Approval of Veterinary Nurses in WA
Approval process
Upon completion of the required qualification, application should be made on Form 15 below and returned with the prescribed fee to the Veterinary Surgeons’ Board.
Qualifications
Successful completion of the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing course qualifies graduates to register as a Veterinary Nurse with the Veterinary Surgeons’ Board.
The Certificate IV course is currently run by Polytechnic West and Applied Vocational Training. For more information on the course, contact the course providers.
Holders of qualifications other than the Certificate IV, such as from overseas or interstate, can apply to have their qualifications and/or prior experience assessed to determine whether they meet the requirements for registration in WA. This can be done by completing the application form and forwarding it to the Veterinary Surgeons’ Board with copies of the qualifications in as much detail as possible such as course outlines, and detailed information of prior experience and any other supporting evidence.
Link to Polytechnic West
Link to AVT
Duties
NOTE: Only persons approved or authorised by the Veterinary Surgeons’ Board may perform the duties of veterinary nurses or trainee veterinary nurses.
Regulation 65 of the Veterinary Surgeons Regulations 1979 sets out the duties and veterinary services that may be performed by veterinary nurses.
(1) The duties and veterinary services set out in this regulation are prescribed for the purposes of sections 26(4)(b) and 26E(4) of the Act as duties and veterinary services that may be performed by a veterinary nurse.
(2) A veterinary nurse may, in the presence of, and under the immediate and direct personal supervision of, a registered veterinary surgeon, assist the surgeon to perform surgical procedures.
(3) The following duties and veterinary services may be performed by a veterinary nurse under the personal supervision of a registered veterinary surgeon -
(a) dental prophylaxis, including simple extraction of teeth;
(b) superficial surgical procedures (such as suturing skin);
(c) taking images using x-rays, ultrasound, ECG or similar imaging techniques, in accordance with the Radiation Safety Act 1975 and any other relevant written law;
(d) taking samples for the purposes of pathology tests;
(e) setting up and supervising intravenous drips and transfusions;
(f) inserting and removing indwelling catheters for the administration of intravenous fluids;
(g) assisting with and monitoring the administration of anaesthetics;
(h) monitoring the recovery of animals from anaesthesia.
(4) The following duties and veterinary services may be performed by a veterinary nurse under the direction of a registered veterinary surgeon -
(a) physically examining animals;
(b) giving general health advice in relation to weight loss, nutrition, parasite control and similar matters;
(c) isolating animals and carrying out barrier nursing;
(d) administering scheduled drugs;
(e) supplying to customers medication specified by the registered veterinary surgeon;
(f) dressing wounds and post-surgical care;
(g) supervising, caring for and nursing animals;
(h) performing clinical pathology tests.
Forms
Fees
Application Fee $20.00
Registration Fee 1 January to 31 December $45.00
Veterinary Nurses Council
The Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia (VNCA) has a branch in Western Australia. The VNCA offers support and direction for Veterinary Nurses and sets and maintains standards for excellence in animal care through quality education.
Counselling services
For veterinary nurses facing difficulties in veterinary practice, or in life in general, the Veterinary Surgeons’ Board office can confidentially arrange contact with a clinical psychologist.
