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BVNA shares initial findings of VN Profession survey
The survey results will advise BVNA's future work, and inform key stakeholders' decisions.
Over half of respondents knew a ‘vet nurse’ who wasn’t qualified or regulated.

The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) has released the initial findings of its inaugural VN Profession survey.

Its initial results were shared to coincide with the opening of BVNA Congress 2024, with the full report due to be published at the end of the year.

The survey was launched to help BVNA to develop a better understanding of what current veterinary nurses think of the profession. This includes their perspectives of current issues and trends, as well as how they think the profession could change in the future.

Findings will inform key stakeholders and policymakers, such as the UK government and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, as they make important decisions relating to the VN profession.

They will also advise BVNA’s future activities, guiding it as it produces resources for members and takes on campaigns.

So far, BVNA’s analysis of results has uncovered significant issues with the inappropriate use of the title ‘veterinary nurse’. Survey responses revealed that 52 per cent of respondents knew someone who used the title ‘veterinary nurse’ despite not being fully qualified or regulated.

This is an issue closely monitored by the association, which has been lobbying for legislative change to protect the title.

More than a third of registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) felt that their salary did not reflect the extent of their responsibilities in practice.

However, findings have suggested that veterinary nurses are not being fully utilised in practice. Over a quarter of respondents felt that they were not using all of the practical skills that they were trained to carry out.

BVNA says that the survey has also highlighted a need for RVNs to receive additional training for completing Schedule 3 tasks.

Forty-seven of respondents said their confidence in their abilities ‘depends on the task’. Since Schedule 3 tasks require RVNs to be competent, confident and experienced, BVNA believes that more training is needed so RVNs can accept these responsibilities.

Lyndsay Hughes, BVNA president, said: “I am delighted that BVNA has undertaken this work to understand more about the veterinary nursing profession, and gain further insight into issues that are currently affecting our members alongside the wider profession.

“As BVNA continues to work with policymakers in the pursuit of positive change, we rely on the input from individual registered and student veterinary nurses in order to influence this progress. Your voice really does matter.”

The preliminary findings can be found here. BVNA’s full report will be released at the end of 2024.

Image © Shutterstock 

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Veterinary Dispensary Manager Online Course relaunched

News Story 1
 The VMD has announced dates for its next Veterinary Dispensary Manager Online Course.

The event will relaunch on Thursday, 23 October 2025 from 9am to 5pm and will be delivered through an interactive online session.

It is open for anyone involved in a veterinary dispensary role, whether they are new to the topic or looking for a refresh. Attendees will receive vital insights into the safe and compliant handling of veterinary medicines.

The course can be booked online for £495. 

Click here for more...
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New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.