Are there any members currently undertaking a PSP that would like to share their experience?

RE: PSP members

Rose Leahy — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 16:16:02 GMT

Thanks Emma Brown for your inspirational story.

Great to hear.

RE: PSP members

Emma.b.25 — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 13:30:53 GMT

Hi i returned last year after a substantial break too. You have to work in a training practice, either RVN or VS oversees your self evaluation and action plans. Had to do 595 hours in practice. Sent all these in signed when completed and signed off by my RVN. Was quite straightforward and found vet nursing dept at rcvs really helpful for guidance. I did think i heard on the grapevine that this route was changing though, so would be best to check with RCVS to see if it has come in yet. Good luck! I love been back in practice and surprised how much has stuck in my head from donkeys years ago!

RE: PSP members

Katherine Spear — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 20:52:14 GMT

Just found Jane RVN on youtube, some really handy video learning there!

RE: PSP members

Liz Chesman — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 21:17:13 GMT

I took a long career break. i was in practice for 17 years, then due to ill health I took time out. What with one thing and another it was over 15 years before I returned to practice. I was surprised to find a job fairly easily due to the nurse shortage.

I enrolled with the RCVS for my PSP and and had a nominated mentor who was the head nurse. I created my own skill achievement charts (basically a table on Word!), lists of things I did, dated when I did it and who had witnessed me (ideally I would have got the witness to initial each skill as and when I did them, but there wasn't time, as I was thrown in at the deep end work wise tbh).

My head nurse signed off each page and dated them, and these were sent along with my PSP paperwork as proof of me reaching standards of an RVN. It took me 4 months to complete the required hours, and approx 2 weeks later I received acknowledgement that I would be added again to the register. i panicked a lot about it and not being able to do it after being away so long, but apart from some protocol changes and drug names being different, the basics are the same , and the rest you pick up fast. I had returned to a busy 24 hour emergency hospital so it was full on, and the first few weeks I struggled and felt I had made a mistake. But i settled in and after positive feedback i began to believe in myself. 6 months later I had a promotion to senior nurse!! i have been back in practice 2 years now and I am a clinical coach, and the senior RVN running a branch.

There is so much free CPD out there. I also used my CPD budget to join the Webinarvet website - the Nurse package. Even if you don't subscribe they do sponsored webinars every month or 2 months.

My only advice is to make sure you get a mentor that is actually mentoring you, and that you get your weekly catch up time. With the nurse shortage it is easy to get lost in the shifts coping, when you might be looking for a bit more guidance and support in some situations. But don't be afraid - go for it!!

RE: PSP members

Rose Leahy — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 18:59:05 GMT

Thankyou Katherine . It is really daunting as so much has changed. I am making the most of tutorials and CPD. I will order the pocket book. X thanks again

RE: PSP members

Katherine Spear — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 11:26:54 GMT

oh wow 25 years good on you! Im coming back to clinical practice after 10 years but been on the register as working in CPD so havent needed to do the PSP but currently shadowing before going back in properly. My RVN mentor is brilliant and so supportive as is the whole practice which as been really good. I have got the new Jones and studying that and just ordered the BSAVA Pocket guide for VNs which looks helpful. Ive also got in bandages etc to practice all i can at home and doing buckets of CPD. Hope your going ok and good luck!