Five myths about veterinary nurses

Debunking the myths about veterinary nurses

1. ‘Veterinary nurses are mini vets’

This is probably one of the most stubborn myths. Veterinary nurses* are invaluable members of the veterinary team with a wide range of duties and responsibilities and their own, specific skill set. ‘I’m not a mini-vet, nor do I want to be one,’ stressed Matthew Rendle RVN, during his presentation at the general assembly of the Union of European Veterinary Practitioners (UEVP) in Brussels last month.

2. ‘Veterinary nurses can make a diagnosis’

‘We don’t make a diagnosis – that is not our job.’ However, veterinary nurses (VNs) can and do carry out diagnostic procedures for the veterinarian in charge, like taking blood, urine and faecal samples and running the required tests, taking and developing radiographs as directed or collecting skin scrapes and hair pluckings for analysis.

3. ‘Veterinary nurses discuss results with owners’

‘That would be highly inappropriate, as it’s not our role to interpret results.’ However, VNs will often admit patients, explain the procedures to the owner (again!) and gain consent as instructed. They will also provide care for the inpatients, and, when discharging patients, explain the instructions of the discharge care plan.

4. ‘Veterinary nurses can carry out surgery’

They do not carry out surgery that involves entering a body cavity (like neutering). However, nurses will prepare the operating theatre, make sure the required instruments are ready and sterilized and monitor the animal during anaesthesia and recovery. In many countries, VNs will carry out minor procedures like dental scale and polishes or ear flushes.

5. ‘Veterinary nurses take over clinical cases’

They do not. However, many VNs run their own clinics to follow up patients initially seen by the veterinarian, like weight clinics for overweight pets, wound dressing clinics for animals with wounds or injuries, and diabetic clinics. Veterinary nurses often also organise puppy and kitten clinics, providing preventive pet care advice for owners.

While VNs and vets have different roles, they are team members with the same goal of caring for the health and welfare of animals. And that’s no myth.

*In some countries, they are called veterinary technicians, veterinary auxiliaries, para-veterinarians or simply carers for sick animals. European standards for the education and training of these professionals have been set up by ACOVENE.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that what veterinary nurses can and cannot do legally may differ per country.