Development of Advanced Veterinary Nursing Degrees: Rising Interest Levels for Careers as Advanced Practice Registered Veterinary Nurses.

Abstract

Strategic planning for the future of veterinary medicine is crucial. The advancement of veterinary nursing is of growing interest and demand. With veterinarians working fewer hours, rising debt to income ratios for veterinary students, underserved rural areas, and career dissatisfaction for veterinary technicians; providing options for the advancement of veterinary nursing will be instrumental in paving the path for the future of veterinary medicine. A graduate veterinary nursing program could provide a platform for the development of an Advanced Practice Registered Veterinary Nurse (APRVN). The APRVN, much like a nurse practitioner and physician assistant, could provide the level of care and responsibility needed to streamline patient assessment and point of care services while maintaining quality patient care and client satisfaction. Utilization of physician extenders offsets physician workload, increases clinical practice growth, and helps to maintain patient retention through allotting more time for education and consultation. Utilization of veterinary nurses in a similar manner may provide similar benefits. To evaluate the interest level for the development of a veterinary nurse graduate program, a survey was distributed to learn more about the kinds of opportunities current and future veterinary nursing professionals in the field are interested in pursuing to support their own career growth. With a total of 703 respondents, the survey indicated 80.06% were in favor of the development of the APRVN through a veterinary nurse graduate program.