Introduction to Professional veterinary nursing responsibilities Flashcards
Name some members of a typical veterinary team
- Veterinary surgeons (including specialists)
- Registered veterinary nurses (including head nurses and specialised nurses)
- Student veterinary nurses
- PCAs/VCAs
- Admin staff
- Practice manager
- Ambulance staff
- Kennel assistants
- Cleaners
When was the first Animal Nursing Auxiliary training scheme introduced in the UK by the RCVS?
1961
When was the title of ‘veterinary nurse’ first used?
1984
Name some of the legislation relevant to the role of a veterinary nurse
- The Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966)
- The Animal Welfare Act (2006)
- The Animal Health and Welfare Act Scotland (2006)
When was the Code of Professional Conduct introduced for veterinary nurses in the UK?
2012
It provides a guide for best practice for RVNs and outlines professional responsibilities. It is not legislation.
What are the five principals of practice for RVNs?
- Professional competence - this involves having the correct type and level of training, maintaining that training through appropriate levels of CPD annually and using that training and professional development to be confident and able within the role.
- Honesty and integrity - this includes effectively managing client expectations, communicating effectively with clients to always gain informed consent in regards to animals and their procedures, and being trusted to work alone and without supervision in a lot of cases.
- Independence and impartiality - this involves not allowing personal feelings or opinions to effect professional decisions or conversations, especially with clients, particularly where a situation has ethical implications e.g. performing a c-section on a bitch in poor condition where the owner refuses to spay
- Client confidentiality and trust - this involves the need to support the client as well as the animal, ensuring that the client understands what is happening with their animal, and the importance of GDPR
- Professional accountability - this involves knowing the legal limitations on what RVNs are allowed to do, adhering to the code of conduct for vet nurses, and legally being responsible for your own actions and possible mistakes as a professional now independent from the veterinary surgeon.
When did the first Registered Animal Nursing Auxiliary qualify?
1963
Give some examples of the responsibilities the code outlines for veterinary nurses in relation to animals.
- to make animal health and welfare their first consideration
- to keep within their own area of competence and refer cases responsibly
- to provide animals with nursing care that is appropriate and adequate
What is the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct?
It sets out veterinary nurses’ professional responsibilities. It is based on law but is only a guide on best practice.
Give some examples of the responsibilities the Code outlines for veterinary nurses in relation to clients.
- to be open and honest with clients, while respecting their need and requirements
- to provide clients with impartial and independent advice, and to inform them of possible conflicts of interest
- to keep accurate clinical records
Give some examples of the responsibilities the Code outlines for veterinary nurses in relation to their colleagues.
- to ensure tasks are delegated to only those with appropriate competence and registration
- to maintain minimum practice standards
- to not impede professional colleagues who are seeking to comply with professional standards
What is the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966)?
The main piece of legislation that governs the role of the veterinary nurse. It separates veterinary surgeons from the general public and limits what the public can do with animals.
What are the three main areas of the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966)?
- Education - nurses have to have a certain level of training before being allowed to practice
- Registration - nurses must register with the RCVS and continue professional development
- Conduct - the way nurses act and behave at work and outside of work as representatives of the profession
What is considered an act of veterinary surgery and how does it relate to veterinary nurses?
Only a vet can perform an act of veterinary surgery; it is criminal for a lay person to attempt veterinary surgery ( aside from Schedule 3 exemptions).
Examples of veterinary surgery include:
- diagnosis of injury or disease
- the giving of advice based on such a diagnosis
- performance of surgical operations
Describe Schedule 3 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966) and how it is relevant to veterinary nurses
Schedule 3 is an exemption under the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966) that separates RVNS and SVNs from the general public and allows them to carry out particular tasks within veterinary as long as they are under correct levels of supervision from a veterinary surgeon.
