The New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association (NZVNA) is the representative body for veterinary nurses in New Zealand. Its purpose is to promote high standards of veterinary nursing in New Zealand.
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History
The New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association was established in 1992 by a group of like minded veterinary nurses, seeking representation within the veterinary profession in New Zealand. Current membership of the association is around 850 members. Veterinary nursing in New Zealand is seen as a profession in its own right, moving away from the previous classification of paraprofessionals.
Purpose
The New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association functions as the representative body for veterinary nurses in New Zealand. It provides an annual Continuing Professional Development scheme, linked closely with the newly implemented voluntary registration. The association produces a quarterly journal and a regular e-newsletter keeping members up to date with current issues in the veterinary nursing profession.
Executive committee members of the association provide support to its members on a wide range of topics, including HR, Health and Safety and Regulation. Since 2013, the organisation has run an annual Vet Nurse of the Year award, "acknowledging the work and effort nurses make in the veterinary industry". The organisation tries to raise awareness about common issues, for example obesity, which affects one in three pets.
The NZVNA set recommended wage guidelines for veterinary nurses and veterinary nursing assistants. The NZVNA oversees Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for veterinary nurses, and provides accreditation for CPD providers.
WSAVA affiliate
The New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association was the first representative body for veterinary nurses to be an affiliate member of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.
IVNTA affiliate
The New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association is a permanent member of the International Veterinary Nurses and Technicians Association(which advocates communication and co-operation of veterinary nurses and technicians around the world.
Regulation
In 2016, the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association implemented voluntary registration of veterinary nurses. Previously, there was no form of registration, or formal way of recognising veterinary nursing qualifications. Currently, registration is overseen by the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association, with plans to establish a Veterinary Nursing Council of New Zealand to take over this process in the future.
The process of regulation of veterinary nurses coincides with the New Zealand government's review of veterinary nursing education. Veterinary nursing education underwent a mandated government review in 2014/2015, with new qualifications being delivered in 2016. These are the Certificate in Veterinary Technology - Veterinary Nursing Assistant, and Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. The Diploma in Veterinary Nursing is the minimum qualification required for registration.