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Veterinary Nurses

The RCVS has two key functions in relation to veterinary nursing. These are the maintenance of the statutory list of veterinary nurses and the award of veterinary nursing S and NVQs.

In order to qualify, nurses undergo a two-year period of vocational training which is assessed at work and through examination by the RCVS Awarding Body.

Qualified veterinary nurses may enter the RCVS List of Veterinary Nurses which is maintained by the VN Regulatory Body. On entering the List they are entitled by law to undertake a range of veterinary treatments and procedures on animals under veterinary direction. Only Listed nurses are entitled to use the post-nominal letters 'VN'. Qualified nurses are key members of the veterinary team, providing skilled care for sick animals and support for their owners.

Image: Big BenRCVS launches research into 24-hour cover provision
21 July 2008

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has launched a research project into the extent to which veterinary surgeons are able to meet its requirement that steps are taken to provide 24-hour emergency cover.


VN List and Register 2008

This publication provides a full alphabetical listing of qualified veterinary nurses, including registered veterinary nurses (RVNs). Individuals listed within this document are entitled under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 Schedule 3 amendment order 1991, to undertake certain delegated acts of veterinary surgery under the direction of a registered veterinary surgeon.

VN Annual Report 2006-7

The VN Annual Report provides an overview of activities of the RCVS Veterinary Nurses Council, the VN Department and the RCVS Awarding Body.

Guide to Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses 2007

The RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses 2007 sets out the ethical code for registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) and contains advice about professional behaviour, but it does not prescribe rules. The online Guide and annexes are updated whenever changes are made and are most up-to-date; the hard copy of the Guide is reprinted biennially.

VN Standard (April 2008)

VN Standard is the newsletter of the RCVS Awarding Body that deals with veterinary nurse training issues. The December 2007 issue is the first of this new publication. It is planned to be published three times a year (in April, August and December) and sent to all those involved in the delivery of veterinary nurse training.


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