Paraveterinary workers in Australia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The role of a veterinary nurse in Australia is to assist veterinary surgeons in their duties and to provide nursing care to animal patients. Day-to-day responsibilities may include animal restraint during procedures and examinations, monitoring and maintaining anaesthesia, assisting in surgical and medical procedures, performing clinical pathology tasks, administering medications, wound management and bandaging, dental prophylaxis, providing nutritional advice, and communicating with clients regarding patient care.[1] The scope of a veterinary nurse's duties may vary depending on the size of the practice, the nurse's level of qualification, and the supervising veterinarian.
The title of veterinary nurse is not a protected title in Australia. Although less common now, veterinary practices can hire nurses without any qualifications. Around half of veterinary nurses in Australia are qualified, or are working towards their qualification [2]. There are certifications available that provide training and qualifications to veterinary nurses, such as a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, Bachelor of Veterinary Technology or Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing. Certified nurses can undertake further study through the Diploma of Veterinary Nursing (Surgical, ECC or General Practice).
Veterinary nurses exhibiting excellence in their field and completing continual professional development may be recognised jointly by the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia (VNCA) and the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) with the post-nominal letters AVN (Accredited Veterinary Nurse).[3]