Working as a professional

Question 1

what is the code of conduct?

Answer 1

sets out VN professional responsibilities and standards of professional practice

Question 2

Unprofessional attitude?

Answer 2

lying and stealing 
blaming others 
lack of hygiene 
making excuses 
showing disrespect 
being unresponsive 
poor communication

Question 3

Three parts to be professional?

Answer 3

Competence
Reliability
Honesty

Question 4

Competence?

Answer 4

skills and knowledge
do what you can and do it well
show you can listen and learn
self upgrade

Question 5

reliability?

Answer 5

being on time
consistency of self
be there to listen to others
stay focused - don’t let private life impact job

Question 6

Honesty?

Answer 6

tell the truth no matter what
be upfront with information
show respect for yourself and others
apologise

Question 7

working with others?

Answer 7

can be boss, clients or co-workers

consider cultural norms - standards we live by

show a willingness to listen to feedback and learn from it

Question 8

VNs and Animals?

Answer 8

• animal health must be the first consideration
• keep within own competence - so appropriate and adequate
• communicate with surgeons and each other
• supply and administer responsibly
• ensure clinical governance forms part of professional practice

Question 9

VNs and clients?

Answer 9

• must be open and honest, and respect needs and requirements
• give independent and impartial advice
• communicate effectively and ensure informed consent is obtained
• do not disclose information about client or patient to third party unless given permission or welfare is compromised

Question 10

VNs and the profession?

Answer 10

take steps to address physical and/or mental health or performance that could impair fitness to practice

Question 11

VNs and the team?

Answer 11

follow core standards of the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme

Question 12

VNs and the RCVS?

Answer 12

must disclose to RCVS any caution or conviction

Question 13

VNs and the public?

Answer 13

must not engage in any activity or behaviour that would bring the profession into disrepute or undermine public confidence

Question 14

VNs and yourself?

Answer 14

• maintain a professional outlook
• taking care of own mental and physical health is just as important as taking care of patients health
• promote resistance leading to optimism, self-confidence and adaptability