References
Public perceptions of the veterinary nurse

Abstract
Background:
The veterinary nursing profession has undergone major developments since its formation, with veterinary nurses (VN) becoming registered professionals in their own right. Despite this, there is still a lack of public recognition of and respect for the VN role. Currently, there are limited data on public perceptions and opinions of the VN.
Aims:
The purpose of this study was to determine the public's perceptions and awareness of the VN's role.
Methods:
Members of the public answered an online questionnaire about their experience and opinion of VNs.
Results:
A total of 148 valid responses were received. Results showed 90.5% of respondents had a positive opinion of VNs, and 98.6% believed the VN's role was important. Unsure opinions of the VN were a result of a lack of interaction and understanding of the VN's role.
Conclusion:
Social media may play an instrumental role in increasing public awareness and recognition of the VN's highly skilled role. Further research is required to accurately determine the general public's perception of the VN.
From support staff to a regulated professional, the veterinary nurse's (VN) role has dramatically evolved since its formation (Ackerman, 2012). Development of the profession has brought about law and legislation changes, including the introduction of Schedule 3 of The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, specifying tasks and professional responsibilities the VN is permitted to legally carry out. Despite advancements in training, registration, and regulations, the author believes there is a lack of public awareness and recognition of the VN's role.
According to the RCVS Survey of the Veterinary Nursing Profession (Robinson et al, 2019), 41% of the 4993 respondents claimed that more respect and recognition from the public would make the VN profession a better place to work. The RCVS survey also identified a lack of public recognition and respect of VNs, with 31% of respondents identifying this as one of the main challenges facing the VN profession (Robinson et al, 2019). The public are often uninformed of the VN's role and contributions to animal care, sometimes mistaking VNs for ‘mini vets’ (Maryniak, 2005; Ackerman, 2012), unaware of the training and qualification involved (Deamer, 2018). Waters (2019) proposed that veterinary surgeons should promote VNs as their co-professionals to clients and to those who may perceive the VN as little more than a glorified cleaner because of underutilisation of VNs. Clients may be unaware of the difference between a VN and a registered VN (RVN) because of a lack of knowledge surrounding the veterinary nursing qualification and registration. The appropriate title must be used for registered and non-registered staff to ensure public clarity (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, 2012; Kernot, 2016).
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