Nonclinical Questions - Recent Threads

RE: Veterinary nurse title to be protected with statutory registration

Steph Worsley — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 20:56:43 GMT

It's exciting for the whole veterinary industry not just veterinary nursing.

However as vet nurses we are already registered and regulated, the big sticking point is that our title is not protected, meaning anyone can call themselves veterinary nurses. This is one of the big points in the white paper.

The BVNA has spent the past 18 months attending multiple meetings with DEFRA and other key stakeholders as well as holding meetings with working groups made up of members to ensure their voices have been heard. Discussing all aspects, not just protecting the title, this includes the discussions surrounding future governance aiming to ensure that vet nurses have lay parity in whatever comes in the future

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

RE: Veterinary legislation reform matters for RVNs

Steph Worsley — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 17:38:13 GMT

100% agree with you. We need to stay in the conversations.

It is such an exciting, important period for the veterinary profession as a while but most definitely for RVNs

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 :-)

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?

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

Selena Carnell — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 20:47:11 GMT

It seems the bosses are too worried about bad feedback if they sack clients, we have had a couple that have been really close to the line, but nothing has been done, one client has been banned from numerous vets locally and threatened many with RCVS complaints. The majority of clients are great but being on the front line - reception is tough. our receptionist has been involved with Veterinary practice for 25 yrs but its finally taken its toll mentally.

im only a few months this side of 50 and the job is physically and mentally demanding.

RE: And it's goodnight from him ...

Arlo Guthrie — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 15:16:34 GMT

[quote userid="4845" url="~/f/nonclinical-discussions/32651/and-it-s-goodnight-from-him/179253#179253"]Good luck to you with your new venture [/quote]

Thank you!

[quote userid="4845" url="~/f/nonclinical-discussions/32651/and-it-s-goodnight-from-him/179256#179256"] are website communities like this just not a thing anymore[/quote]

Charlotte Rydz Less so for sure, but there has been a resurgence recently, and things like reddit, mumsnet, pistonheads, the gear page, talk tennis, and so on and so on remain popular.

I still think that medicine deserves a better discussion platform than facebook.

this is what chat gpt says about the differences

What the survivors have in common

The survivors tend to share several characteristics:

They solve a real problem rather than simply providing entertainment.
Posts remain useful years later because they’re indexed by search engines.
Members build reputations over time.
Moderation is generally stronger than on social media.
They attract enthusiasts or professionals rather than casual scrolling.

What has struggled

General chat forums have largely been replaced by:

Facebook Groups
Discord servers
Reddit communities
WhatsApp groups

The problem with those platforms is that information disappears into a fast-moving feed. Ask the same question six months later and you often get the same answers all over again.

Your veterinary communities

Your sites actually sit in one of the healthier categories: professional niche communities.

Communities that continue to perform well usually provide a combination of:

news,
discussion,
jobs,
CPD,
networking,
and an archive of searchable knowledge.

That’s much harder for a Facebook Group or Discord server to replicate. Facebook is excellent at today’s conversation; it’s terrible at preserving ten years of accumulated professional knowledge.

Ironically, the rise of AI may strengthen well-moderated forums. Large language models can answer common questions, but professionals still value discussing grey areas, sharing experiences, and debating judgement calls. AI can summarise knowledge. It can’t replace a community of practitioners comparing real-world experience, particularly when members know who they’re talking to and trust the provenance of the discussion.

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 [mention:431b5751e5b04c7aa37c17295eb8cba1:e9ed411860ed4f2ba0265705b8793d05] 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 [mention:d8b79894cf5144159b59358b87f101ce:e9ed411860ed4f2ba0265705b8793d05]!

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

RE: And it's goodnight from him ...

Charlotte Rydz — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:17:54 GMT

Oh it really was a help back when I used to use it. Not in practice anymore so I only really come here for news and updates.

But it makes me think of the newer nurses and those in the profession now get what they need in other fast paced social media places? I didn’t grow up with social media like so many will be now, are website communities like this just not a thing anymore?

RE: And it's goodnight from him ...

Charlotte Rydz — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:05:58 GMT

So many great chats back in the day. I used to get so much from it, especially during my early days.

RE: And it's goodnight from him ...

Charlotte Rydz — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:01:56 GMT

The profession is so very different from what it was. I stepped away from nursing a few years ago and I honestly can’t see myself ever going back.

RE: And it's goodnight from him ...

Charlotte Rydz — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 12:58:34 GMT

Thank you Arlo for all you did here for us all on VetNurse.co.uk. Throughout my years of nursing I’ve got so much from this website. It was always my go to in my early nursing days, from keeping up with news, learning new things, sharing tips and resources, venting stuff to people who got it. The Job section was the best out there in my opinion. I no longer use the community side of it anymore as I’m not in practice, but still find it a useful place to keep up with news etc.

I have no idea if the new nurses use this website like I used to, or if the newer fast paced algorithm loving things like instagram have everything they need? I knew names of people here, it was a real support somedays. I very much enjoyed the thought provoking discussions that came up too.

Good luck to you with your new venture

RE: And it's goodnight from him ...

Arlo Guthrie — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 11:16:42 GMT

[quote userid="2109" url="~/f/nonclinical-discussions/32651/and-it-s-goodnight-from-him/179249#179249"]I think the problem is that this forum now needs to compete with social media which is a lot more accessible than a website. I[/quote]

Nick Shackleton Yes, that's right, it is competing in terms of people's time, although I would also say that Linkedin and Facebook are also websites!

I think there is something in what Wendy Nevins says:

[quote userid="37457" url="~/f/nonclinical-discussions/32651/and-it-s-goodnight-from-him/179250#179250"]Maybe the way forward is not trying to compete with social media, but making the forum feel useful again in its own right. If people know they can come here for trusted advice, study support, career conversations and honest discussion with others in the profession, I think there is still a real place for it.[/quote]

But I also think that we have to consider what it is that people DON'T get from social media and how we can meet their needs.

As you say, your experience of sharing tips is that you can do that more effectively via social media.

To that, I would say that

1. Stuff shared here is more enduring than stuff shared on social media, which just disappears off the timeline tomorrow and is then difficult to find again.

2. It's a question of critical mass. If we can get more interesting discussions going here, and more people engaging, there is no reason why it shouldn't be as effective as sharing on Facebook.

3. My experience is that if I ask anyone younger than about 25 what Facebook is, they don't know!

4. I have heard SO many stories of people getting their fingers burned on other social media. Of course that used to happen on VN and VS too, but increasingly I hear of large numbers of people who consequently dont do social media at all these days. Perhaps, if everyone knows we moderate so that people can disagree without being disagreeable, we can give that sector something they cannot get elsewhere, a community that is not as invasive and that is very focused on one thing.

5. As I talked about in my letter, I have feel passionately that medical professionals should not be using social media for clinical discussions, because the algorithm prioritises content according to how reactionary it is, not whether it is true.

Maybe none of these things matter and the draw of a facebook like is too compelling, but when I talk to people, I get a sense that the tide is turning.

Do you have any thoughts about what extra value a forum format has over short form social media posts?

RE: And it's goodnight from him ...

Nick Shackleton — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 09:53:01 GMT

Wendy Nevins I definitely found the forum useful when studying for my Dip AVN back in pre 2010 when social media was in its infancy. I not really sure how we can actually keep the forum alive and compete with social media. I have professional social media account which I find a lot easier to share hints and tips and reach key demographics rather than posting on a forum and hope it reaches those that are interested. I think the reshare facility on social media helps drive this as well.

RE: And it's goodnight from him ...

Wendy Nevins — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 09:47:25 GMT

I completely agree Nick, Social media is quicker and easier in some ways, but I do think forums still have something valuable that gets lost elsewhere.

Posts here are easier to find again, discussions can go into more depth, and it feels less throwaway than social media. I know so many people found support, jobs, advice and proper connection here over the years, so it would be a shame to lose that.

Maybe the way forward is not trying to compete with social media, but making the forum feel useful again in its own right. If people know they can come here for trusted advice, study support, career conversations and honest discussion with others in the profession, I think there is still a real place for it.

RE: And it's goodnight from him ...

Nick Shackleton — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 09:41:55 GMT

Wendy Nevins I think the problem is that this forum now needs to compete with social media which is a lot more accessible than a website. I found this website so useful in the past whether making connections, finding jobs or helping with studies. I do think this is a great community and somehow needs to be kept alive

RE: And it's goodnight from him ...

Louise B — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 09:34:00 GMT

Hi Arlo,
I think your outspokenness has been very welcome to be honest. It’s easy to become myopic when you’re within the profession so views from external sources are useful.
I just wanted to say also thank you for setting up this site. I was one of the first members and am also still in contact with the number of people that were part of that original group of nurses. I was travelling around with work most of the time when this was first launched and this site was a source of social contact outside of work when I was often in areas where I didn’t know anyone. Back in its day, it was great as a source of information and support. My life is just in a different place now so I don’t tend to use forums a lot. But it would be lovely to see this site utilise the way we all did!
good luck with your next endeavour.

Best wishes,

Louise

RE: And it's goodnight from him ...

Wendy Nevins — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 09:26:43 GMT

It would be great to get this forum really active again. So many positive comments about how it helped members in the past.

How can we keep this forum alive to help more people in our profession?

RE: And it's goodnight from him ...

Nick Shackleton — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 17:42:47 GMT

Thank you for all your hard work over the years making this forum what it is today. Found it so useful for information sharing and for when I have been studying for my Diploma AVN. Made some life long friends from this forum. Good luck with whatever the future holds.

RE: And it's goodnight from him ...

Claire Coulthard RVN — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:42:01 GMT

From a Mammoth to a lurker that doesn't log in regularly at all.. (Sorry) I'm sending you my best wishes and thanks for all the memories xx

Particularly fond of running around BSAVA one year with a Mammoth badge trying to spot other lesser spotted Mammoths in the wild

I fear I'm now as old as them!

Too da loo

RE: And it's goodnight from him ...

Arlo Guthrie — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 17:41:41 GMT

[quote userid="2368" url="~/f/nonclinical-discussions/32651/and-it-s-goodnight-from-him/179240#179240"] its been a journey from the days of the 'Mammoth' thread[/quote]

Selena Carnell that brings back happy memories, I think I still have one of the Mammoth badges. .

[quote userid="2368" url="~/f/nonclinical-discussions/32651/and-it-s-goodnight-from-him/179240#179240"]Thank your for this community, its sad that it has declined over the years. [/quote]

Indeed, it was Facebook that did for me, but you know, I'm kind of optimistic that things may swing back because when I ask what young people think of Facebook, they usually look at me blankly and ask what Facebook is!

I think also there's been a greater realisation of the weaknesses social media for complex discussions (such as vet med). Loaded with confirmation bias, a lack of space to express complicated ideas, and useful information disappears within a day. Not to mention algorithms that try to shape human behaviour in the direction of creating outrage etc!

[quote userid="2206" url="~/f/nonclinical-discussions/32651/and-it-s-goodnight-from-him/179243#179243"]Arlo thank you for creating Vetnurse, I remember being one of the original "gang". We had ao many good chats and I am still in contact with a number of the members from way back when! [/quote]

Steph Worsley That's lovely to hear.

[quote userid="2206" url="~/f/nonclinical-discussions/32651/and-it-s-goodnight-from-him/179243#179243"]Hopefully we can bring it back to how it used to be, [/quote]

Yes, I hope so too. Excited to see what Chris Ritchie does next!

RE: And it's goodnight from him ...

Steph Worsley — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 21:19:51 GMT

Arlo thank you for creating Vetnurse, I remember being one of the original "gang". We had ao many good chats and I am still in contact with a number of the members from way back when! Not sure if I should be happy or scared that you remember me

Hopefully we can bring it back to how it used to be, I think when Facebook started the groups and pages etc it became the "easy" way to talk as lots of people were already logging on there....however strict guidelines are restricting conversations (blocking of certain words for example)

Once again thank you!

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

Steph Worsley — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 21:13:28 GMT

That's really sad to hear. I think I am/have been very lucky that the good clients definitely outweigh the bad, plus we have a very low tolerance on abuse and will sack clients when that relationship breaks down.

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

Selena Carnell — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 19:20:39 GMT

[quote userid="37457" url="~/f/nonclinical-discussions/32647/what-s-the-biggest-challenge-in-veterinary-practice-right-now"]workload, pay, client behaviour, team morale,[/quote]

yep all of these. qualified in 1999 and i am barely near 30k, work load is ongoing and getting busier, clients demanding more and more and generally downright rude.

Lost two members of staff this week because they are fed up with the abuse from clients.