BVU Response to RCVS draft Code for VNs

Re: BVU Response to RCVS draft Code for VNs

JaneRVN — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:21:59 GMT

This is what I raised:-

VN’s and animals

Points 1 and 2 could cause conflict with a Veterinary Surgeons intended plan of care. I feel point 2 would be better worded:-

2. Veterinary nurses must ensure that animals committed to their care receive appropriate and

adequate veterinary nursing care.

Although we all work as a team if this wording is read without the context of the VS Guide to Professional Conduct it would appear that the VN is solely responsible for veterinary care.

Point 5 may be difficult to enforce as staffing levels often do not continual/adequate monitoring of recovering animals. The VN will therefore need to work within the staffing limits imposed on their practice, over which they may have little control.

VN’s and the profession

Point 3. Is there a list of practices/people approved to sign off the PSP period?

Does the 5 year break include those involved in teaching etc?

VN’s and the team/business

Point 2 is similar to Point 5 (animals) above. Often the VN has little control over the level and quality of staff and must work within those limitations.

Re: BVU Response to RCVS draft Code for VNs

JaneRVN — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:20:08 GMT

I have replied to the draft statement already - and have made similar comments to the BVU.

However I am concerned that the BVU say:-

VN's and Clients

Point 2 - VN's can still offer impartial, objective and independent advice, even when employd in practice. They just need to make the client aware of what is offered by their practice, but that the services/products available may differ elsewhere.

Point 5 - This clause is essential to remain. ALL staff should be able to state OOH times, terms and conditions, not just nurses.

Point 6 - ALL staff are informed in providing informed consent. The receptionist or vet may get the form signed but the nurse can provide further information. It is also within the nurses remit to check with other staff that a consent form has been signed prior to starting schedule 3 procedures.

Overall I agree with the following:-

VN's and the profession

Point 2 - Surely this would be an area for the employer initially before proceeding to RCVS? If the VN felt patients were at risk employment law woild be the first port of call. Re-wording require.

Point 3. Is there a list of practices/people approved to sign off the PSP period?

Does the 5 year break include those involved in teaching etc?

VN's and the team

Point 2 - Many VN's have no say over the quality or calibre of fellow staff, therefore this clause seems inappropriate.

Re: BVU Response to RCVS draft Code for VNs

Selena Carnell — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:55:33 GMT

Very valid points from the BVU

Re: BVU Response to RCVS draft Code for VNs

Emma Gerrard Dip AVN (SA) DipHe CVN BSc (Hons) CVN RVN KSQP RAM — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:13:18 GMT

The BVU have made some very good and valid points. The RCVS could learn a thing or two. I cant believe how much they have copied and pasted for the veterinary surgeons code of conduct! Tut Tut!

Re: BVU Response to RCVS draft Code for VNs

Katie Mansfield — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:31:47 GMT

I read it yesterday and feel the BVU have made some good points. However, as an SVN I don't feel there's much I can do re petition etc.

K x

Re: BVU Response to RCVS draft Code for VNs

Arlo Guthrie — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:17:48 GMT

I'm bumping this back up, because I've looked at it, and surprised it hasn't generated further comment here!

Here's a direct link to the page with the BVU response.

http://www.vets4bvu.org/home/attachment/bvu_response_to_rcvs_draft_vn_code1