The future role of the veterinary nurse: 2017 Schedule 3 survey

A report for the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

This report presents the findings of a survey conducted by IES on behalf of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

IES surveyed practising veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses in the UK, in order to assess understanding and practice of Schedule 3 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. Schedule 3 of the act provides information about activities that can be delegated by veterinary surgeons to veterinary nurses. The RCVS commissioned this research as it is considering a review of these activities to possibly extend the role of the veterinary nurse

The 2017 RCVS survey on the future role of the veterinary nurse (VN) was launched on 3 May and closed on 12 June. The research presented in this report asseses the extent of delegation under Schedule 3 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966; the level understanding of Schedule 3 within the profession; whether VNs would like to extend their role; and whether veterinary surgeons (VSs) supported their aspirations.