According to nine in ten vets polled by the British Veterinary Association (BVA), more than half of animal owners do not understand what registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) do.
BVA’s ‘Voice of the Veterinary Profession’ survey revealed the vital role RVN’s play in practice life, with vets rating the top two most important functions as monitoring animal-patients during anaesthesia (80%) and the medical nursing of in-patients (69%).
RVNs undergo years of training, and must complete at least 15 hours continuing professional development each year, as well as being registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
However, the RVN title is not protected in law and currently anyone can refer to themselves as a veterinary nurse. The BVA and RCVS are urging animal owners who benefit from veterinary care, to sign the online petition to protect the vet nurse title. The petition expires on Sunday 14th February.