Veterinary Nursing is a relatively young profession, but things are always changing! One big new development in recent years has been the development of the “District Veterinary Nurse” concept. But what is it, and what do you need to know about it? We asked Registered Veterinary Nurse and blogger Robyn to look into the details…

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What‘s a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)?

Registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) are trained, highly skilled and dedicated professionals. Working with the veterinary team, they are an integral part of the veterinary team who provide high quality nursing care for animals.

RVNs provide supportive care for their patients and are also qualified to undertake minor surgery within schedule 3 regulations, monitor anaesthesia, administer medical treatment, and perform diagnostic tests under the veterinary surgeon’s direction.

The RVN Register with the RCVS itself opened in 2007 and at the time marked a significant step forward in the regulation of VNs. It was the first step towards statutory regulation for veterinary nurses. However, you will see below that RVN recognition still has some way to go.

Professional recognition, as in other professions, brings with it obligations and registered veterinary nurses are accountable for their conduct and subject to the standards set by the Veterinary Nurses Council. These standards may be found in the Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses. They include a requirement to undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and make relevant disclosures to the RCVS.

Did you know the ‘Veterinary Nurse’ title isn’t protected?

The title ‘veterinary nurse’ is currently not protected by law. This means that anyone (regardless of any training or experience) can call themselves a veterinary nurse. They cannot, however, be registered with the RCVS unless they have undertaken recognized qualifications. However this lack of title protection can cause ambiguity among the public to the extent of the RVNs role, education and professional accountability. 

So, what is a district veterinary nurse?

In medical terms, a district nurse visits people at home, providing patient care and support for family members. RVNs can do this under the direction of a veterinary surgeon who has a patient under their care.

In the UK to be a human district nurse you need to be a registered adult, child, mental health, or learning disability nurse to apply for a district nursing training programme. District nurse training programmes are known as specialist practitioner programmes and are at degree level. 

There is no specific title or specialism of this nature recognised by the RCVS. The term ‘district veterinary nurse’ also isn’t a protected title, or a recognised qualification or specialty within the RCVS.

What do they do?

There are some practices and organisations that offer in-home nursing care for patients. This will be done with a patient under the care of a veterinary surgeon; and the services will be delegated by that veterinary surgeon. There could be a whole number of services such as (but not limited to) diabetic checks, RVN consultations on various subjects, preventative care, wound management, dressing changes, blood pressure checks, blood tests, blood glucose checks and administration of certain medications.

What‘s the benefit?

There are several scenarios when this could be useful:

  • It frees up space in the practice consult room to use for another patient.
  • Some patients get very stressed in the vets but tolerate treatment at home much better.
  • Some owners struggle to get into the practice, whether that be because of transport, illness, or disability. A RVN coming to their home can allow veterinary care provision to continue.
  • Terminally ill patients or those with chronic conditions can have less disruption to their lives if they don’t have to come in for repeated consultations.

Even though the “District Veterinary Nurse” is not yet a specific title, some Advanced Veterinary Nursing diplomas at degree-level incorporate the concept and train nurses for the role. And it is increasingly being discussed – but whether it becomes “a thing” or just another part of the RVN’s multifaceted role, only time will tell.