VN Register documents now available

The RCVS non-statutory Register for veterinary nurses is now only six months away, and to start the process of alerting veterinary nurses to what registered status will mean for them, we have published a range of supporting documents.

All those VNs listing since 1 January 2003 will automatically transfer to the Register when it opens on 1 September 2007. For others, registration is voluntary, but only by joining will VNs demonstrate to employers and the general public that they are keeping their skills up-to-date and accounting for their professional conduct.

We are posting four documents to all listed VNs, those recently de-listed (since July 2005) and veterinary practices. They will also be available on our stand (no 916) at BSAVA Congress (12-15 April) and on RCVSonline.

The Veterinary Nursing Bye-Laws explain how the Register will work and VNs' obligations on joining. This is the equivalent framework to that which exists in the Veterinary Surgeons Act for veterinary surgeons, and there are significant similarities between the two.

The Guide to Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses sets out the standard of conduct that is expected of nurses, as veterinary professionals, by the public. The VN Guide closely reflects the veterinary Guide, to ensure the veterinary team works together.

The Guide applies to all veterinary nurses who are using their RCVS Veterinary Nursing Certificate in the context of their work. Interpretation and application of the Guide will depend on how and where the veterinary nurse is working, for example, in clinical veterinary practice or another related field, such as the pharmaceutical industry or education.

The guidance also needs to be considered in the light of whether the veterinary nurse is an employee or the owner of a business.

There is an annual continuing professional development requirement of 15 hours for registered veterinary nurses. The Continuing Professional Development Record Card for Veterinary Nurses explains what counts as CPD and how to record it.

Finally, we have published RCVS Veterinary Nursing News Update in the format of questions and answers relating to the timetable and implementation of the Register.

"The chance for veterinary nurses to register their skills, their commitment and their professionalism by joining the VN Register is drawing near," stresses Mrs Andrea Jeffery, who chairs the Veterinary Nurses Council.

"The new non-statutory Register marks the end of a long period of hard work from the Veterinary Nurses Council and the beginning of a new and exciting phase for the veterinary nursing profession. I would urge all VNs and their employers to read the documentation and contact the College if they have any questions."

To give offer more information and help answer questions, the RCVS will hold Regional Question Time sessions over the summer. Dates and venues will be available via RCVSonline or by signing up to RCVS e-News.