The head of the RVN Preliminary Investigation Committee (PIC) has raised concerns about the mental health effects that investigations may have on veterinary nurses, as new data reveals a significant rise in complaints against them.
An annual report submitted to the RCVS VN Council revealed that 64 concerns regarding Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) were filed in the year leading up to 31 March 2025, marking a 39% increase from 46 the previous year. Despite the increase, the number of complaints against nurses remains far lower than those filed against veterinary surgeons.
While most complaints pertain to nurses’ performance in routine duties, with 40 of the 64 falling under veterinary care, RVN PIC Chair Mark Stobbs expressed particular concern about the mental health impact on individuals, especially in cases involving addiction or mental health issues.
Speaking at the VN Council’s May meeting, Stobbs emphasized, “There seems to be a number of cases where poor behaviors, such as issues with controlled drugs, are linked to underlying health concerns. While some actions are serious enough to warrant investigation, I worry about the toll this process takes on the individual’s well-being.”
He acknowledged that the PIC team is effective in directing registrants to support services such as Vetlife, and that members are sensitive when dealing with career-threatening complaints that may stem from mental health challenges.
In March, an RVN was removed from the register after admitting to stealing drugs from practices where she had worked. Complaints against RVNs have more than doubled since 2019-2020, when 27 were filed.
In comparison, concerns about veterinarians have also increased, from 533 in the year ending March 2020 to 602 in the year ending March 2024. Figures for 2024-2025 are yet to be published.
Stobbs believes that heightened awareness of the role of veterinary nurses and the availability of a regulatory body to lodge complaints has contributed to the rise in concerns. Additionally, the growing number of RVNs over the years may have played a part in the increase.
Of the 64 concerns raised in the past year, 40 were closed at the initial investigation stage, with a further 17 still under review at the time of the meeting.
Stobbs noted, “Many of the cases we deal with are tragic situations where an animal has been lost. It’s a sad reality, and often no one is at fault.” He also commented on the growing workload of the PIC, stating, “In the past, we had to cancel meetings due to lack of business, but that is certainly not the case now.”
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