Programme Specifications

Student placement (1800 hours).
Students will be provided placements which will be predominantly in Wales, supporting the development of the veterinary industry in a Welsh context. If students choose not to accept a placement provided, they will be supported in finding a placement as required. Costs associated with placements e.g. travel, accommodation will be considered on an individual basis and support provided if necessary.

Veterinary Nursing

August 2024

The overall aims of the programme are to produce graduates who meet the licence to practise requirements of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) through the completion of assessments mapping to the RCVS Day One Skills and Day One Competences, and development of the Professional Behaviours and attributes expected of veterinary nurses. The RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses identifies the responsibilities that registered veterinary nurses have in relation to animals, clients, the profession, the veterinary team, the RCVS and the public, and as such graduates are expected to have developed five principles of practice:

1. Professional competence

2. Honesty and integrity

3. Independence and impartiality

4. Client confidentiality and trust

5. Professional accountability

The programme focuses on nursing of dogs, cats, small mammals and horses aimed at the geographical market. The concept of evidence-based nursing is embedded at each level and aims to develop life-long learners who promote best practice in veterinary nursing and work in the future to promote and develop the profession further.

Overall, the programme aims to:

• Develop the knowledge, skills and attributes required to deliver care and high levels of welfare suitable to the species and condition

• Prepare individuals for the profession by developing their knowledge, skills, professional behaviours and attributes expected of a veterinary nurse working in the veterinary profession

• Meet the licence to practise requirements determined by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

• Challenge and stimulate students, resulting in life-long learners by promoting evidence-based veterinary nursing and continued development throughout their careers

The course is provisionally accredited with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). Students may be required to sit pre-registration examinations with the RCVS.

On completion of the degree students will:

• Critically appraise the application of evidence-based nursing within a practice setting, identifying areas for innovation

• Understand the relationship between anatomy and physiology and health and disease

• Recognise signs of ill health and work with the wider veterinary team to undertake a range of diagnostic tests to ensure the appropriate care can be delivered

• Perform a range of clinical skills and procedures expected of a veterinary nurse

• Promote mental health awareness, wellbeing and resilience in the wider profession

• Appreciate the complexity of legal and ethical frameworks, with reference to the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct and the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966

• Promote a multidisciplinary team approach through demonstrating an understanding of the relationships within the veterinary business environment

• Develop communication skills aimed at a variety of individuals and situations

• Deliver holistic nursing for a variety of species and conditions

• Recognise and work within their limits and develop the confidence to seek professional assistance and support

• Promote health and welfare of a range of species and for various life stages

• Evaluate the role of the veterinary nurse in One Health through multidisciplinary relationships in the promotion of overall health and welfare of animals and their owners

• Demonstrate competency in the RCVS Day One Skills and Day One Competences and be working at a high level of professional behaviours and attributes expected of a veterinary nurse

Generic Skills

A1 Demonstrate the principles of evidence-based practice

A2 Demonstrate self-awareness and self-confidence in the clinical environment

A3 Adopt a sustainable approach to all aspects of Veterinary Nursing practice

A4 Adopt a reflective approach to professional practice, including the identification of opportunities to improve individual and team-working practices

A5 Adopt well-being practices to maintain fitness to practice, recognizing where additional support is required

Learning and Teaching
Lectures, seminars, tutorials, group work, case studies, set exercises, guided self-directed study, visits, guest speakers, work placement in a clinical setting, simulations

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Examinations, coursework (reports, essays, case studies, blogs, podcasts, web design, presentations), formative assessments to check learning, Q&A

10.2.1 Principles and concepts: application

B1 Select and apply theories, concepts and principles to deliver holistic veterinary healthcare
B2 Recognise potential risk and intervene to prevent complications occurring where possible
B3 Formulate and document a plan of care with collaboration and consent of clients in the best interest of the patient
B4 Participate in teamwork that respects and uses the contributions of colleagues in a variety of veterinary healthcare situations
B5 Recognise the moral and ethical issues that relate to veterinary patient care

Learning and Teaching
Lectures, seminars, tutorials, group work, case studies, set exercises, guided self-directed study, visits, guest speakers, work placement in a clinical setting, simulations

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Examinations, coursework (reports, essays, case studies, blogs, podcasts, web design, presentations), formative assessments to check learning, Q&A

10.2.2 Subject knowledge, understanding and associated skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:

C1 Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the fundamental subjects which underpin Veterinary Nursing, and apply the knowledge and skills required of a veterinary nurse in everyday practice
C2 Demonstrate the skills of cultural awareness and role modelling behaviours that underpin anti-discriminatory practice
C3 Communicate effectively with others in a clear and articulate manner, to a wide variety of audiences, using a range of media
C4 Use evidence, data and a range of technology to inform judgements and enhance veterinary healthcare
C5 Apply skills of introspection and reflection to improve professional practice

Learning and Teaching
Lectures, seminars, tutorials, group work, case studies, set exercises, guided self-directed study, visits, guest speakers, work placement in a clinical setting, simulations.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Examinations, coursework (reports, essays, case studies, blogs, podcasts, web design, presentations), formative assessments to check learning, Q&A

Working as a professional veterinary nurse: expectations

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:

D1 Manage themselves, their own professional practice and that of others, in accordance with the Code of Professional Conduct, recognizing their own abilities and limitations
D2 Provide empathetic support to patients, clients and colleagues in changing and potentially challenging situations
D3 Practise in accordance with the professional, ethical and legal framework
D4 Contribute to public protection by creating and maintaining a safe clinical environment
D5 Understand the role of self and of others, including when delegation, supervision and seeking advice is appropriate

Learning and Teaching
Lectures, seminars, tutorials, group work, case studies, set exercises, guided self-directed study, visits, guest speakers, work placement in a clinical setting, simulations

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Examinations, coursework (reports, essays, case studies, blogs, podcasts, web design, presentations), formative assessments to check learning, Q&A