New learning resources on antimicrobial stewardship, as well as evolving regulations on veterinary nurses and technologists

Advancing statutory regulation of veterinary nurses and technologists

The Veterinary Nurses and Technologists Regulation (RVNT) Working Group was established in August 2024 by the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC) and the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia (VNCA), to advance the statutory regulation of nurses and veterinary technologists in all Australian jurisdictions. .

“The RVNT Working Group is making significant progress in its mission to advance statutory regulation in all Australian jurisdictions. Created to ensure professional standards, the RVNT Working Group has continued to gather industry insights and advocate for a consistent regulatory framework that supports veterinary nurses, technologists and the wider veterinary profession,” said Jane Bindloss, RVN (UK), DipMgt, chair of the RVNT working group, at dvm360®.

“Through statutory regulation, the Task Force seeks to support accessible, sustainable and resilient professions that meet the changing demands and standards expected of the veterinary workforce in Australia. »

Bindloss explained that with the veterinary sector facing increasing workforce challenges, the regulation of veterinary nurses and technologists represents an opportunity to fully integrate and utilize qualified professionals within national legal frameworks. recognized and consistent.

“Statutory regulation is not only vital to improving standards of care, but also crucial to supporting economic resilience in animal disease emergency response efforts, where trained and registered professionals play a central role,” Bindloss said .

“Since our first meeting in August last year, we have undertaken several key actions, including reviewing current registration and regulatory practices in Australia and internationally, with the aim of identifying best practices that can be adapted for local implementation. The group also studied veterinary and related models of human health.

A key priority of the RVNT working group was to confirm clear terminology and definitions for veterinary nurses and technologists.

“A veterinary nurse has at least a Certificate IV in veterinary nursing, while a veterinary technologist has completed a bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology. We have also undertaken regular consultations with veterinary and veterinary nurse associations, veterinary councils and practitioners to align on the benefits of legal registration, improving workforce sustainability works to improve animal welfare outcomes,” Bindloss explained.

“The task force is also finalizing a set of recommendations that will provide a road map for the implementation of statutory regulations, addressing critical areas such as protection of the public, professional liability, scope of exercise and workforce support.

In addition to Bindloss, members of the RVNT working group include representatives from across the veterinary sector, with Susan Keane, MVB, MANZCVS; Patricia Clarke BVSc, Ph.D.; Jennifer Hamlin BSc, RVN, RVT; Sue Godkin, BSc, BVMS; Gary Fitzgerald, BASc; Graham Pratt, M.Sc.; Jasmine Pengelly, RVN; and Esther Callcott, Cert IV, VN, BMedSc (Hons), PhD.

“The RVNT working group will continue to refine its recommendations over the coming months, working closely with government and industry stakeholders. We are committed to keeping the veterinary community informed and welcome feedback from all practitioners who are invested in the advancement of our profession,” concluded Bindloss.

New learning modules from the Antimicrobial Resistance Vet Collective

The Antimicrobial Resistance Vet Collective plans to release new learning resources on antimicrobial stewardship after partnering with a number of industries to develop species-specific modules in 2025. The mission of the Antimicrobial Resistance Vet Collective is to translate the science around antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial stewardship into meaningful and practical information that veterinarians can use to make informed, evidence-based decisions in their daily veterinary practice.

“We are excited to soon release a new series of case studies, which will focus on feedlot production – both beef and sheep, with support from Animal Health Australia. Shortly afterwards, a new set of resources and guidelines will be published for wildlife, focusing on wildlife care for GPs and including resources for wildlife carers,” explained Jane Heller, BSc , BVSc, MVetClinStud, PhD, MANZCVS, founding member. of the Veterinary Antimicrobial Collective, to dvm360.

“These resources have been developed with input from incredible wildlife experts across Australia and are made possible through the financial support of Wildlife Health Australia,” she continued.

The Antimicrobial Resistance Vet Collective website already offers a range of learning resources for veterinary professionals, and the new content will complement existing learning modules which cover dogs, cats, sheep, poultry and cattle.

“We’re really looking forward to expanding our content to allow for specific, detailed information on each species. In the longer term, 2 complete modules are in development. One, funded by AgriFutures, is a horse-specific module, with sections on foals, reproduction, medicine and surgery,” Heller said.

“The other, funded by Australian Pork Limited, is a pig-specific module, the content of which is applicable to veterinarians working with backyard and commercial herds. For all veterinary professionals, please consider continuing to follow us on social media to ensure you are informed of new material release dates.