Protect the #VNtitle!

Currently the title ‘veterinary nurse’ is not protected, and therefore anyone, even if they lack the relevant training and education, can refer to themselves as a veterinary nurse (VN). The veterinary professions believe that this should change. Registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) are true professionals, who can give medical treatment to, or carry out minor surgery on, animals. They follow a Code of Professional Conduct, keep their skills and knowledge up-to-date and are subject to a disciplinary process. It is inappropriate for people without formal training to describe themselves as a ‘veterinary nurse’, and doing so could put animal welfare at risk.