New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association

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.

New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association
Established1992 (1992)
Location
President
Julie Hutt
Websitewww.nzvna.org.nz

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. As of October 2018 the membership of the association stands at just over 1160 members.[1][2] Veterinary nursing in New Zealand is 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 (New Zealand Veterinary Nurse journal) and a regular e-newsletter to keep members up to date with current issues in the veterinary nursing profession.[1]

Executive committee members of the association provide support to its members on a wide range of topics, including Human Resources, Health and Safety, and Regulation. The organisation raises awareness about common issues, for example obesity, which affects one in three pets.[3]

The NZVNA set recommended wage guidelines for veterinary nurses and veterinary nursing assistants.[4][5] The NZVNA oversees Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for veterinary nurses, and provides accreditation for CPD providers.[6]

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.[7]

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.[8]

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.[9] 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.[10]

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.[11][12][13] The Diploma in Veterinary Nursing is the minimum qualification required for registration.[14]

Vet Nurse of the Year award winners

The NZVNA and Hill's Veterinary Nurse of the Year Award was launched in 2013 to recognise New Zealand veterinary nurses who advocate and significantly contribute to the care of their patients, and who are an integral part of the veterinary health care team.

Previous award winners:

2018 Ellie Clark

2017 Alice Gasnier

2016 Kate Leveridge

2015 Wendy Jarnet

2014 Lisa Jamieson

2013 Tania Fernandez

References
  1. "NZVNA was set up in 1992 to promote the profession of veterinary nursing in New Zealand". nzvna.org.nz. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
  2. "FarmChat Article – NZ Veterinary Nursing Association celebrates 15 years". farmchat.co.nz. Retrieved 23 February 2016.
  3. Price, Rosanna (15 October 2015). "A third of pets in New Zealand are overweight". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 20 February 2016.
  4. "Veterinary Nurse". careers.govt.nz. Retrieved 23 February 2016.
  5. "Salary Report 2015". nzvna.org.nz. Retrieved 23 February 2016.
  6. "NZVNA offers support and direction to Veterinary nurses". nzvna.org.nz. Retrieved 23 February 2016.
  7. "NZVNA | WSAVA". www.wsava.org. Retrieved 23 February 2016.
  8. "Permanent members – International Veterinary Nurses and Technicians Association". ivnta.org. Retrieved 6 March 2016.
  9. Harvey, Laura; Ladyman, Rebecca; Farnworth, Mark (2 November 2014). "International differences in the journey toward compulsory veterinary nurse registration". The Veterinary Nurse. 5 (9): 538–542. doi:10.12968/vetn.2014.5.9.538. ISSN 2044-0065.
  10. "Regulation". nzvna.org.nz. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
  11. "Review of Animal Care and Veterinary Nursing qualifications". nzqa.govt.nz. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
  12. (NZQA), corporateName=New Zealand Qualifications Authority. "Qualification Overview". nzqa.govt.nz. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
  13. "Become a veterinary nurse | NZVA". www.nzva.org.nz. Retrieved 23 February 2016.
  14. "VETERINARY NURSES" (PDF).
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