In what is certainly a defining move for the veterinary nursing profession, the Veterinary Nurses Bill for protection of title in the UK was presented to the House of Lords with the first reading taking place on 10 June. If the Bill succeeds, only those who have rightfully earned the title will be able to declare that they are a veterinary nurse. Protection of title is important not just for animal safety but it also protects the public which is just as vulnerable to the negligence or misconduct of unqualified personnel. It is also an achievement that solidifies our professionalism as a whole and validates the important role that we have in society.
The first reading took place on 10 June. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill's journey through the Lords. The second reading — the general debate on all aspects of the Bill — is yet to be scheduled.
A Bill is a proposal for a new law, or a proposal to change an existing law, presented for debate before Parliament. A Bill can start in the Commons or the Lords and must be approved in the same form by both Houses before becoming an Act (law). First reading is the first stage of a bill's passage through the House of Lords — usually a formality, it takes place without debate first reading of a bill can take place at any time in a parliamentary session. At first reading the long title (indicating the content of the bill) is read out by the member of the Lords in charge of the bill. After first reading, once formally introduced, the bill is printed. The next stage is second reading — the first opportunity for members of the Lords to debate the main principles and purpose of the bill.
Public and community support is essential to the success of this bill. All RVNs are being urged by the RCVS to sign up, wherever you are in the world, and support the campaign by visiting www.rcvs.org.uk/vntitle. You will be able to visit this page to sign a formal petition, and to download a template letter that you can send to your MP in order to ask for their support. Indeed, the fate of this bill lies in each of our hands now.
If you are in doubt of the developing professional role of the veterinary nurse take a look at the articles in this issue which illustrate the wide and increasing role and responsibilities of the veterinary nurse, in particular the role played by veterinary nurses in owner education (To spay or not to spay: the nurse's role in owner education, p252), screening (Cognitive dysfunction in older dogs and cats: the role of the veterinary nurse in screening, p266) and history taking (History taking and diagnosis in cases of house soiling, p281).
If you believe that your title is worth protecting, now is the time to come forward and take a stand. Now is the time to speak out and do your part. It may be easy to sit back and believe that others will do the work, and that they must certainly be doing enough for all of us, but each one of us is responsible for the professionalism of our field. Being a professional is a big obligation, and doubly so being in a healthcare related field. We all spend time keeping current, being involved in our local communities, and maintaining our registration, but equally as important is giving back to our profession. Being knowledgeable about our profession is one way we can give back, actively taking time to educate your colleagues, clients, friends and family, encouraging their support and ensuring their awareness.
Please take a few moments to show your support. We need each and every one of us now to come together and make this happen.
We hope you enjoy this issue.