Plus-Hex CLINICAL
When there are insufficient nursing staff , tasks may be given to veterinary care assistants ( VCAs ). A VCA is an important member of the practice team and can carry out many tasks . VCAs are classed as ‘ lay persons ’ and can carry out tasks that owners could also complete , including administering subcutaneous injections , restraining animals and supporting in-patients [ 19 ] . However , there are many restrictions on the role of a VCA , both ethical and legal , as set out in the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 [ 20 ] . If a VS delegates tasks to a VCA , they must be able to justify their reason for doing so . The decision also relies heavily on the level of knowledge and skill of the VCA [ 19 ] , with many tasks requiring supervision and training prior to delegation [ 21 ] , which may not be possible in an already short-staffed practice . Without good communication and a clear understanding of the VCA ' s professional limitations , delegation may not be an option [ 21 ] and , if not properly managed , patient welfare may suffer .
Positive leadership styles
There are many leadership styles , but only some create a supportive working environment . Managers who use the following leadership styles correctly can achieve an improvement in staff engagement and efficiency [ 22 ] .
• Managers with a coaching style of leadership set goals for their team , with regular training to ensure they meet these goals . They reward both individuals and the wider team on their performance [ 22 ] .
• Democratic leaders consider the feedback and opinions of the team when making changes within the practice . Using the opinions of staff members creates a positive environment that helps individuals feel valued , which could help retain VNs [ 5 , 22 ] .
• Transformational leadership can also be useful in building a good practice environment . Managers use this style to empower their team , boost morale and develop a positive culture . They actively encourage individuals to develop their skills further [ 23 ] .
A positive working environment that is engaging and rewarding will benefit the mental and physical wellbeing of the staff [ 23 , 24 ] . This could result in a reduction in compassion fatigue and an increase in VN retention .
Conclusions
Further research into the effects of sole-charge veterinary nursing is vital to protect the welfare of VNs and their patients . VNs join the profession to be advocates for their patients . If they are unable to provide a high standard of patient care , maintain patient safety and look after themselves , VNs will continue to leave the profession .
There are articles on burnout and compassion fatigue , detailing the symptoms and methods of managing these conditions . These are useful , but they do not include discussion about how the profession should change and create a better support system . It is not sustainable to overwork the remaining clinical staff , and doing so will cause staff turnover to remain high . Without intervention , patient care will continue to suffer in practices that have insufficient staff .
However , introducing a good support structure in the practice and encouraging management to use tailored forms of appreciation can improve job satisfaction [ 5 , 14 ] . VNs who feel valued have a better opinion of their work , which positively impacts on their mental health [ 5 ] . Empowering VNs will help to revive their passion and enthusiasm in practice , and hopefully attract more people to the profession . Without this , the outlook is uncertain for VNs and the animals they care for .
Assessment of learning
1 ) What percentage of VNs employed by the CVS group in 2020 resigned within the following year ?
a ) 32 % b ) 16.9 % c ) 7.9 % d ) 10 %
2 ) What is compassion fatigue ? a ) Inhibited ability to care b ) Caring too much c ) Feeling tired d ) Crying at work
3 ) What is burnout ? a ) Feeling stressed b ) Feeling too hot c ) Feeling mentally and physically exhausted d ) Feeling energised
4 ) Which is an example of a task a VCA can do ? a ) Restrain a patient b ) Insert an intravenous catheter c ) Give an intramuscular injection d ) Prescribe medication
1 . b ) 16.9 % 2 . a ) Inhibited ability to care 3 . c ) Feeling mentally and physically exhausted 4 . a ) Restrain a patient
Answers
Volume 39 ( 6 ) • December 2024
51