In veterinary practices much of the care and attention your pet receives behind the scenes comes from the veterinary nurses. This month is a time to celebrate the hard work veterinary nurses do, as well as spreading the word about the importance of our role in practice and how we provide the best care to your beloved pets!

Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVN’s) have many roles in practice ranging from medical patient care, monitoring anaesthetics and taking x-rays, to consulting, answering phones, maintaining equipment and cleaning duties…to name just a few!

The title “Veterinary Nurse” is not yet protected in law (meaning anyone can use it), but it is advised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons that it should be taken to mean only Registered Veterinary Nurses. RVN’s have undertaken a rigorous training programme, sat examinations, and are subject to a Code of Conduct, which includes a disciplinary process if a grievance should arise. We continue to study and log professional development hours to maintain our registration throughout our careers. Some RVN’s undertake specialist training in a range of topics, including the care of exotic pets, feline medicine, anaesthesia and dentistry. There are several different routes to becoming a veterinary nurse and if you are interested in pursuing this career the the British Veterinary Nursing Association can provide you advice.

Here at Hollybank we have eight RVNs at the moment; Cat, Leonie, Aimee, Alicia, Natalie, Jessica, Amy and Sophie. As we are a hospital there is an RVN on site 24/7, every day of the year. Keep an eye out over the coming month on Facebook and our website as we will all be sharing our stories and information on our roles.