As Vet Nurse Awareness Week progresses this week, I’ve seen many veterinary clinics giving shoutouts to their incredible veterinary nurses. While it's heartening to see their hard mahi acknowledged, it’s disappointing that some businesses still focus on the “soft” aspects of what vet nurses do—highlighting their ability to give great cuddles, provide treats, or comfort pets. 

These are, of course, important and compassionate tasks. However, if that’s the main narrative employers share about veterinary nurses, how can we expect clients to fully understand their true value? Veterinary nurses are highly skilled professionals who play a critical role in animal healthcare. Here are just a few examples of what your local veterinary nurse can do: 

Administer medications — oral, topical, transdermal, injectable; ensuring your pet receives the right treatment at the right time. 

Monitor anaesthesia — continuously observing a patient under anaesthesia and responding to any changes quickly to ensure your pet's safety. 

Prepare patients for surgery and assist in small procedures — from pre-op prep to ensuring sterile conditions, they are essential in every surgical process. 

Perform dental procedures — scaling and polishing teeth to maintain oral health. 

Administer intravenous (IV) fluid therapy — ensuring pets are hydrated and receiving necessary nutrients during recovery. 

Take radiographs (X-rays) — capturing vital diagnostic images to aid in your pet’s diagnosis and treatment. 

Care for critically ill patients — veterinary nurses monitor and care for a wide range of species, ensuring they get the appropriate attention and treatment they need to recover. 

Perform CPR — acting swiftly in emergencies to potentially save lives. 

Provide expert advice — offering guidance to pet owners on topics like nutrition, parasite control, weight management, and disease prevention. 

This is just a snapshot of what veterinary nurses do on a daily basis. They are so much more than the person who answers the phone or cleans up after your pet. Their role in the veterinary clinic is crucial, and their expertise spans far beyond the cuddles and comfort they provide (though we know pets appreciate those too!). 

In fact, the list of things veterinary nurses cannot legally do is remarkably short: 

Diagnosing disease — while they can’t make a diagnosis, they are integral to the patient care process and provide vital support to veterinarians during consultations and when developing care plans. 

Prescribing medications — while they don’t have the legal authority to prescribe, they can dispense and administer medications as directed by a veterinarian. 

Performing major surgery — while they cannot enter body cavities, they assist in surgeries and are highly skilled in performing smaller procedures. 

Veterinary nurses are an essential part of the healthcare team, ensuring your pet receives comprehensive, professional care. So, the next time you visit the clinic, take a moment to recognize their vast contributions. They are far more than just a friendly face—they are the backbone of the clinic, dedicated to keeping your pets happy, healthy, and safe. 

Thank your veterinary nurse for all they do—they truly are healthcare heroes! 

Written by: Laura Harvey

Head of Environmental and Animal Sciences at Unitec; President,. New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association