What do you think of the new RCVS VN Council definition of the role of vet nurses

RE: What do you think of the new RCVS VN Council definition of the role of vet nurses

Arlo Guthrie — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 13:00:27 GMT

[quote userid="3866" url="~/001/f/nonclinical-discussions/32399/what-do-you-think-of-the-new-rcvs-vn-council-definition-of-the-role-of-vet-nurses/178076#178076"]Another question is who are we defining this for, public or industry.[/quote]

I agree, they are different audiences and need different messages.

[quote userid="3866" url="~/001/f/nonclinical-discussions/32399/what-do-you-think-of-the-new-rcvs-vn-council-definition-of-the-role-of-vet-nurses/178076#178076"]There were some amazing VNAM videos last year that really showed what nurses were all about and engage on a might higher level that pain text. [/quote]

Again, couldn't agree more that video is the way to go! So much more powerful, for both audiences.

At the weekends, I do a bit of youtubing (!) - and have all the kit - I'd be very interested in hearing from any nurse in the southwest (I'm south of Bath) who would be interested in being filmed demonstrating a technique.

RE: What do you think of the new RCVS VN Council definition of the role of vet nurses

Jo Brett — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 20:23:36 GMT

Another question is who are we defining this for, public or industry. Perhaps actions are better than words. There were some amazing VNAM videos last year that really showed what nurses were all about and engage on a might higher level that pain text.

A suggestion form me for words is:

"Veterinary nurses are qualified professionals who care for animals and work to improve their health and wellbeing. Holding a skill set that is vast to accommodate the demands and support for owners, colleagues, and animals.

They may work in in first opinion, general practice, in specialist veterinary facilities and many other advanced roles within the animal sector. Advancing and continuing their own learning to maintain on the professional register."

RE: What do you think of the new RCVS VN Council definition of the role of vet nurses

Arlo Guthrie — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 10:13:05 GMT

[quote userid="38444" url="~/001/f/nonclinical-discussions/32399/what-do-you-think-of-the-new-rcvs-vn-council-definition-of-the-role-of-vet-nurses/178074#178074"]Well, that’s my polite version of what I think of it.[/quote]

Laughed out loud.

[quote userid="38444" url="~/001/f/nonclinical-discussions/32399/what-do-you-think-of-the-new-rcvs-vn-council-definition-of-the-role-of-vet-nurses/178070#178070"]It’s a bit vague[/quote]

My first thought was a bit waffly, with its proactive or reactive and autonomous or collaborative, and as you say, these things are quite vague concepts.

Perhaps it is just trying to be too many things to too many people (ie saying something slightly different to the public and the profession)

I think when criticising something, it's always good to suggest improvements.

So here's my plain english suggestion:

Veterinary nurses are qualified professionals who care for animals and work to improve their health and wellbeing. They may work alone or, when providing a medical treatment or performing minor surgery, under the direction of a veterinary surgeon.

I think things like "(not involving entry into a body cavity)" are superfluous in this context - we're not providing a legal definition here, just trying to convey, succinctly and quickly, what it is you do. For that, we need not be so precise.

I suspect part of the reason for providing the definition was to emphasise to vets that nurses' are qualified to perform minor surgery (because quite a few won't delegate).

Christine Wilkinson BSc RVN and Jo Brett - BTW I am now working on a big site upgrade, so as we chat away, it would be really helpful if you (and anyone else) can make any comments you would like to make about ways I can improve the usability of this site.

RE: What do you think of the new RCVS VN Council definition of the role of vet nurses

Christine Wilkinson BSc RVN — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 06:59:40 GMT

Agree!
yes, I read it and was like ‘oh, that’s disappointing’! Well, that’s my polite version of what I think of it.

RE: What do you think of the new RCVS VN Council definition of the role of vet nurses

Jo Brett — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 21:55:11 GMT

I dont like it and agree it is a bit vague. Apart from the specific bit about minor surgery they rest could be applicable to anyone inside or outside the profession. Minor surgery is a tiny part of what we do.

It doesnt give us credit for the training/qualification or specialisations we have.

Considering some organisations what the title protected I would have thought that adding the word trained or qualified in the definition might have been considered as this ultimately distinguishes RVN's from any other role.

RE: What do you think of the new RCVS VN Council definition of the role of vet nurses

Christine Wilkinson BSc RVN — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 13:25:14 GMT

It’s a bit vague