Did you know that you can book a nurse clinic for a variety of different appointments? Nurses regularly consult throughout the day at the veterinary practice and can see a variety of appointments, from post op checks to second vaccinations and much, much more!
Sometimes, a nurse clinic will be a charged service, or some practices may offer this free of charge. Let’s delve into the world of nurse consultations and see what sort of services may warrant a charge.
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What nursing services are available?
Each veterinary practice can offer different nursing services, depending on the needs of the practice. For example, a referral practice will provide different nursing clinics to a first opinion practice. Some of the regular first opinion clinics include:
Weight clinics:
Nurses often run weight clinics for overweight pets. Once a medical weight issue has been discounted by a veterinary surgeon, a nurse can then run these clinics to support the owner and pet in creating a weight loss programme.
Weight clinics are usually seen on a regular basis, such as every 4 – 6 weeks to monitor progress. The diet can be changed accordingly and body measurements can be updated at each visit. Weight clinics are a fantastic tool to help pets lose weight, as well as preventing secondary conditions such as arthritis and diabetes in the future.
Anal gland expression:
For patients that require regular anal gland expression, this routine appointment can often be booked with a veterinary nurse, once a veterinary surgeon has authorised what frequency they will need a vet review.
Veterinary nurses are able to express the anal glands. They must communicate with a veterinary surgeon if they find any abnormalities or the patient shows any signs of discomfort.
Diabetic clinics:
Veterinary nurses can support diabetic patients through their diagnosis. After a veterinary surgeon has diagnosed a patient with diabetes, they may then refer the patient for nurse diabetic clinics.
Nurse diabetic clinics can range from tracking blood glucose levels to discussing diet options. The initial consultation usually involves discussing diabetes as a disease, along with clinical signs to be concerned about. Nurses will often teach owners how to inject insulin and educate them on conditions such as hypoglycaemia.
Is a charge justified for nurse clinics?
It could be said that a charge for nurse clinics is absolutely justified. Similar to how owners pay to see a veterinary surgeon, it is their time and experience that enables a charge to be placed on the consultation.
Of course, my opinion is biased, especially being a consulting nurse. In the current climate where everything costs money and money seems to be short for everyone it may be difficult for practices to implement a charge. However, excluding the NHS (where we all pay for it whether we use it or not), most medical expertise services come with a cost.
When you factor the valuable knowledge that registered veterinary nurses have, either training through a university degree route or a college diploma, it is important that this is honoured through practices charging for a consulting service.
Veterinary nurses offer a wealth of knowledge and advice for owners. But it also provides a brilliant service for veterinary surgeons to use. When veterinary nurses are used to their full potential, many consultations that are booked with veterinary surgeons can actually be moved to a veterinary nurse.
But, what does this mean for you as a client? It is not that you’re being seen by a nurse for a “lesser quality service” by seeing a nurse. But often veterinary nurses can discuss cases in depth and can offer more of a supportive role for clients whose pets have been diagnosed with a new condition.
Why do some practices offer free nurse appointments?
Many practices offer free nurse consultations for clients. It is up to each practice to decide on whether they charge for a nurse consulting service or not. And it is definitely not an indication on the quality of service.
A nurse consulting service is generally a new addition to the veterinary world, especially now veterinary nurses are able to do a lot more such as repeat medication administrations and weight clinics. There are many practices that may feel reluctant to add a charge for a nurse consulting service so as to not lose clients.
However, a nurse consulting service should be seen as a fantastic way for you to feel supported as a client in a variety of different scenarios – from repeat blood sampling to puppy and kitten advice, your nurses are always here to offer their advice.
Final thoughts on nurse consults
Nurse appointments offer a brilliant way for you to receive veterinary advice and treatment for your pets without having to see a veterinary surgeon. Whilst it shouldn’t all be about cost, it is often cheaper to see a veterinary nurse for simple repeat medication administration or anal gland expression.
The cheaper cost, however, should not be confused with a lower quality service. Nurse appointments allow clients to get to know the nursing team at a practice and will often form great bonds with nurses if they need regular nurse appointments.
Nurse appointments allow clients to feel supported throughout their pets treatment, especially when combined with regular veterinary surgeon visits. Does your practice offer a nurse consulting service? Speak with them directly to see what services your nurses can offer.
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