Providing expert nursing care for sick animals.
Veterinary nursing is the supportive care of animals receiving treatment within a veterinary practice. A veterinary nurse works as a member of the veterinary team, providing expert nursing care for sick animals. Veterinary nurses also play a significant role in educating owners on maintaining the health of their pets. They carry out technical work and are skilled in undertaking a range of diagnostic tests, medical treatments and minor surgical procedures, under veterinary direction. Veterinary Nurses are registered professionals and work within the standards and scope of practice defined by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) http://www.rcvs.org.uk/about-us/the-role-of-the-rcvs/
Statutory requirement - 5 GCSEs to include Maths, English and Science of grade C and above or equivalent.
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Knowledge |
The veterinary nurse will require a comprehensive understanding of: |
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Legislative compliance and regulatory requirements |
The RCVS Day One Competences for Veterinary Nurses The RCVS Code of Professional Conduct and its associated guidance Organisational requirements and legislation related to a veterinary business and animal welfare The aims of effective health and safety within a veterinary practice |
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Comparative functional anatomy for veterinary nursing practice |
Anatomy and physiology in relation to veterinary nursing practice Normal form and function of body systems in a range of species The relationship between normal form and function and the effects of disorder in disease processes and the consequent nursing requirements of sick animals |
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Infection control in veterinary practice |
The role of infection in animal and human health The principles of disease transmission in veterinary practice The principles of disinfection and sterilisation How to maintain personal hygiene especially in relation to cross-infection The principles of infection monitoring and control |
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Materials, equipment and resources |
Correct usage, handling, storage, maintenance and disposal materials, equipment, instruments and veterinary pharmaceuticals The principles of record keeping |
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Veterinary Nursing Care |
The principles of medical veterinary nursing and support The principles of surgical veterinary nursing and support including anaesthesia The principles of pharmacology and administration of medication |
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Emergency and critical care |
The principles of first aid The principles of nursing support and the triage, stabilisation and treatment of emergency patients Nursing requirements of critically ill or injured animals Intensive nursing care techniques and requirements for a range of species |
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Diagnostic techniques for veterinary nurses |
The principles of radiography and imaging techniques How to take and process radiographs How to handle and store diagnostic images The function and use of laboratory equipment How to collect, prepare and test pathological samples How to prepare specimens for transportation |
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Communication |
The principles and methods of effective communication and their effect on client care Factors affecting working relationships with clients and within the veterinary team |
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Self-Management |
The principles relating to evidence based approaches to learning Personal and professional limitations How to seek and use feedback and advice |
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Skill |
The veterinary nurse will comply with RCVS Day One Skills for veterinary nurses and be able to: |
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Legislation affecting practice |
Work within the requirements of the health and safety legislation Work within the requirements of the data protection legislation Follow relevant operating procedures and manufacturers guidelines when using equipment, materials and pharmaceutical products |
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Communication |
Communicate effectively, appropriately and accurately using a variety of methods Conduct nursing clinics |
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Clinical skills |
Prepare and maintain all areas of the veterinary practice at all times Prepare records, equipment and resources Work in a safe and effective manner Manage and perform effective infection control procedures Provide nursing support as required Prepare, use, maintain, store and dispose equipment, pharmaceuticals and materials appropriately |
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Self-Management |
Manage own performance and development Take measures to improve performance and competence Engage in continued professional and personal development Use professional standards of practice to self-assess performance |
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Professionalism |
Practise in accordance with the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct |
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Behaviour |
The veterinary nurse will abide by the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for veterinary nurses and |
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Work within legal and ethical limits |
Conform to approved procedures Work ethically in veterinary practice |
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Accountability |
Work reliably to high standards Adjust to change Take responsibility for personal and professional behaviours and decisions Develop and maintain effective working relationships Communicate effectively including the use of empathy and sympathy where appropriate |
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Responsibility |
Maintain a professional appearance and follow Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) protocols Take responsibility for own development Apply knowledge and skills effectively Prioritise and plan work |
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Self-improvement |
Commit to learning and professional development Identify and implement measures to improve performance and competence Accept and act on constructive advice and guidance, seeking clarification to recognise own limitations |
Typically 30 – 36 months
On successful completion of the End Point Assessment the learner will be awarded the RCVS – accredited Licence to Practise Veterinary Nursing qualification at Level 3
Students achieving this apprenticeship standard will be eligible to apply for professional registration with the RCVS
3
After 3 years
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