Revised NOS Standards for VN
Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for environmental and land-based industries, lead the UK wide project, which produced a revised list of skills needed for student and registered veterinary nurses to be able to do their job in a consistent and competent way. The National Occupational Standards (NOS) review gave veterinary nurses, employers and organisations the opportunity to ensure their ways of working were accurately reflected.
Lisa Jarvis, Industry Partnership Manager for veterinary nursing at Lantra and a RVN herself, said: “The veterinary nursing profession has had substantial changes since the last review in 2005 so this project was definitely needed. Not only do the revised NOS identify the detailed knowledge, understanding, ability and experiences somebody needs to carry out their job effectively but they also reflect the increased level of responsibility and accountability that comes with registration and new animal welfare legislation.”
Many veterinary nurses, employers and industry representatives from across the UK supported this extensive review. Now Lantra is calling on everyone involved in the industry to view and use the Standards. A free copy of the revised NOS is available from the Lantra website.
Lisa concluded: “NOS are an important tool for any business, small or large, as they help identify skills gaps and find the most relevant training and learning. NOS gives valuable information to help develop training and recruitment plans, as well as job descriptions. By making use of the Standards in this way, veterinary nursing skills and key processes can be enhanced.”
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
