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.
The implications of this move are significant and there will no doubt be many challenges in terms of outlining professional liability. Previously, RVNs were covered by general practice insurance but now the disciplinary scheme requires that RVNs be protected as individuals, with their own professional indemnity insurance. Now, RVNs must consider protection against litigation as well as the added costs of insurance. So, why do we want to be accountable?
Accountability means we think before we act. It means we use evidence to make our judgments and it means we make a concerted effort to keep current with modern advances. Accountability means we take pride in our abilities and stake our reputations on the value of our profession as a whole. These present challenges we now face may deter some from seeking voluntary registration but we are only as strong as our united commitment. This is a significant step forward for the profession and it not only demonstrates our willingness to be responsible for our actions but, it also shows our dedication to continual improvement and advancement of our field as a whole. Four years ago, the profession made significant headway towards professional recognition with the enactment of a non-statutory Veterinary Nurse's Register and Guide to Professional Conduct. Now, with full accountability, we can finally be personally responsible for our actions and thus truly demonstrate our own level of professionalism.
With ever increasing value being placed on the human–animal bond, public perceptions of the veterinary nursing profession have undergone a dramatic shift in the last 50 years. Awareness of medical hazards is at the forefront of public concerns and there is great emphasis on ethical treatment of animals. This adds increased consumer demand for advanced veterinary care and to meet this demand, veterinary nurses are playing a critical role as skilled professionals. In recent years, veterinary nursing expertise is being recognized as a unique skill set and a greater emphasis is being placed on the importance of nursing care. Advances in veterinary nursing education have led to more students seeking higher levels of education and speciality qualifications are more popular than ever. Evidence-based practice and our ongoing commitment towards continual professional development is helping to reinforce our professional profile. United, we are moving forwards and proving our worth as veterinary professionals and even though we have a long way to go in terms of a statutory register for all qualified veterinary nurses, we are getting there and the future is bright indeed.
The added professional accountability that accompanies our rights and responsibilities is new territory. We are taking chances and putting our reputation on the line in the interest of our work. We are forging new roads, exploring liability and professional limits. We are distinguishing our skills from those of veterinary surgeons or assistants and in the process we are giving value to our profession and demonstrating that we are willing to take responsibility for our own actions. It is this professional ethos that is giving power to the changing face of our profession and is helping to ensure that our future is strong.