Applied Vocational Training ::: Providing Training in the Animal Care Industry

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There has been significant change in the requirement for nurses to be registered to work in Veterinary Practice. In essence, to conduct any of the duties described below, a person must be either registered as a qualified veterinary nurse or a trainee veterinary nurse. It should be noted that people performing acts typically done be a vet nurse may be acting illegally if not registered.

For our students it means that you must register with the Veterinary Surgeons Board prior to attending a Veterinary Practice. We will assist you with this at the time of enrolment in your Veterinary Practice units.

For those wishing to register now.

Trainee Nurse Application Form Qualified Nurse Application Form

Click the link above to open (rt click and save as to download) an application form for registration with the board.

Duties and veterinary services that may be performed by trainee veterinary nurses

66. Duties and veterinary services that may be performed by trainee veterinary nurses

(s. 26(4)(b))

(1) The duties and veterinary services set out in regulation 65(2), (3) and (4) are prescribed

for the purposes of section 26(4)(b) of the Act as duties and veterinary services that may be

performed by a trainee veterinary nurse.

(2) A trainee veterinary nurse may perform those duties and veterinary services only in the

presence of, and under the immediate and direct personal supervision of, a registered

veterinary surgeon.

(3) An authorisation issued under section 26(4)(b) of the Act to a trainee veterinary nurse-

(a) is valid for the period specified in it unless it is revoked by the Board before the

expiration of that period; and

(b) may be renewed.

(4) An application for authorisation under section 26(4)(b) of the Act as a trainee veterinary

nurse, or the renewal of such an authorisation, is to be-

(a) made in an approved form; and

(b) accompanied by such evidence with respect to the application as the Board may

require; and

Regulation 65 replaces Regulation 67 Duties and veterinary services that may be performed by veterinary nurses

(1) The duties and veterinary services set out in this regulation are prescribed for the

purposes of sections 26(4)(b) and 26E(4) of the Act as duties and veterinary services that may

be performed by a veterinary nurse.

(2) A veterinary nurse may, in the presence of, and under the immediate and direct personal

supervision of, a registered veterinary surgeon, assist the surgeon to perform surgical

procedures.

(3) The following duties and veterinary services may be performed by a veterinary nurse

under the personal supervision of a registered veterinary surgeon

(a) dental prophylaxis, including simple extraction of teeth;

(b) superficial surgical procedures (such as suturing skin);

accordance with the Radiation Safety Act 1975 and any other relevant written law;

(d) taking samples for the purposes of pathology tests;

(e) setting up and supervising intravenous drips and transfusions;

(f) inserting and removing indwelling catheters for the administration of intravenous

fluids;

(g) assisting with and monitoring the administration of anaesthetics;

(h) monitoring the recovery of animals from anaesthesia.

(4) The following duties and veterinary services may be performed by a veterinary nurse

under the direction of a registered veterinary surgeon

(a) physically examining animals;

(b) giving general health advice in relation to weight loss, nutrition, parasite control

and similar matters;

(d) administering scheduled drugs;

(e) supplying to customers medication specified by the registered veterinary surgeon;

(f) dressing wounds and post-surgical care;

(g) supervising, caring for and nursing animals;

(h) performing clinical pathology tests.

Duties and veterinary services that may be performed by veterinary nurses

Regulation 65 replaces Regulation 67 Duties and veterinary services that may be

performed by veterinary nurses