Nonclinical Questions - Recent Threads

Veterinary nurse title to be protected with statutory registration

Chris Ritchie — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 15:43:26 GMT

www.vetnurse.co.uk/.../white-paper-a-step-closer-to-improved-legislation

Sixty years! But now there's real progress being made on the Veterinary Surgeons Act and there's a host of proposed reforms which DEFRA says will "radically modernise the industry, delivering better protections for households and greater transparency around prices – helping pet owners understand what they are paying for, avoid unexpected costs and choose the best value care for their pets".

Veterinary nurses and other professional groups will be statutorily registered. Among the other proposals: there will be an independent veterinary ombudsman, and veterinary businesses will be statutorily regulated with a mandatory licensing system similar to care homes and GP surgeries. DEFRA also recommends changing the approach to fitness-to-practise processes.

The RCVS said it agreed that the profession required modern legislation to protect animal welfare and noted that it was ready to separate its professional leadership and regulatory roles if DEFRA determined it necessary.

Lots more in the news piece. Discuss!

Veterinary legislation reform matters for RVNs

Wendy Nevins — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 12:04:37 GMT

Defra has published its White Paper, *Our vision for a thriving veterinary sector*, setting out the government’s direction for reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.

For veterinary nurses, this matters.

The current legislation no longer reflects the profession we are today, the responsibilities RVNs already carry, or the wider role of the veterinary team in supporting animal welfare, public health, clients and veterinary businesses.

There is still a long way to go, but seeing legislative reform being taken seriously at this level is important. The detail now matters, and veterinary nurses need to stay engaged in the conversation.

Worth reading and sharing.

www.gov.uk/.../our-vision-for-a-thriving-veterinary-sector

The Veterinary Edge July issue is now online

Chris Ritchie — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 09:32:52 GMT

Hello!

Allow me to introduce myself: I'm Chris, executive editor of The Veterinary Edge – and now, editor of VetNurse.co.uk too! I've been in the veterinary media for over 30 years. I have four cats and a tortoise.

For those of you who like to read it online, the July issue is here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/df696ccb-38db-4b36-9143-1a507b86242e. The print copies should be landing on practice doorsteps in the next few days.

In this issue, of particular interest I reckon, we have a really good practical piece on taking a whole-practice approach to OA cases by Nichi Cockburn, one of the directors at the Veterinary Osteoarthritis Alliance.

Generally, I'm curious to hear people's thoughts on TVE: we've never done a readership survey, and I hope veterinary nurses enjoy reading it and find it useful.

Mindful that veterinary teams are busy and there's not a lot of downtime, do you get the time to read it among the stack of other periodicals? And if so, do you find it a worthwhile read ... or (be gentle!) not? If you'd like to see a greater representation of your profession in the mag, how would you like us to do that?

Would you like strictly nursing content, the whole-practice approach, or a bit of both?

I'm looking forward to chatting with you on here – feel free to fire feedback and suggestions at me :-)

And it's goodnight from him ...

Arlo Guthrie — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:44:32 GMT

Hi all,

After 26 years as the publisher and editor of VetNurse.co.uk and VetSurgeon.org, I’ve decided it’s time to hang up my boots.

There are lots of reasons, but perhaps the biggest is the realisation, some would say belated, that I’m no longer particularly in tune with the veterinary zeitgeist.

As an almost-60-year-old, overweight, deaf, pale male from Somerset, I’m also not exactly representative of, or likely to be especially enticing to, the site’s future audience.

Also, I’ve developed an opinion about veterinary medicine that is not universally popular.

In short, and driven by scientific progress, the direction of veterinary education, and ever increasing regulatory standards, the profession has evolved into one that delivers levels of care that many owners struggle to afford and sometimes seems disproportionate to the species being treated.

You may agree with that view, disagree with it entirely, or fall somewhere in between. But it has made me realise that I’m probably no longer the right person to be moderating discussions about the profession.

What I do still believe, very strongly, is that there remains a place for algorithm-free, provenance-checked discussion. A place where people can exchange ideas, challenge each other respectfully, and explore complicated scientific and professional issues in more than 280 characters.

In fact, in an age of AI-generated content, social media outrage and disappearing attention spans, I think that sort of space is more important than ever.

So the good news is that VetNurse.co.uk is not going anywhere.

I’m delighted to be handing editorial responsibility for VetNurse and VetNurse to Chris Ritchie, who many of you will know through Veterinary Edge and his wider work within the profession. I believe the sites will be in very good hands. In fact, I think with their fresh ideas and Wendy Nevins help, I think there is every chance the community will be revitalised as a safe space to discuss more complex issues that are not suited to other social media platforms. In fact, already I see the first buds ... welcome back Steph Worsley!

I’ll still be around behind the scenes helping with the technical side of things, but I’ll be stepping back from the front line.

I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to these communities over the years. I won’t attempt to name individuals because I would inevitably miss somebody important, but please know how grateful I am.

This community has given me far more than a job. Some of you know that one of my daughters has faced serious health challenges over the years, ones which would have made a conventional office career impossible. There were (many) times when I didn’t know whether she would still be alive by the end of the day, which would have made working away from home difficult.

So I will always be VERY grateful to all of you who participated in discussions, making these sites the success that they became, and giving me a way to pay the bills while being where I needed to be.

I’m now going to work full time on my YouTube channel which covers gadgets, technology and AI tools that are increasingly shaping all our lives.

If you’d like to support my efforts, or at least make sure I don’t come back, do subscribe at www.arlo-guthrie.com

Otherwise, I hope you’ll give Chris and his colleagues a very warm welcome and continue supporting the community as enthusiastically as you always have.

I shall be around for a little while yet, passing things across to Chris ... but in the meantime, thank you again for the last 26 years.

Arlo

BVNA/BVA/RCVS parliamentary reception

Wendy Nevins — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 15:06:31 GMT

Yesterday felt like one of those rare moments where you can pause, look around, and see the thread running through years of work, persistence and belief.

As a past BVNA president, I have always known that progress for veterinary nursing does not happen because one person asks nicely, or because one meeting goes well. It happens because people keep showing up. They keep making the case. They keep challenging outdated systems, even when change feels slow.

The parliamentary reception hosted by BVNA, BVA and RCVS was a powerful reminder of that.

The need to reform the Veterinary Surgeons Act has been discussed for many years, and for veterinary nurses this is not just about legislation. It is about whether the law properly recognises the profession we have become, the responsibilities we already carry, and the role we play in supporting animal welfare, veterinary teams and the clients who rely on us.

Hearing these conversations being taken seriously in Parliament meant a great deal.

It was particularly moving to listen to Baroness Hayman speak so clearly about why change is needed, and to hear the position of veterinary nurses recognised within that wider discussion.

I found myself thinking about the people who started these conversations long before me, those who have carried them forward, and those who are still doing the hard work now. The legislative working party began in 2017, but the foundations go back much further than that. So many veterinary nurses have pushed, explained, challenged and represented this profession over the years.

Standing in Parliament with past presidents, current leaders, future leaders, colleagues and friends was a real privilege. Not because it was a grand setting, although it certainly was, but because of what it represented.

A profession that continues to grow.

A voice that is becoming harder to ignore.

A collective effort that is still moving forward.

There is still a long way to go, and nobody should pretend otherwise. Legislative reform is slow, complex and never guaranteed. But yesterday felt like progress.

I am incredibly proud of the veterinary nurses who continue to show up, stand tall and represent this profession, proud of the BVNA team and policy colleagues who keep driving this work forward, and proud to have played even a small part in that journey.

What a privilege to stand there as a past BVNA president and think: this matters, and we are not done yet.

#whatVNsdo #protectthetitle #proud #progress #WeAreNotDoneYet

What Do People Often Misunderstand About Your Role as a Nurse?

Wendy Nevins — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 10:39:33 GMT

For other RVNs and student nurses, what is something you wish more people understood about your role?

It could be something clients misunderstand, something the wider team overlooks, or something you feel nurses carry that does not always get seen.

I would really like to hear different perspectives on this.

Is anyone else planning on going to BVNA Congress this year?

Wendy Nevins — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 14:44:20 GMT

I’d love to know who’s going, what talks or sessions you’re interested in, and whether it’s your first time or you’ve been before.

It would be lovely to connect with a few familiar names before the event.

I went for the first time on my own back in early 90's.

If anyone is attending on their own let me know.

What’s the Biggest Challenge in Veterinary Practice Right Now?

Wendy Nevins — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 16:37:43 GMT

What is the biggest challenge in practice right now: workload, pay, client behaviour, team morale, or something else?

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.