The Roundhouse Veterinary Hospital

0141 649 4949

Pets'n'Vets - Crookfur

0141 639 5066

Hairmyres Vets

01355 261 262

Queens Park

0141 424 4117

McDonald Vets - Scotstoun

0141 959 0749

McDonald Vets - Queen Margaret Drive

0141 946 3651

Blantyre Vets

01698 327 123

  • The role of a veterinary nurse in Glasgow

Pet Health for Life Plan

Spread the cost of your pet’s essential healthcare

Learn more

Ask most veterinary practices and they will tell you that their Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) are at the very heart of everything they do. Such is the respect for RVNs that a whole month is dedicated to celebrating their roles – Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month takes place every May and is recognised worldwide.

Whilst the role of a vet nurse is centred around the care and treatment of poorly animals, they also spend a significant amount of their time with pet owners, offering support, advice and guidance.

A day in the life of a vet nurse can be incredibly varied, from assisting a vet surgeon with scheduled clinical or surgical work, to running nurse clinics for specific patient concerns, e.g. weight management and responding to emergencies. They may even assist with front of house duties from time to time, if needed. Everything a vet nurse does is carried out with the patient's need at the heart of what they do.

The title of Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) can only be used by nurses who have undergone extensive training, education and passed the required assessments to be added to the register of veterinary nurses held by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

By being on the register, they agree to adhere to the professional code of conduct and work within this. Surprisingly the title Veterinary Nurse is not protected, and this means anyone, qualified or unqualified, can call themselves a veterinary nurse. RVN is a title nurses use with pride, and rightly so, for it takes several years to be able to use those post-nominals.  

As well as the clinical element of their role, RVNs will also prepare an animal for surgery, change dressings, administer fluids and medication, monitor anaesthesia and vital signs and take blood and urine samples. Most of this is done under Schedule 3 of the Veterinary Surgeon's Act, and tasks such as blood sampling can only be performed by an RVN or a student registered with the RCVS.

Nurse clinics may include information around nutrition, dental care, or senior pet ownership, while services such as nail clipping and vaccination boosters often sit within a nurse's remit. Many nurses take ownership of their nurse clinic and enjoy the bond they build with their patients and their owners.

Studying to become an RVN

To qualify as an RVN, candidates can choose to study for a university degree, a level 3 college diploma or apply for an apprenticeship at a participating veterinary practice. Entry requirements vary, but previous experience, like formal work experience, is valued.

All courses must be accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and include multiple practice-based placements working alongside qualified veterinary professionals.

Student veterinary nurses (SVNs) must enrol with the RCVS to legally carry out some of the nursing procedures needed for their training. Once nurses are qualified and have completed their necessary training hours, they will then be able to register with the RCVS as an RVN.

For further information, visit the National Careers website

  • Head office:
  • 43-47 Cogan Road
  • Auldhouse Retail Park
  • Pollokshaws
  • G43 1BJ
  • cert RCVS Small Animal Hospital
  • Silver Cat Friendly Clinic 2024
  • Gold Cat Friendly Clinic 2024
  • Bronze Cat Friendly Clinic 2024
  • Glasgow's Favorite Business 2015
  • RCVS Accredited Practice
  • BVHA Presidents Award
  • IIE WT Bronze
  • rabbit friendly clinic in glasgow