Author: Rachel Woodward, RVN, NCert(SAN), CertNCS(RVN Cons), DipNCS(RVN Cons). Rachel began her career working for a small Tier 3 animal hospital before moving to Vale Vets & Referrals in Gloucestershire in 2016, where she now works as a senior clinic nurse. In 2021, Rachel completed a nurse certificate in small animal nutrition and later completed a veterinary nurse consulting certificate and diploma. Since completing her consulting qualifications, Rachel has also been working as a tutor and assessor on the same course, with Colourful CPD. In 2024, Rachel was a finalist in Independent Vet Care’s Brilliant People Awards, in the ‘Client Hero’ category.
ABSTRACT This article explores the expanding scope and impact of the consulting veterinary nurse role within UK veterinary practice, highlighting its evolution from supporting veterinary surgeons to running independent nurse-led consultations. The author outlines the benefits of veterinary nurse consultations, including improved patient welfare, increased client satisfaction and enhanced practice efficiency through appointment flexibility. Key regulatory frameworks, such as the Schedule 3 exemption to the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and updates to the RCVS’s ‘under care’ guidance, are discussed, clarifying the tasks RVNs can legally undertake and how collaboration with veterinary surgeons ensures optimal patient care. The article addresses specialised areas such as nutrition, weight management and chronic disease monitoring, emphasising evidence-based practice and structured protocols for safe delegation. The impact of BVNA’s ‘Protect the Title’ campaign and ongoing discussions on legislative reforms are considered, with a view towards greater professional recognition and future development of veterinary nurse practitioner qualifications. The article argues that consulting veterinary nurses are crucial to the delivery of veterinary care, offering valuable skills, supporting client bonding and promoting career satisfaction, while their full potential continues to unfold in response to sector and regulatory changes.
Keywords consulting veterinary nurse, Protect the Title, Schedule 3, client care, job satisfaction
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56496/NAWU9507
To cite this article: Woodward, R. (2025) The scope of the consulting veterinary nurse in practice. VNJ 40(6) pp22-26.
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