Plus-Hex CLINICAL
ABSTRACT Being a clinical coach is both challenging and rewarding . Each veterinary nursing student needs a different teaching approach , so this article aims to give you the tools and knowledge to help every student veterinary nurse under your supervision complete their training course and join you on the Register of Veterinary Nurses .
Keywords RVN , clinical coach , student nurses , SVN , teaching , training , role model
Learning outcomes
1 . The ability to balance working as a veterinary nurse with being a clinical coach .
2 . The confidence to deal with challenging students . 3 . The know-how to set students up for success .
Introduction
Becoming a clinical coach can be an exciting but daunting time for any veterinary nurse ( VN ). The responsibility to shape an individual into a qualified professional is not without challenges . However , when the training comes to an end , it feels amazing to watch your student qualify as an RVN .
The role of the clinical coach in a practice is to support student veterinary nurses ( SVNs ) through their training , teach them lifelong skills and determine their competency along the way . There is also a ( perhaps unspoken ) responsibility to prepare them to become RVNs by helping them become resilient individuals who can cope with an ever-changing working environment .
Training and CPD
In most circumstances , your training for the role of clinical coach will be provided by the college or university with which your practice is affiliated or at which the student is studying .
The training is relatively simple , but make the most of the session and take the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the role . After your initial training , annual standardisation will be required to ensure you stay up to date with any changes to training approaches .
How we learn
Learning is a complex pathway that encompasses stimulus , repetition and memory formation . Theories of learning began to be formed in the early 20th century and have developed into our modern perception of how learning occurs . The social learning theory , for example , considers that we learn by observing and imitating others , such as peers and role models .
The social learning theory could apply in veterinary practice , as SVNs work in the same team as RVNs and their clinical supervisor , who could be considered a role model . Therefore , it is important for clinical coaches to demonstrate skills , which can be observed and then replicated by the SVN to help their learning .
Motivation and reinforcement are also essential and require consideration when teaching SVNs [ 1 ] . VN training encompasses motor learning too , which encapsulates a variety of processes that make learning more fundamental and increases the storage of information in the long-term memory . The process of making highly complex decisions , calibrating physical ability and then applying this to a novel scenario connects multiple types of learning pathways [ 2 ] .
Some SVNs have a stable , linear progression through their training , while others need more support . The clinical coach needs to be able to adapt their approach to each student , in order to help them reach their potential and enjoy a fulfilling career .
Becoming a clinical coach
RVNs are often appointed to the role of clinical coach by their management team . If you are offered the opportunity , it is best to clarify what will be expected of you and the support you will be given , before accepting the role .
The support of an experienced clinical coach will be hugely beneficial to you early in the role . Make the most of their experience by asking questions and discussing any challenges with them . Often , they will have already been through something similar and can swiftly point you in the right direction .
Volume 39 ( 3 ) • June 2024
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