A big step forward, but an even bigger opportunity lies ahead
This April marks a notable development in the history of the veterinary nursing profession. The implementation of a formal disciplinary system for registered veterinary nurses has allowed us now to complete the first step towards full recognition of the veterinary nursing profession in the UK. Now, complaints about professional conduct in veterinary nurses will be handled and investigated in the same way as they are for veterinary surgeons. Registered veterinary nurses found guilty of serious misconduct will be at risk of being struck off, or suspended, from the non-statutory register. In addition, veterinary surgeons will be advised to avoid delegating Schedule 3 tasks to unregistered veterinary nurses.