role of the VS and VN Flashcards
What are the requirements that must be fulfilled before a person can be called a veterinary surgeon?
A veterinary surgeon must:
-hold a degree in veterinary medicine recognised by RCVS.
-be a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS). Could also be a fellow (FRCVS).
-Members must pay an annual
subscription and complete the minimum required continuing professional development (CPD).
-Must complete a declaration regarding any convictions.
What roles are restricted to ONLY veterinary surgeons under The Veterinary Surgeon’s Act?
Only a veterinary surgeon may:
make a diagnosis
provide a prognosis
prescribe medical treatments
perform any required surgical treatment
to an animal under their care.
What requirements must be fulfilled in order to be a registered veterinary nurse?
A registered veterinary nurse must;
hold a veterinary nursing qualification recognised by RCVS. This may be level 3 diploma, HND, foundation degree, general or honours degree.
be registered as a veterinary nurse with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RVN)
have completed the minimum number of training hours (both at university/college and within a training practice), as evidenced by a signed training record which details attendance and absence, before first registration.
pay an annual subscription
complete the minimum required continuing professional development
complete a declaration regarding any convictions
What provision is there for a RVN to carry out their role according to the Schedule III Amendment of The Veterinary Surgeon’s Act?
RVNs may carry out any medical treatment or minor surgery (not involving entry into a body cavity) providing;
it is under direction of the employing VS
the animal is under the care of the directing VS
the RVN is competent and confident to carry out the task for the species of anima
What are student veterinary nurses allowed to do
SVNs may carry out all tasks that a RVN can HOWEVER, they must be supervised by a VS or RVN, or in the case of minor surgery the supervision must be direct, continuous and personal. The treatment must be carried out as part of the SVN’s training (and it is advisable that the task is appropriate to the stage of learning)
Who may carry out Schedule III procedures
In addition to RVNs and SVNs;
The animal owner, member of the household or employee
The animal owner of person caring for agricultural animals
animal husbandry trainees to castrate certain male animals, disbud calves and dock lamb’s tails
Any person may carry out emergency first aid to preserve life and relieve suffering
Explain the RCVS definition of;
a) direction
b) supervision
Direction means that the VS instructs the RVN/SVN regarding the task to be performed, however may not be present.
Supervision means that the VS is available on the premises for assistance or support if required.
Which document sets out the veterinary nurses’ responsibilities?
RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses
What does the Code of Professional Conduct state regarding accommodating patients within the veterinary practice?
They should be housed in a comfortable environment, monitored and treated commensurate with their condition, by persons with the requisite level of knowledge and expertise
Who is allowed to carry out emergency first aid to animals?
Must be restricted to aid that preserves life or relieves pain or suffering. Must not carry out acts of veterinary surgery
