DOI: https:// doi. org / 10.56496 / RDIZ6956

Callum Harrington, BSc( Hons), RVN

ENVELOPE callum. harrington @ blacknessvets. co. uk

Callum qualified as an RVN in September 2024 and is currently working in a first opinion practice. He sets himself high clinical standards in animal welfare and patient care and is constantly developing his skills and knowledge to uphold these standards. His dissertation focused on the economic impact of veterinary nurses( VNs) in practice, and he continues to raise awareness of the veterinary nursing profession and to advocate for VNs and for positive change within the profession. This interest drives his research into the role of the VN and how it can be enhanced to improve animal welfare, patient care, client care and job satisfaction among VNs.

ABSTRACT This opinion piece offers a perspective on the potential implementation of a veterinary nurse prescriber( VNP) role within UK veterinary practice, focusing on the transformative opportunities it could provide for veterinary nurses( VNs).

The ongoing demand for greater efficiency, improved animal welfare and enhanced patient care in UK veterinary practices highlights the current underutilisation of VNs. Drawing inspiration from established models in human healthcare, the article examines the proposed introduction of VNPs.

The proposed VNPs could function either as supplementary prescribers, working collaboratively within care plans directed by veterinary surgeons, or as independent prescribers, authorised to diagnose minor conditions and prescribe treatments after advanced training and assessment.

The discussion includes necessary legislative changes, such as amending the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 and the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, as prerequisites to enabling RVNs to prescribe and diagnose. Anticipated benefits include improved efficiency, better patient outcomes, expanded career pathways for VNs and higher client satisfaction.

The article further discusses the essential safeguards and training measures required, highlighting that evidence from human healthcare indicates that such provisions can enhance both patient safety and satisfaction. Ultimately, the author contends that VNPs could help the veterinary profession resolve some of its current challenges while maintaining high standards of clinical care and animal welfare.

Keywords veterinary nurse prescriber, clinical standards, animal welfare, practice efficiency

14 Veterinary Nursing Journal