Being an equine Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) is the best job in the world! I may be a little biased, but I firmly stand by this statement. The equine RVN profession is still a young one, with the first equine veterinary nurses qualifying in the year 2000. However, we have seen a lot of change since then, most notably the introduction of the Royal Charter in 2015 and the statutory regulation of RVNs by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
It has not been an easy ride for equine RVNs, and we often end up feeling overlooked or forgotten about as a result of our low numbers and lack of exposure, compared to our small animal veterinary nursing colleagues. We are, however, resilient, and adaptable in nature and this is evident in the ever-growing number of knowledgeable, experienced, and forward-thinking equine RVNs that make up the profession today. The year 2023 is looking to be an exciting one for equine RVNs. The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has set up an Equine Veterinary Nursing Committee made up of nine equine RVNs, and I have the honor of chairing this committee. It is wonderful to have the support of BEVA who are extremely keen to develop the role of the equine veterinary nurse and push the profession forwards.
A lack of clarity surrounding Schedule 3 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 is a significant problem facing RVNs, as this causes vets to be reluctant to delegate appropriate tasks to equine RVNs. This, in turn, reduces the efficiency of the veterinary team and contributes to the lack of career progression that is currently apparent in this field. This also contributes significantly to the current retention crisis. Equine RVNs struggle to prove their value financially in practice, which leads to frustration and ultimately, skilled equine RVNs leaving the profession. The majority of equine RVNs want to take on more responsibility in terms of Schedule 3 procedures, they just need the opportunity and support from their practices to do so.
Gaining clarity surrounding Schedule 3 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 will help to develop the role of the equine RVN in several ways. They will be able to perform a wider range of tasks, with confidence, in practice. However, further development is possible, with a growing role for RVNs in ambulatory nursing and client care coming to light and being supported by several practices. The ambulatory nursing role facilitates closer contact with clients and importantly, the patients themselves. This will help equine RVNs to increase public awareness of their role. Client trust and respect must be gained for clients to embrace and appreciate the skills and expertise being offered by equine RVNs. This will benefit equine patients enormously and contribute to job satisfaction and retention for equine RVNs in the long run.
Equine RVNs are keen to work hard to bring about a positive transition within equine veterinary practice. With the support and expertise offered by BEVA, and the resilience and skills that already exist in the equine RVN profession, I cannot wait to see what the future holds for this young profession, and for the equine patients we all care so much about.