The Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) has launched a guidance booklet for veterinary nursing, entitled “The Role and Scope of Practice of the Veterinary Nurse”.
According to the VCI, the publication was developed as a tool to provide “clarity and guidance” on the roles and responsibilities of a veterinary nurse, as well as provide “practical guidance and support” for members of the veterinary nursing profession.
There are currently 1,083 veterinary nurses registered with the VCI, accounting for more than a quarter of all the council’s registrants.
The VCI says that the publication examines areas of importance for veterinary nurses, the VCI’s list of competencies for veterinary nurses; and guidance on when vets can delegate tasks to nurses.
The publication also contains case studies on areas including dispensing prescription-only vaccinations; dealing with difficult clients; and grooming, as well as frequently asked questions on topics such as vaccinations, blood procedures and minor surgeries.
Niamh Muldoon, the CEO and registrar of the VCI, commented: “We hope that this booklet proves to be an insightful educational resource and enables the public to gain a better understanding of the role and responsibilities of a veterinary nurse.”
The VCI is the statutory body responsible for the regulation and management of the practice of veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing.