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Technicians push to be renamed 'veterinary nurses'
vet nurse
NAVTA wants to see the title 'veterinary nurse' used in all 50 states, as it is in the UK and Australia.
Current system causing confusion among public and profession

Veterinary technicians in the US could see their titles changed to 'veterinary nurse' in the next decade. There are also plans to bring in a national standard for credentialing.

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians (NAVTA) in America says the current system - which varies from state to state - has 'led to confusion for the veterinary consumer and within the veterinary profession'.

In some states there is effectively no distinction between credentialed veterinary technicians and non-credentialed. Those that are credentialed will typically have completed a two or four-year programme accredited by the AVMA and will have completed a national exam.

NAVTA wants to see the title 'veterinary nurse' used in all 50 states, as it is in the UK and Australia, as well as a national standard for the maintenance of credentials.

'Establishing a single and standard title is the first step in the process to clarify the important role of the profession and provide enhanced patient care,' it said in a statement. 'Pets and pet owners are best protected and cared for by formally trained and credentialed veterinary nurses.'

The process is expected to take five to 10 years to implement. Over the coming year, NAVTA will consider the best options and consult with relevant professional and legal organisations. It will then develop a strategic plan based on the feedback.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.