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 The Accredited Veterinary Nurse Scheme
Preamble
The Veterinary Nurses’ Council of Australia and the Australian Veterinary Association (working together through the National Industry Advisory Group for Veterinary Nursing) identified a need for recognition of an individual nurse’s competence, currency and dedication to the Veterinary Nursing profession.The Accredited Veterinary Nurse will have her or his name entered onto a register held by the VNCA/AVA and be entitled to wear an individually numbered AVN badge. The badge will be recognised by colleagues, employers and the public as a symbol of excellence. Maintenance of accreditation status will be through evidence of continuing professional development.
Criteria for Application
Applicants are required to collate and present with the completed application form, the following as evidence:
1. A letter from the employer stating that the applicant is working at Certificate IV Level and that at least 12 months have passed since graduation at Certificate IV Level
2. Copy of the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
3. Membership of the Veterinary Nurses’ Council of Australia Inc
4. Continuing Education in the previous 12 months period accumulating no less than 30 points, to be allocated as follows:
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1 hour of continuing education = 1 point (max 18 pts in any 1yr)
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A case report = 10 points
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Answering CE questions in the AVNJ = 1 point (max 6pts in any 1yr)
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Documented text book review = 10 points
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Delivering a presentation at a seminar/conference = 15 points
Definitions
Continuing Education is deemed to be attendance or involvement at an appropriate presentation, seminar, conference where the applicant has added to his/her professional knowledge base and/or skills.
Case Report refers to the accurate observation and recording of a patient who has been nursed by the applicant during the course of a treatment or procedure. The report must be completed using the "AVNJ Case Report Guidelines". The report should include patient details, history, presentation, attending vet's assessment, treatment, medication details, progress and outcome. Special detail is required about the nursing aspects of the case and what has been learned by the applicant during the process.
Questions in the AVNJ relate to the technical articles found in each edition. Applicants should attach a VNCA letter of verification.
Book Reviews should be made of appropriate texts that have added to the knowledge base of the applicant. The review should include a summary and critique. Minimum 600 words.
Seminar Presentation refers to the applicant speaking for more than half an hour on appropriate veterinary nursing matters to a group of peers such that the seminar attendees are deemed to have added to his / her continuing education points. A documented or recorded detail of the presentation, showing venue and date is required, together with evidence to show that the applicant did indeed make the presentation.
Application Form
To download a copy of the application form please click here
Maintenance of Accreditation
To reaccredit, candidates must accumulate a total of 90 points over 3 years using the criteria and points as outlined above and submit an AVN Re-accrediation Form. To download a reaccrediation form please click here.
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