Nonclinical Questions - Recent Threads

What is the realistic next step for an RVN who feels underpaid?

Ben Jamieson — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:47:08 GMT

How many RVNs are feeling like this? I'm guessing, not many.

40 hours per week on minimum wage can currently get you around £26,500 per year.

Average RVN salaries are:
• Greater London: £32,963–£32,976
• North West: £31,051
• Wales: £30,168
• Scotland: £29,318

Head RVN positions:
• Nationally: £40,000.

For the average RVN, the pension position after a full career is likely to be modest at best. In many cases, retirement income will depend heavily on the State Pension, with workplace pension savings often limited unless contributions have gone well beyond the minimum.

You will have read loads of conversations around RVN pay, and for good reason. We have all heard the RCVS reports about pay and chronic stress were among the top reasons given for leaving the industry.

So what is the realistic next step for an RVN who feels underpaid, but still cares about the profession and doesn’t necessarily want to walk away from it altogether?

The obvious routes people tend to mention are things like becoming a head nurse, moving into referral, locuming, teaching, industry, practice management, or leaving clinical work entirely. Some of those may absolutely be the right fit for the right person, but I do wonder whether many RVNs still end up feeling as though they hit a ceiling too early in terms of both earnings and progression. The profession survey also pointed to weak perceptions around career progression and leadership development, which probably adds to that feeling for some people.

I’ve also seen first-hand that there can be other routes which are talked about less often. Setting up my wife Louise in a mobile RVN-led role worked really well for her, and it opened our eyes to the fact that there may be more possibilities for experienced nurses than the usual options people list. I’m not saying it is for everyone, and I’m not trying to turn this into a sales post, but it did make me wonder whether more flexible, community-based or self-employed models should be part of this conversation too. We are starting to explore that more seriously and would be genuinely interested in hearing from other RVNs who have considered something similar. Link for anyone interested.

Have you considered any of the usual routes, or gone down one of them already? Has it improved things financially, professionally, or both? And is there a route you think gets overlooked when people talk about RVN career progression?

Anyone used Innovet for cpd?

Rachel Woodcock — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 21:53:42 GMT

I've been browsing for cpd courses and some interesting looking ones through Innovet - has anyone done any of their courses? It's such a gamble spending my cpd allowance on a provider I've not used before.

Thanks

How the law doesn't protect animals from over-treatment

Arlo Guthrie — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 12:39:33 GMT

Posted my latest film based on the book Veterinary Controversies and Ethical Dilemmas on YouTube, and I've created a new gallery for them here on VetNurse too: https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/m/veterinary-controversies-ethical-dilemmas

In this film Peter Fordyce, RCVS Specialist in Animal Welfare, Ethics and The Law explains some of the human factors which might cause both owners and vets to over-treat animals, sometimes at the cost of their welfare and in spite of the law.

Really interested to hear your thoughts, in particular which factors which Peter raises are the most important.

PS, in case you havent heard of the book, I think it's one of the most important books for veterinary professionals that I've seen in 30 years. It's quite spenny, hence why I'm making the films to make it accessible to a wider audience: https://amzn.to/4aHNOPu

Veterinary Ramblings: the cost of vet care, communicating, AI, controversies ...

Arlo Guthrie — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 16:11:30 GMT

Just in case anyone is interested, I did an interview with Veterinary Ramblings the other day, where we talked about the increasing costs of vet care, tips for communicating in the modern age, AI and the new book, Veterinary Controversies and Ethical Dilemmas.

It was fun doing it, but if you can think of a better way to spend an hour of your life than listening to me - I wouldn't blame you! - there is the secondary benefit that it is CPD.

https://veterinaryramblings.com/episode/building-better-veterinary-conversations-with-arlo-guthrie/

Would be lovely to hear any of your thoughts about the points raised in the discussion (esp on the costs of veterinary care, and the greater importance of vet nurses)

Novel about Vet Nurse

frances gaudiano — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 19:06:57 GMT

Has anyone read, Love You, Fleas and All? It's about a veterinary nurse, not a vet. Finally a book about us!

How far should we go in the treatment of animals?

Arlo Guthrie — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 16:08:03 GMT

I thought this new book, Veterinary Controversies and Ethical Dilemmas is so important, I decided to make a film about each chapter and the questions they raise.

Here's the first.

What do you think?!

If you think it would be good thing for more people to think about the ethical issues raised by treatment, or rather the degree of treatment, please do share the film more widely (and or give it a like, or a comment on Youtube).

It's also on TikTok, Linkedin, and Facebook (where quite a few of you have already share it, so thanks for that!)

Am I underpaid?

Spicy Kittens — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 17:44:28 GMT

Hi everyone, I recently have realized I am being underpaid possibly. I have always know this profession is a low paid career and the place I work with as whispers that we are slightly lower paid than some other pracrices, but I didn't realize how much until the last year.

I don't know if I have high expectations and I am comparing to the wrong people

It seems the average starting wage is around £28,000 (when I look at other job adverts too), which is what around my salary per year is.

I have been qualified for 13 years.

Is this about right?

What is everyone else sitting at?

Is there a place I can get a free or cheap 2nd hand CD cupboard?

S Waters — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 06:52:42 GMT

As title says.

Do any wholesalers etc give out free CD cupboards or are there any 2nd hand veterinary marketplaces etc to get cheaper things?

Thanks in advance

Have you made a mistake?

Arlo Guthrie — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 13:35:50 GMT

www.vetnurse.co.uk/.../vet-nurse-suspended-for-falling-asleep-on-the-job

After this recent disciplinary result, which I think is very backward-looking, I'd like to hear from RVNS about their experience of making a mistake at work, and how it was handled.

What was the mistake? How was it handled? Was it in an unjudgemental way, looking at what factors led to the mistake, so that everyone can learn from it?

Or did you just face a punishment of some sort or a disciplinary?

I'd love to get a better sense of how mistakes are handled, and whether you feel able to admit to errors and whether you'd be more inclined to hide them, for fear of, I dunno, losing your job.

If you want to share actual examples, best if you do so anonymously. Log out, and log back in using:

pwd: anonymous

Then even I have no idea who you are!

So, I've been made redundant. Now what?

Oldgal — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 10:06:58 GMT

Hi all.

After years in animal research the funding plug was pulled and my post has spiralled down the drain. Glug, glug.

I need work but have a few problems

I can't do a full time job in clinical practice due to disability; I need a new hip (I'm not far off 60 and use a walking stick or crutch) but I'm low on the waiting list til I'm over 60 (my consultant actually said "come back when you are no longer ambulatory". Never mind the chronic pain.

I have an inoperable rotator cuff tear so don't have full use of left arm.

I can't relocate

Are there any remote jobs?

Are there any older disabled nurses out there? What are you doing?

Regards

Voluntary work In South Africa

Victoria Hill — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 21:31:04 GMT

Hi,

Has anyone done voluntary work In South Africa with Wildlife Animals that is from UK.

Can I get a copy of assessors a1 award

Emma.b.25 — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 22:00:06 GMT

It would be back in 2001/2002 that I did my assessors award. I cannot find my certificate at all. Anyone have an idea how to get a copy?

When the Ladder’s a Lie: A Rant from a Burnt-Out RVN

azlana — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 14:05:05 GMT

A while back, I left a job I genuinely liked. I was well established, respected, and content. So why did I leave? Because I was promised the golden carrot: career progression. A potential promotion dangled just out of reach, close enough to leap for, far enough to miss.

Spoiler: that promotion never came. And worse, I’ve since found out it was never really on the table. Just empty words to get someone through the door. Classic bait and switch.

Add to that a few choice run-ins with HR that still leave a bad taste in my mouth, and I’m now left sitting here feeling thoroughly disillusioned. Overqualified, underpaid, and absolutely done.

And here’s the kicker. I have no clue what’s next. I’ve poured years into this profession. The skills, the knowledge, the CPD, the late nights, the blood, the sweat (literally), and for what? To be stagnating in a job I no longer trust, with no clear path forward.

I keep asking myself, is there an alternative? I’d love to pivot. Do something different. But remote work in this field is basically non-existent where I live. And re-training? Don't even go there. The thought of going back into education right now is enough to make me close the laptop and walk off.

So I sit here, venting into the void, hoping maybe someone else feels this too. If you’ve been here—burnt out, boxed in, and desperate for a shift—how did you find your way out?

Because right now? I'm stuck. And the ladder I thought I was climbing turns out to be leaning against the wrong wall.

Can the revision guides be printed to read and keep?

Claire Huxtable — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 14:39:37 GMT

Hi all-again!!

Just wondering if the 1st/2nd part Revision Guides on here can be printed off to read and keep

I find a paper source easier to refer back to then online

Please and Thank you

Claire

Vet Nursing cpd

Claire Huxtable — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 12:00:24 GMT

Good afternoon

I'm running out of time to complete my 15 hours CPD so was hoping you peeps could direct me to some CPD bits and bobs

It can be literally anything.I'm sure i have probably completed more than i have logged but I need to log ASAP

Please and Thank tou

Claire

How often do you see clients struggling to pay for medication?

Arlo Guthrie — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 09:30:08 GMT

Specifically, medication that was / is licensed for human use, but then became vet licensed, but at a far greater cost to owners. For example, paracetamol.

I did a survey of vets which found it to be a very regular problem, and I wonder if your experience mirrors that (perhaps you actually see more people struggling to pay).

https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/b/veterinary-nursing-news/posts/500-000-pet-owners-cannot-afford-the-cost-of-veterinary-medicines-regulation

Some of you may remember George Cooper

Selena Carnell — Sun, 08 Jun 2025 17:05:23 GMT

Some you may remember George Cooper a vet who used to post on here in the very early days and was extremely pro veterinary nurses. He travelled a lot doing CDP and roadshows and often talked at BSAVA.

George retired after years ago after his practice was taken over by medivet, he was very old school and didn't agree with a lot of the things medivet were asking him to do.

Following retirement he really went down hill, being badly scammed on line financially, health issues and then began drinking heavily,

Sadly he had a fall last month resulting in hip replacement number two, he didn't look after him self well after the procedure and was refusing entry to health care workers etc, he was found collapsed with a severe infection. He has had further extensive surgery and survived but the infection is putting a huge strain on his kidneys, his son Duncan has been advised that full recovery is unlikely, and may just be a matter of time.

I've known George for many years and is a good friend,, and gave many people help and advice, even raising thousands for charity after his wife died.

I believe George lost his identity once he stopped working, he was no longer George the vet, and although he helped out with his sons, book shop he was extremely lonely and got sucked in to some serious online scammers. a huge downhills spiral, no longer the George I once knew.

I know there are still some of us who might remember him. he regularly wrote articles for vet and VN times.

RVN looking to top up wages remotely

Nessa Harbottle — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 07:41:01 GMT

I am an RVN, 7 years qualified and I am looking for a part time remote only position in order to top up my current wages.

I have contacted a few people but I’m struggling to get responses. I have been offered a position but again, struggling to make contact now and so unsure if this opportunity is still available.

Does anyone know of any legit companies looking for someone to help them out? Ideally within the veterinary community but not necessarily.

What theatre shoes?

Calli D — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 22:23:03 GMT

I know the question of footwear has been asked many times but the most recent post I can see is about 10yrs ago and times/footwear options have changed a bit. I used to have a pair of tofflen clogs but the soles fell off after too much washing during lockdown and keep falling off despite using footwear glue so its time to chuck them out and get a new pair.

I can't really afford to replace like for like so wondering what people find comfortable. My feet get hot in the rubber clog shoes so I end up kicking them off after a short while (definitely put back on when walking about prep and theatre but whilst I can stand or sit still for a bit then they are off). I still need shoes that are washable so it may be unavoidable but what are people wearing? Anything with arch support out there?

Name Badges ..

Calli D — Thu, 29 May 2025 07:13:49 GMT

Does anyone know if there is a regulation or directive that stipulates what 'must' be displayed on your name badge? Apart frpm showing your qualifications and practice role, Can you your badge state only your first name or must it state your full name including surname?

I used to work in retail many years ago and had a bad experience of someone looking me up as they now had my full name. It's made me cautious ever since and my name is mine until I feel comfortable to give it. I can see the need for displaying your full name for clients wishing to give feedback whether it be for reporting or promoting etc but Just seeing where people's thoughts are and if you feel we have to display our full name for professionalism and the like.

What training do you need to improve your instrument reprocessing?

Jane Kiely — Tue, 27 May 2025 09:55:54 GMT

Morning all,

I'm developing some free remote CPD specifically for veterinary nurses and care assistants, to help improve the quality and sustainability of instrument reprocessing.

I would love to know what problems you have with cleaning, disinfecting and sterilising clinical instruments, as well as what areas interest you most and what gaps you have identified in your training.

Feel free to leave a comment below, send me a private message, or answer our survey here: https://form.jotform.com/251132526435349

I would really appreciate your help.

Thanks,

Jane

Sole trader advice

Emma Daw — Fri, 23 May 2025 13:34:56 GMT

Hi, I'm planning on returning to locum work. Last time I used an Umbrella company. But this time I want to be a Sole trader, does anyone have any tips regarding this ? Any advice gratefully received !

Zumi company?

Oldgal — Tue, 13 May 2025 19:38:24 GMT

Has anybody worked for the Zumi company as a domiciliary visit VN? What's your experience of the set up? Thanks

The RVC are hosting their first Vet Nurse Connect Conference (VNCC) 2025 on Saturday 31st May at our Hawkshead Campus.

Katie Hopkinson — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 09:30:05 GMT

Please visit www.rvc.ac.uk/cpd for more information.

Help me help the profession. . Your insight needed!

lahni butler — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 17:47:00 GMT

Hi Vet Fam,

I wanted to introduce myself and get your thoughts on something I'm really passionate about. I’m an experienced referral RVN specialising in anaesthesia, and I’m also a qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist with advanced training in CBT, NLP, psychotherapy, coaching and hypnosis.

Over the past few years, I’ve developed a series of neuroscience-backed Mental Mastery Workshops specifically designed for veterinary teams. These sessions help professionals understand how their mind works, focusing on emotional regulation, behaviour patterns, and building lasting resilience.

The workshops aim to tackle the real challenges we face in practice every day, such as; Stress, anxiety, sleep issues, emotional regulation, compassion fatigue, burnout, imposter syndrome, low self-confidence, communication issues and much more.

This is where I value your input.

What topics or struggles do you think would be most valuable to cover in workshops like this?

I’m always evolving the content and I want to make the biggest and most meaningful impact possible for our community.

I want to tackle any taboo subjects also as I feel that authenticity and transparency is key in connecting over common issues.

Also, do you think something like this would be valuable in your practice? And if so, what would be the best way to connect with the right person to explore the idea?

Thanks so much for reading.

I’d love to hear your thoughts!