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Veterinary nurse

Veterinary nurse

Agriculture, environmental and animal care

Level 3 - Technical Occupation

Providing expert nursing care for sick animals.

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Reference: OCC0343

Status: assignment_turned_inApproved occupation

Average (median) salary: £24,009 per year

SOC 2020 code: 3240 Veterinary nurses

SOC 2020 sub unit groups:

  • 3240/00 Veterinary nurses

Technical Education Products

ST0343:

Veterinary nurse

(Level 3)

Approved for delivery

TL0021b:

Animal care and management - Animal management and science

(Level 3)

Employers involved in creating the standard:

Medivet Group Limited, Mimram Veterinary Centre Limited, Ministry of Defence - Army Headquarters, Independent Vetcare Limited, Pennard Practice Limited, PDSA, Vets4Pets Companion Care Services Limited, Proacta Limited, MYF Training Limited, Warwickshire College Road Limited, The College of Animal Welfare Limited Park, Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) Limited, Goddard Veterinary group

Summary

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/

Employers involved in creating the standard:

Medivet Group Limited, Mimram Veterinary Centre Limited, Ministry of Defence - Army Headquarters, Independent Vetcare Limited, Pennard Practice Limited, PDSA, Vets4Pets Companion Care Services Limited, Proacta Limited, MYF Training Limited, Warwickshire College Road Limited, The College of Animal Welfare Limited Park, Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) Limited, Goddard Veterinary group

Keywords:

Animal Care
Animals
Veterinary Nurse
Veterinary Practice
Veterinary Team

Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)

K1: The RCVS Day One Competences for Veterinary Nurses
K2: The RCVS Code of Professional Conduct and its associated guidance
K3: Organisational requirements and legislation related to a veterinary business and animal welfare
K4: The aims of effective health and safety within a veterinary practice
K5: Anatomy and physiology in relation to veterinary nursing practice
K6: Normal form and function of body systems in a range of species
K7: The relationship between normal form and function and the effects of disorder in disease processes and the consequent nursing requirements of sick animals
K8: The role of infection in animal and human health
K9: The principles of disease transmission in veterinary practice
K10: The principles of disinfection and sterilisation
K11: How to maintain personal hygiene especially in relation to cross-infection
K12: The principles of infection monitoring and control
K13: Correct usage, handling, storage, maintenance and disposal materials, equipment, instruments and veterinary pharmaceuticals
K14: The principles of record keeping
K15: The principles of medical veterinary nursing and support
K16: The principles of surgical veterinary nursing and support including anaesthesia
K17: The principles of pharmacology and administration of medication
K18: The principles of first aid
K19: The principles of nursing support and the triage, stabilisation and treatment of emergency patients
K20: Nursing requirements of critically ill or injured animals
K21: Intensive nursing care techniques and requirements for a range of species
K22: The principles of radiography and imaging techniques
K23: How to take and process radiographs
K24: How to handle and store diagnostic images
K25: The function and use of laboratory equipment
K26: How to collect, prepare and test pathological samples
K27: How to prepare specimens for transportation
K28: The principles and methods of effective communication and their effect on client care
K29: Factors affecting working relationships with clients and within the veterinary team
K30: The principles relating to evidence based approaches to learning
K31: Personal and professional limitations
K32: How to seek and use feedback and advice

S1: Work within the requirements of the health and safety legislation
S2: Work within the requirements of the data protection legislation
S3: Follow relevant operating procedures and manufacturers guidelines when using equipment, materials and pharmaceutical products
S4: Communicate effectively, appropriately and accurately using a variety of methods
S5: Conduct nursing clinics
S6: Prepare and maintain all areas of the veterinary practice at all times
S7: Prepare records, equipment and resources
S8: Work in a safe and effective manner
S9: Manage and perform effective infection control procedures
S10: Provide nursing support as required
S11: Prepare, use, maintain, store and dispose equipment, pharmaceuticals and materials appropriately
S12: Manage own performance and development
S13: Take measures to improve performance and competence
S14: Engage in continued professional and personal development
S15: Use professional standards of practice to self-assess performance
S16: Practise in accordance with the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct

B1: Conform to approved procedures
B2: Work ethically in veterinary practice
B3: Work reliably to high standards
B4: Adjust to change
B5: Take responsibility for personal and professional behaviours and decisions
B6: Develop and maintain effective working relationships
B7: Communicate effectively including the use of empathy and sympathy where appropriate
B8: Maintain a professional appearance and follow Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) protocols
B9: Take responsibility for own development
B10: Apply knowledge and skills effectively
B11: Prioritise and plan work
B12: Commit to learning and professional development
B13: Identify and implement measures to improve performance and competence
B14: Accept and act on constructive advice and guidance, seeking clarification to recognise own limitations

Occupational Progression

This occupational progression map shows technical occupations that have transferable knowledge and skills.

In this map, the focused occupation is highlighted in yellow. The arrows indicate where transferable knowledge and skills exist between two occupations. This map shows some of the strongest progression links between the focused occupation and other occupations.

It is anticipated that individuals would be required to undertake further learning or training to progress to and from occupations. To find out more about an occupation featured in the progression map, including the learning options available, click the occupation.

Progression decisions have been reached by comparing the knowledge and skills statements between occupational standards, combined with individualised learner movement data.

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Agriculture, environmental and animal care