NVQ overhaul

Re: NVQ overhaul

Lizzie Lockett (RCVS CEO) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:13:56 GMT

I just wanted to say that although the consultation officialy closed on 30 June (short time frame is so we can fit it all in and meet Ofqual's deadlines) we are actually still accepting comments and would be very happy to hear anyone's views.

The consultation papers and email address for responses etc can be found at: http://www.rcvs.org.uk/vnawardsreview

There is also an article about the review in the June issue of RCVS News (page 14) which can be downloaded here if you didn't get your hard copy: http://www.rcvs.org.uk/rcvsnews

There will be more in the July issue of VN Standard (the RCVS Awarding Body publication) which we are just putting to press and should be with TPs and VNACs towards the end of next week.

If you have questions that aren't answered in any of these places, please email the RCVS VN Department at vetnursing@rcvs.org.uk

Cheers

Lizzie (RCVS Coms)

Re: NVQ overhaul

Nick Shackleton — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:50:09 GMT

Emma I have sent you a PM

Re: NVQ overhaul

loopylou711 — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:19:29 GMT

I think its finding the balance. At the moment you have the choice depending on the type of person you are. I mean if you think you learn better on your feet then practice is great for them, then there is people who may like the college route and feel they learn better that way.

Finding the balance between the two i think is the best idea, I mean you can tell someone the theory behind how to inject an animal and how to draw up drugs and use teddys to show them, but unles they are getting the practice of a real live animal whats the point?

I remember my first few weeks in uni, they shold us how to restrain a cat using a teddy. So on my first day in practice I was nieve and thought it would be easy to do. Of course the reality was the cat was viscous and scratched me and bit me. It was nothing like the teddy that was for sure! Put me of cats for a little while! My point is how can someone possibly learn if they don't put what they are learning in practice and to use?

Re: NVQ overhaul

BumbledBee — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:14:10 GMT

I think it would be quite difficult for some people, myself included. The nearest college to me is either 2 hours south or 4 hours west. It's fine for two or three week blocks, but full time is not an option for me.

Re: NVQ overhaul

Emma Cooper — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:56:13 GMT

On closer inspection it seems the RCVS is actually looking to make the qualification more college based! I'm trying to find out why... The modular system is one that employers would like to see though...

Do you think it would benefit the profession to have more college-based learning or the opposite - more in practice?

Re: NVQ overhaul

Nick Shackleton — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 09:52:30 GMT

NVQs in human field dont involve exams or practicals!

Re: NVQ overhaul

Mrs Dot Dot — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 09:41:58 GMT

[quote user="Nick Shackleton"]

yeah and human nurse only have to learn one species we do multi species! They learn radiography or anaesthesia as extras not as part of their general training and they get a diploma or a BSc and all we get is a NVQ level III. I guess its better than beofre the NVQ

[/quote]

I'm a 'before the NVQ' ie the little green book... if you apply to the Open University, and they look at/ assess your previous qualifications then everyones current NVQ qualification is worth twice as many points ie twice the qualification of us 'little green bookers'! which shows how much work is involved, and I agree totally that you NVQers don't get enough credit for the amount of work/study that is involved for your qualification.

Re: NVQ overhaul

Nick Shackleton — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:23:53 GMT

Re: NVQ overhaul

Sal the 1st — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:04:02 GMT

exactly. I remember my father asking me once how I managed to get so heavy with all that exercise walking dogs ? - by the end of the conversation he had quite a good understanding of exactly what my job entailed - and then he just thought I was mad for doing it!

Re: NVQ overhaul

hollye4532 — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:26:33 GMT

to be honest I dont think many people outside of the veterinary field actually understand how much work goes into getting qualified, i think a lot of people think that we just pet the animal on the head etc. It annoys me that it isnt recognised as something better than what it is. I dont remember revising this hard for any of my a levels at school!

Re: NVQ overhaul

Sandra Taylor RVN, MBVNA — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:45:15 GMT

Ditto to what nick said, I feel cheated too

Re: NVQ overhaul

Nick Shackleton — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:27:36 GMT

Think its great that its finallty getting looked into! Think it should be work based and practice friendly, ie easily to gain during workin life. Think also it should be a nationally recognised qualification, ie one that is recognised outside of the vet industry and inline with our human counterparts. As an NVQ level III in the human field doesn't take much study or time to complete (ie 6-12 months depending on how many modules are undertaken) and in the human field no written or practical examinations are involved. So what I'm trying to say is think us nurses with the NVQ have been done out of a qualification as we had a lot more work involved doing ours and I feel almost cheated outta a better qualification.

Re: NVQ overhaul

Caro Laithwaite VN — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:05:44 GMT

Sounds good but not sure how it would fit in with the present training/work regime. I would have liked to have done equine as an extra if that was available though or can you do it as a top up how would that work.?