Roles, Responsibilities + Limitations of the RVN

Question 1

What is the regulatory body that governs veterinary professionals?

Answer 1

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
(RCVS)

Question 2

Name the piece of legislation that works in accordance with the RCVS, to govern veterinary proffesionals

Answer 2

The Veterinary Surgeons Act of 1966

Question 3

Besides regulating veterinary professionals, what are the 2 aims of the VS Act of 1966 + the RCVS?

Answer 3

1. To protect the public health + interest
2. Safeguard animal health + welfare

Question 4

What are the 3 forms in which the RCVS regulates the nursing proffesion?

Answer 4

1. The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966
2. The Royal Charter
3. The Veterinary Nurse Conduct + Discipline Rules 2014

Question 5

Do you need to be registered with the RCVS in order to practice Veterinary Nursing in the UK?

Answer 5

Yes..
doesn’t stop some people from trying it though!

Question 6

Define the meaning of ‘veterinary surgery’.

Answer 6

The art and science of veterinary surgery and medicine

“..without prejudice”

Question 7

What are the 6 things that RVS can do, that RVNs cannot?

Answer 7

1. Diagnose disease, conditions + injuries
2. Prescribe treatment, medications + laboratory tests
3. Administer the 1st dose of a vaccine
4. Delegate proffesional responsbilites + tasks
5. Administer anaesthesia to affect/induce
6. Performing all surgical operations, including the entering into a body cavity

Question 8

Can anyone call themselves a Veterinary Nurse?

Answer 8

Yes

Question 9

Can anyone call themselves a Registered Veterinary Nurse?

Answer 9

Yes

Question 10

What are the 3 things that 3.5 of the Veterinary Nurse Code states VNs cannot hold themselves accountable for?

Answer 10

1. They cannot hold themselves or others as having expertise they cannot substantiate
2. They cannot hold out others as specialists or advanced practitioners - unless they are appropriately listed with the RCVS
3. They cannot hold out others, as VNs, unlesse they are appropriateely registered with the RCVS

Basically - refer to colleagues with the correct terms

Don’t worry about getting this wrong!

Question 11

State the year that the RCVS Code of Proffesional Conduct was updated.

Answer 11

2014

Question 12

What are the 3 main aims that the RCVS Code of Proffesional Conduct 2014 sets out to do?

Answer 12

1. Sets out RVSs + RVNs proffesional reponsibilities
2. Provides supporting guidance on the proper professional standards in practice
3. Provides guidance on how RVNs should act within and without the veterinary practice - and the impact on the RCVS

Question 13

State the 2 main professional priorities of RVNs in the practice?

Answer 13

1. Ensure the health + welfare of the animals comitted to their care
2. Fufill all their professional responsbilities

Question 14

What are the 5 principles of practice for RVNs?

Answer 14

1. Professional competence
2. Honesty + integrity
3. Independence + impartiality
4. Client confidentiality + trust
5. Proffesional accountability

Question 15

State what the schedule 3 ammendment, within the Veterinary Surgeons Act of 1966 does?

Answer 15

States that RVSs can direct an RVN or SVN - whom they employ - to carry out limited veterinary surgery.

This privilege states that they can carry out:
* Medical treatment
* Minor surgery - NOT entering into a body cavity

Under the DIRECTION of a RVS.

Question 16

What qualifications does a RVS need?

Answer 16

A degree level that is RCVS accredited (MRCVS)
+
Must be RCVS accredited
+
When employed, must be on the RCVS register

Question 17

What do RVSs have to declare?

Answer 17

Any criminal convictions or offences

Question 18

Do RVSs require to complete a minimum set of training hours before receiving their qualification?

Answer 18

Yes

Question 19

How many hours of CPD a year must a RVS carry out?

Answer 19

35 hours/p/year

Question 20

What qualifications does a RVN need?

Answer 20

Either..
* Degree
* Diploma
* FdSc
* BSc
* MA

Must be RCVS accredited
+
When employed, must be on the RCVS register

Question 21

What do RVNs have to declare?

Answer 21

Any criminal convictions or offences

Question 22

How many hours of CPD are required by the RCVS every year?

Answer 22

15 Hours/p/year

Question 23

Do RVNs require to complete a minimum set of training hours before receiving their qualification?

Answer 23

Yes

Question 24

What can SVNs carry out that RVNs can?

Answer 24

SVNs may carry out all tasks that a RVNs can - BUT - they MUST be supervised by a RVS or RVN!

Question 25

When carrying out minor surgery, as a SVN, what type of supervision iss required?

Answer 25

Direct, Continuous + Personal

Question 26

What is one of the considerations that RVSs have to consider, when delegating proffesional tasks to SVNs?

Answer 26

The delegated task is appropriately lined in with the SVNs training - i.e. appropriate to the stage of learning Others: * Confidence with the procedure * Experience with the procedure * State of behaviour, health, condition + welfare of patient * Assessed risks

Question 27

Can SVNs carry out IM injections?

Answer 27

Yes - but as they are considered a Schedule 3 activity, they MUST be supervised by a RVS or RVN

Question 28

State what is meant by the term 'direction' + Give an example

Answer 28

When an RVS instructs the SVN the tasks to be performed; but not necessarily present

Question 29

State what is meant by the term 'supervision' + Give an example

Answer 29

When the RVS or RVN is present on the premises + Able to respond to a request for assistance, if required

Question 30

State what is meant by the term 'direct, continuous and personal supervision' + Give an example

Answer 30

When the RVS or RVN is present + Giving the SVN their undivided attention

Question 31

What are the many vital considerations that a RVS must consider when delegating a task to a RVN or SVN, in relation to Schedule 3 procedures?

Answer 31

SUPERB! S pecific procedure U nder care P erson E xperience R isks B e there * How difficult the procedure is * What are the risks? * Are they qualified to undertake the procedure? * Are they able to react + respond appropriately if complocations were to rise? * The nature of the task * The animal concerned (including species, condition, welfare, likelihood of complicatoins, owners wishes etc) * The person - is the RVS satisfied that the SVN feels capable to carry out the procedure competetly + succesfully (confidence, reliability + training) * The availability of other qualified staff

Question 32

Give an example of someone whom is considered a 'lay person'

Answer 32

Anyone who isn't a RVS, RVN or SVN. I.e. VCA They are considered to have no legal dispendations.

Question 33

Define what is meant by first aid + Who is allowed to carry out emergency first aid on animals?

Answer 33

The act of aid that preserves life or relieves pain or suffering + Anyone! This must be restricted within reason.

Question 34

What does the RCVS Code of Proffesional Conduct 2014 state regarding accomodating patients within the veterinary practice?

Answer 34

They should be housed in a: * Comfortable environment * Monitored + treated in accordance with their current condition * ^ by pesrons with the relevant level of knowledge + expertise

Question 35

What document sets out the RVNs responsbilities?

Answer 35

The RCVS Code of Proffesional Conduct 2014

Question 36

Name the 3 main veterinary proffesionals that may carry out Schedule 3 procedures

Answer 36

1. RVSs 2. RVNs 3. SVNs | RVNs + SVNs exempt from entering a body cavity - i.e introduction of a c

Question 37

Name the other 5 types of people who may carry out Schedule 3 procedures

Answer 37

* Owners, member of household or employee * Owners of person caring for agricultural animals Animal husbandry trainees to: * Castrating certain male animals, * Disbudding calves * Docking lamb's tails * Any person carrying out emergency first aid to preserve life + relieve suffering All are considered restricted from acts of 'veterinary surgery'