April 19, 2018 (Greeley, CO) – Patterson Veterinary today announced its support of the Veterinary Nurse Initiative, an effort by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) to unite the veterinary technician profession under a single title, single credentialing requirements and single scope of practice.
The Veterinary Nurse Initiative will pursue legislative amendments in all 50 states to establish the credential of Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) and to replace the title of Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) for Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) or Licensed Veterinary Medical Technician (LVMT).
According to the NAVTA, through the standardization and public awareness of the credential, the profession will make strides towards better recognition and elevated practice standards, leading to better patient care.
“There has long been a need for common credentialing in this area,” said Heather Prendergast, BS, RVT, CVPM, SPHR- Patterson Veterinary. “The responsibilities and job tasks of a veterinary technician have evolved over time and are inaccurately described by the term ‘technician,’ implying a definition of our identity based on technical tasks.”
Prendergast has been active in NAVTA’s Veterinary Nurse Initiative, acting as co-chair of the National Credential Task Force and as a member of the Veterinary Nurse Initiative workgroup. She added, “The term ‘veterinary nurse’ will incorporate the art of caring for patients from a patient-centered perspective, in addition to the science and technology.”