Ep 4: Scrubbed In, Left Out - We Do The Work, Now Let Us Own The Title
What do you call a profession that keeps the clinic running, juggles anaesthetics, consoles grieving families, leads puppy school, and still isn’t formally recognised by the national workforce system?
You call it veterinary nursing. And you call it undervalued.
In this episode, we’re diving deep into the workforce crisis that’s been building for years—and why veterinary nurses are at the centre of both the problem and the solution.
From the AVA’s Destination Thriving white paper to the push for national regulation and title protection, we explore what’s broken, what’s already working, and what’s at stake if we don’t act now.
Because this isn’t just about job titles—it’s about mental health, sustainability, public trust, and the future of the profession.
🔍 What We Cover:
The current vet workforce shortage—and how nurses are holding the line
Why veterinary technologists got recognised (and nurses didn’t)
What regulation could mean for career progression, patient safety, and respect
Lessons from the UK, NZ, and US on how other countries are doing it
The true cost of being “unseen” in policy
A call to action for nurses, clinic owners, and advocates
And a reminder that you’re not alone, and your voice matters.
Chapters
00:00Introduction to the Veterinary Nurse Crisis
01:47The Workforce Shortage and Its Implications
05:33Recognition and Regulation of Veterinary Nurses
09:05The Path to Regulation and Its Challenges
13:35Financial Implications of Recognition
18:03Celebrating Current Achievements in Veterinary Nursing
20:44Career Paths and Opportunities in Veterinary Nursing
21:59Learning from Global Models
26:00The Stakes of Recognition and Regulation
29:52Taking Action for Change
34:18Embracing the Vet Nurse Journey
34:18Overcoming Burnout in Veterinary Nursing
Listener Prompt:
Have you ever felt unseen in your role? Have a story about stepping up, innovating, or advocating from within your clinic?
👉 Tag @vetnursehacker on socials or 📩 Email:
[email protected] We’d love to share your voice in future episodes.
Don't forget to check out Uncage Me: The Radical Reset For The Human Behind The Healer at www.vetxir.com
Australia