BVNA responds to RCVS ‘Exit Survey 2022 – 2024’ report

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) yesterday (Wednesday 19^th November 2025) published its ‘Exit Survey 2022 – 2024’ report, an examination of why veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses choose to leave their respective registers based on the analysis of voluntary exit surveys.

Some of the key findings from the report in relation to veterinary nurses include:

• Some 202 veterinary nurses responded to the exit survey with the vast majority being female, under 50 years of age and white. Over one third, (34%) of respondents had been registered for between 15 and 19 years at the time of survey completion, closely followed by those who registered 5 to 9 years prior (31%).
• For veterinary nurses, the single biggest explanation for leaving the Register was to leave the profession and work in another field entirely (54%), with a further 12% planning to retire.
• In terms of reasons given for leaving the Register in the free text section, vet nurses were most likely to choose pay and stress as the top reason. Free text responses mentioned burn-out and the weight of responsibility carried by registered veterinary nurses (RVNs), but were dominated by comments about financial stress.

The RCVS Exit Survey 2022 – 2024 report can be found here.

BVNA President Sarah Holliday commented: “BVNA welcomes this work by the RCVS to better understand reasons for veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons leaving their respective professions.

“Whilst we acknowledge the relatively small proportion of veterinary nurses leaving the RCVS Register each year (3.2% in 2024), the study also demonstrates the challenges which we know are commonplace amongst the VN profession, including amongst those who remain. The key reasons for those leaving the profession altogether – pay, chronic stress, and a lack of recognition – align with the challenges reflected in our own findings from our members.

“It is also saddening to read the issues some respondents describe surrounding low levels of emotional safety and poor workplace culture. At a time when veterinary teams continue to be under significant levels of pressure, it is all the more important for colleagues to demonstrate compassion and support to one another.

“We recognise that these issues are complex and multifactorial. However, at BVNA, we are committed to both short- and long-term initiatives to progress the VN profession in these areas, as well as providing accessible support to the VN community.

“Alongside other veterinary organisations, we are pushing towards much-needed reform of the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act, having worked closely with Defra throughout 2025 so far. It is our ambition that legislative reform will enable both vital protection of the ‘veterinary nurse’ title, alongside clearer VN career pathways and progression opportunities. These factors should positively impact earning potential, as well as professional recognition and job satisfaction.

“Veterinary nurses can contribute a great deal to veterinary team efficiency and therefore to veterinary businesses – but often their ability to do so fully is limited by a lack of understanding of Schedule 3 and delegation. While legislative reform takes time, in the meantime we have also issued guidance on “Maximising the RVN role under current legislation”, to encourage veterinary professionals and teams to ensure the RVN skillset can be fully utilised.

“For those experiencing issues within the workplace, we offer a free and impartial advisory service to our members, providing support on a wide range of legal and employment matters. We are also committed to continuing vital conversations on workplace culture amongst the veterinary community, such as the valuable discussions we held at our recent BVNA Congress.

“Veterinary nursing is, and should always remain, a rewarding and sustainable career option. It is crucial that the wider veterinary industry responds to tackle these issues, in order to enable veterinary nurses to realise their full potential and remain within the profession – whilst feeling respected, fulfilled and valued.”