BI2S125 - Professional Conduct and Ethics for Veterinary Nurses 01 Sep 2023 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 4

Associated Module Information

Module Code: BI2S125
Module Title: Professional Conduct and Ethics for Veterinary Nurses
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Biological and Forensic Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Biological Science
Module Leader: Rhian Jones
Module Team: Rhiannon Stundon, Rachel Perry, Paul Jones, Theona Aristidou, Katie Davies
First Intended Intake: SEP 2019 Final Year of Intake: 2026
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100532 - veterinary nursing
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 4
Valid From 01 Sep 2023
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

This module aims to give student veterinary nurses an appreciation of the concept of professional accountability and reinforce their duties as potential registered practitioners.

The moral and ethical conflicts that may arise in practice will be considered and appropriate strategies for resolving or alleviating potential situations discussed.

Content Summary

The content of this module explores all aspects of professional and ethical practice in veterinary nursing and includes:

Evaluation of the application of ethical principles to veterinary practice.

Appraisal of the ethical schools of thought and application of theory to ethical dilemmas seen in practice.

Demonstration of an in-depth knowledge of the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses and the RCVS Fitness to Practice guide for student veterinary nurses.

Investigation of the legal and ethical barriers to obtaining informed consent from clients.

Discussion of the complexities of professional relationships, to include whistle blowing.

Discussion of the legal framework that shapes the practice of veterinary medicine within the UK.

Interpretation of the Veterinary Surgeon’s Act 1966 in relation to veterinary nursing.

Demonstration of an understanding of the RCVS as a regulatory body to include Veterinary Nursing Bye-laws, regulation of Student and Registered Veterinary Nurses and accountability.

Analysis of the veterinary nurse’s duty of care in relation to clients, colleagues and animals.

Discussion of the veterinary nurse as reflective practitioner to include Clinical Governance, Quality Improvement and the Clinical Audit, Sustainability and One Health.

The pass mark is set using a modified Angoff Method. Pass marks will vary.

The RCVS Day One Competences and Day One Skills for Veterinary Nurses are the minimum essential requirements that all student veterinary nurses are expected to have met in order to join the RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses. Further information can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk

The content of this module will cover the following RCVS Day One Competences: 1-3, 5-13, 15-16.

The content of this module will cover the following RCVS Day One Skills for Veterinary Nurses: 2.1-2.3, 2.9, 2.11.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 20
Tutorial 10
Independent Study 100
Directed Study 50
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 10
Formative Assessment - Independent 10
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Apply ethical principles to professional accountability and reflective practice.
LO2 Investigate the professional and legal framework that shapes the practice of veterinary nursing within the UK.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Onsite Assessment (Exam) Onsite Open Book Examination 1 Professional Accountability and the Law. A test of knowledge and ability by questions not known to the candidate prior to the examination. Students may take books or notes into the examination. 90 N/A 40 No 0
Asynchronous Assessment Case study 1 A Case Study Involving an Ethical Dilemma: experienced by the student during their Clinical Placement 0 3000 60 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Onsite Open Book Examination 1
Case study 1

Reading List

Pullen, S. & Gray, C., 2006. Ethics, law, and the veterinary nurse. Oxford: Elsevier.

Mullineaux, E., Turner, L. & Cooper, B., 2020. The BSAVA textbook of veterinary nursing. 6th ed. Gloucester: BSAVA.

Mullan, S. and Fawcett, A. (2017). Veterinary ethics. Sheffield: 5M Publishing

Moffett, J. and Gray, C. (2010). Handbook of veterinary communication skills. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.

Lindley, S. & Watson, P., 2010. BSAVA Manual of canine and feline rehabilitation, supportive and palliative care. Gloucester : BSAVA.

Legood, G. (2000). Veterinary ethics. London: Continuum.

Dean, R., Roberts, M. & Stavisky, J., 2018. BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Shelter Medicine: Principles of Health and Welfare in a Multi–animal Environment. Gloucester : BSAVA.

Ackerman, N., 2016. Aspinall's complete textbook of veterinary nursing. 3rd ed. Oxford: Elsevier.

Ackerman, N., 2012. The consulting veterinary nurse. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

Robertson, I. (2013). Animal Law and Welfare. London: Taylor & Francis Ltd.

Rock, A. H., 2007. Veterinary Pharmacology: A Practical Guide for the Veterinary Nurse. Oxford: Elsevier.

Rollin, B. (2006). An introduction to veterinary medical ethics. Ames, Iowa: Blackwell Pub.

Rudd, S. & Hotston Moore, A., 2008. BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Advanced Veterinary Nursing. 2nd ed. Gloucester: BSAVA.

Sandøe, P., Corr, S. and Palmer, C. (2016). Companion animal ethics. Oxford [etc.]: Wiley.

Relevant peer-reviewed journal articles will be provided as part of your expected learning in this module.