May is Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month. This campaign, led by the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA), aims to raise awareness of the importance of the role of the veterinary nursing profession and the provision of responsible pet care to the general public.
Veterinary nurses are an integral part of the veterinary team, and are vital for the smooth running of the practice. As well as providing expert nursing care for sick animals, veterinary nurses also play a significant role in educating owners on maintaining the health of their pets. They carry out technical work and are skilled in undertaking a range of diagnostic tests, medical treatments and minor surgical procedures, under veterinary direction.
The title of Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) can only be used by nurses who have undergone extensive training and education. Once they've passed their final nursing exams, nurses are entered onto the VN register and are regulated by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). They are expected to follow the Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses, which includes requirements to undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
At Avonvale, we are extremely proud of our veterinary nurses. We have a brilliant team of 28 RVNs who work alongside, and help to train, our 5 student nurses. Meet our nurses here: www.avonvets.co.uk/about-us/our-team.
To find out more about role of RVNs in veterinary practice, or how to become one, visit the BVNA website at www.bvna.org.uk/a-career-in-veterinary-nursing/a-career-in-veterinary-nursing.
