All of this‘ triaged’ information can then be passed on to the prescribing VS who, once they have performed their physical assessment and have all the information needed, can prescribe the product they feel is best for the patient.
The future of VN consultations
Anecdotally, recent VN job advertisements indicate interest in VN-led clinics among the veterinary profession. It is now common to see advertisements seeking sole consulting VNs, or VNs to structure and expand a practice ' s VN consultations. This may be as a result of practices and their clients seeing the benefit of VN-led consultations.
Currently, any layperson can call themselves a‘ veterinary nurse’. A survey completed by BVNA in 2023 found that 91 % of the general public assumed that anyone calling themselves a‘ veterinary nurse’ would be qualified to do so [ 9 ], which is concerning. Over the past few years, VNs, led by BVNA, have been lobbying for the term‘ veterinary nurse’ to become a protected title through the‘ Protect the Title’ campaign [ 9 ].
Protecting the title‘ veterinary nurse’ will provide valuable recognition for the dedication and qualifications that RVNs hold, and reassure clients attending a VN consultation that their pet is being cared for by a qualified professional.
In addition, there is a call for legislative reform, which may include the addition of a veterinary nurse practitioner qualification. This long-awaited qualification has the potential to provide VNs with even greater responsibility and opportunities to use their skills and experience in the consulting room.
Conclusions
The consulting VN role has evolved significantly and now represents a cornerstone of modern veterinary practice in the UK, by enhancing patient welfare, client satisfaction and operational efficiency. Supported by regulatory frameworks, VNs have been empowered to undertake a diverse range of clinical tasks, while still working collaboratively alongside VSs to deliver optimal care.
As sector reforms and campaigns such as‘ Protect the Title’ continue to drive the professional recognition and the future development of VNs, their positive impact within the consulting room will only increase.
Ultimately, consulting VNs are vital to the future of veterinary care: their clinical expertise, relationships with clients and capacity for innovation ensure they will remain at the forefront of patient-centred service and help shape the profession ' s ongoing evolution.
Acknowledgements
The author thanks the education providers at Colourful CPD for their support during her completion of the Veterinary Nurse Consulting Certificate and Diploma.
Conflict of interest
The author now works as an assessor on the Veterinary Nurse Consulting Certificate and Diploma provided by Colourful CPD.
REFERENCES
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