The future of veterinary nursing: challenges, opportunities and a vision for progress

The UK veterinary nursing profession has evolved significantly in recent decades, shaped by changes in veterinary healthcare delivery, rising client expectations, workforce pressures, cost-of-living challenges and the rapid emergence of new technologies. As registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) take on increasingly complex and autonomous roles in patient care, their contributions are becoming more visible and valued across the sector. Yet despite this progress, the profession still faces systemic barriers such as limited career progression, unclear role definitions and staffing shortages. This article presents a forward-looking vision for the future of veterinary nursing, informed by the experiences and perspectives of both registered and student veterinary nurses (RVNs and SVNs) who attended the VN Vision workshops. It explores current challenges, including cultural attitudes within the profession, the accessibility of veterinary care and restricted clinical autonomy, while highlighting opportunities for greater responsibility, leadership and professional recognition. Advocating for legislative clarity, improved delegation practices and cultural change, this article calls for a strategic, collaborative approach to workforce development. By addressing these issues, the profession can better support its members, improve retention and maximise the contribution of veterinary nurses to animal welfare and patient outcomes in a modern, team-based healthcare approach.