VN Register opens 1 September 2007

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ new non-statutory Register for veterinary nurses (VNs) opens on 1 September 2007.

Over 3,000 veterinary nurses will automatically achieve Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) status – these are VNs who have listed with the College since 1 January 2003. Registration is optional for other VNs and 20-30 requests for voluntary registration are being received each day by the College.

RVNs agree to keep their skills up to date by means of compulsory continuing professional development (CPD), at a rate of 45 hours over three years, and to maintain standards of professionalism by following the Guide to Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses.

From 2010, when the new Register has had time to bed in, a disciplinary system will be introduced for veterinary nurses, similar to that which exists for veterinary surgeons.

“The Register for veterinary nurses is a major development for the veterinary nursing profession and the RCVS Veterinary Nurses Council has worked hard to get to this point,” according to Dr Bob Moore, RCVS President.

“Registered Veterinary Nurses will show colleagues, employers and clients that they are willing to account for their professionalism and keep up to date. We hope that statutory regulation for veterinary nurses will follow any future review of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966,” he adds.

Anyone wishing to check if a veterinary nurse is registered can do so via the Check the Register/List section.