New disciplinary procedure explained

The new disciplinary procedures introduced on 1 April 2011 for registered veterinary nurses are the latest outcome of the discussion and debate over veterinary nurse regulation which has been taking place within the profession for a number of years. In 2004, the veterinary profession, together with Lantra (the Sector Skills Council for veterinary nursing), sponsored a manpower survey relating to veterinary nursing. The survey not only indicated that veterinary nurses believed that there was a need for an enforceable system of regulation for their profession, but it demonstrated that veterinary nurses wished to enhance their professional status (Lantra, 2004). In recent years, veterinary nursing has indeed gained increased status and recognition as a profession.

‘By becoming regulated, the veterinary nursing profession demonstrates to the public that it is willing to set standards and maintain its own professional skills.’

The members of many professions, for example, lawyers, accountants, doctors and nurses, are regulated, and the main purpose of regulation is to protect the public from those who are unfit to practise. The regulation of a profession requires both a means of identifying the profession's members, and a mechanism in place to prevent from practising those whose behaviour falls far below the profession's standards. Members of the public using the services that professionals provide also expect professionals to adhere to set standards.