistance to delegates.
Further details on the course are available at: https://www.improveinternational.com/uk/course/feline-nursing-online-learning/
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