BI1S107 - Professional and Academic Practice for Veterinary Nurses 01 Sep 2023 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 2

Associated Module Information

Module Code: BI1S107
Module Title: Professional and Academic Practice for Veterinary Nurses
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Biological and Forensic Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Biological Science
Module Leader: Rachel Perry
Module Team: Rhiannon Stundon, Rhian Jones, Paul Jones, Theona Aristidou, Katie Davies, Rhian Jones
First Intended Intake: SEP 2021 Final Year of Intake: 2026
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes:
HECOS Code Weighting:

Document Version Information

Version 2
Valid From 01 Sep 2023
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

This module aims to equip student veterinary nurses with the skills required to deal effectively and empathetically with clients and fellow professionals in small animal practice.

The student will develop their professional practice through the discussion of the laws and policies underpinning veterinary nursing.

The module will give the student the confidence to undertake academic research and produce their own arguments informed by sound evidence.

Content Summary

The content of this module will provide student veterinary nurses with the tools to develop professional conduct and the ability to work safely and to interpret the veterinary evidence base (e.g. peer-reviewed journal articles, RCVS Knowledge Summaries) and write academically, and includes:

Discussion of best practice in client care and inter-professional communication , including consideration of One Health and sustainability of the profession.

Explore theories of communication, using models to communicate effectively in practice and have a full knowledge of the record keeping requirements in veterinary practice.

Demonstrate sensitive communication skills surrounding euthanasia and bereavement.

Become fully conversant with the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses and the Schedule 3 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act and develop an understanding of the essential contribution this makes to animal welfare, through Clinical Governance, Quality Improvement and sustainability of the profession.

Develop an understanding of the role of the reflective practitioner in veterinary practice and develop an understanding of the essential contribution this makes to animal welfare, through Clinical Governance, Quality Improvement and sustainability of the profession. 

Demonstrate a full understanding of the health and safety laws and guidelines that inform safe veterinary practice.

 

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

The RCVS Day One Competencies and Day One Skills for Veterinary Nurses are the minimum essential requirements tat 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 Competencies: 1-16, 24, 36.

The content of this module will cover the following RCVS Day One Skills for Veterinary Nurses: 1.1-1.4, 2.1-2.7, 2.9-2.12, 4.4, 8.3-8.4.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 50
Seminar 5
Tutorial 5
Project supervision 10
Practical classes and workshops 10
Directed Study 100
Groupwork 20
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Identify and demonstrate best practice in client care and inter-professional communication within the veterinary practice setting.
LO2 Demonstrate a full understanding of the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary nurse and the laws that underpin it to include the Veterinary Surgeons Act and Health & Safety legislation.
LO3 Review communication theories and reflective practice and explain their relevance to professional accountability.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Onsite Practical Assessment Practical Test 1 Nursing Consultations 10 N/A 30 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Essay 1 Communication, professional accountability & reflective practice 0 1400 35 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Assessment Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 1 Health & Safety Legislation and the Code of Professional Conduct: 60 MCQs 60 N/A 35 No 0

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2 LO3
Practical Test 1
Essay 1
Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 1

Reading List

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

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

Aspinall, V., 2019. Clinical procedures in veterinary nursing. 4th ed. Oxford: Elsevier.

Ballantyne, H., 2018. Veterinary nursing care plans: theory and practice. Boca Raton: Taylor & Francis.

Banes, S., Lipscomb, V. & Hutchinson, T., 2012. BSAVA manual of canine and feline surgical principles. Gloucester : BSAVA.

Davidson, J., 2019. Research and Study Skills for Veterinary Nurses. Sheffield : 5M.

Flaherty, C. & Taylor, M., 2021. Developing Academic Skills for Nursing Associates. London: Sage.

Harvey, A. & Tasker, S., 2013. BSAVA manual of feline practice: a foundation manual. Gloucester : BSAVA.

Hutchinson, T. & Robinson, K., 2015. BSAVA Manual of Canine Practice: A Foundation Manual. Gloucester: BSAVA.

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

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

Orpet, H. & Welsh, P., 2011. Handbook of veterinary nursing. Chichester: Blackwell.

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

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