New nurses' register opens for business

In 1919 the Nurses' Registration Act became law and state registration of medical nurses began, 61 years after doctors first achieved self‐regulation in 1858. Nobody disagreed that this was too long to wait for professional recognition of the vital contribution of nurses. But, 126 years after registration began for veterinary surgeons in 1881, veterinary nurses are only now achieving their day of recognition. On September 1, the non‐statutory register for veterinary nurses opens for business. As veterinary nurses prepare for regulation, their employers also need to be aware of the changes taking place.