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The provision of a list of tasks appropriate to the VN role cannot be considered the sole solution to enhancing the VN ' s role , but it does at least help to provide some clarity for VSs , VNs and student VNs on which tasks can be delegated . This may provide a platform to encourage veterinary teams to make the most of their VNs .
Essentially , the VN can effectively support the VS in their clinical decision-making process , as long as they are not diagnosing , prescribing , performing major surgery or entering a body cavity .
A VN should only undertake tasks they feel confident and competent to perform and should communicate honestly with the VS regarding their capabilities and experience . If they do not feel comfortable completing a task , they should let the VS know . The most effective approach is to acknowledge a desire to undertake the task , while indicating a lack of confidence at that moment , and request further training .
When considering what a VN can do , ask :
• Is the required task included in the RCVS Day One Competences , Skills and Professional Behaviours for Veterinary Nurses ? If the task is included , it can be delegated to a VN .
• What is the purpose of the task being delegated ? For example , if it is to diagnose or prescribe , then the task should not be delegated to a VN .
The document provides a list of Schedule 3 tasks that can be undertaken by an experienced , competent VN , but it is important to remember that this list is not exhaustive and should be used as a tool to start conversations within the veterinary team .
The following two case summaries provide examples of cases that benefit from being led by a VN . Further examples can be found in the document itself .
Case 1
Toby is an anxious , 12-year-old , neutered male cat that has once again lost a fight with his neighbour . His owner , Mr Thomas , has noticed that the fur on his neck is wet and there is a foul smell . Toby has not been eating as much food as normal . He has been booked in for a consultation with the VN .
During the consultation , the VN gives Toby a full physical examination , following the practice protocol , and identifies a burst cat-bite abscess on the left side of his neck . He is otherwise fit and healthy , although tender around the wound .
The VN clips the area and , as Toby is comfortable with the process , flushes the site and cleans it . The VN explains to the owner how to monitor the wound .
The VN completes the clinical notes and the VS makes a clinical assessment , prescribing analgesics . The VN dispenses the analgesics to the owner , explaining how to administer them , and books a review appointment .
Case 2
Lily is a healthy 2-year-old labrador with right hindlimb lameness . She has been seen by the VS and is booked in to have a series of radiographs .
The VS and VN have a pre-induction meeting to discuss Lily ' s procedure and devise a plan for her sedation , general anaesthesia ( GA ) and recovery . The plan lists all predicted outcomes and complications , with actions to be taken at each point , including when to alert the VS to a deviation from the norm . As GA and radiographic positioning are taught as part of a VN ' s training , the VN will take the lead in the procedure .
In accordance with the surgical safety checklist , the VN checks that Lily has been starved of food for at least 6 hours and had her water removed for a minimum of 2 hours . Her last toileting is noted , the results of her physical examination by the VS are checked , and an American Society of Anesthesiologists ( ASA ) physical status score is assigned .
An intravenous catheter is placed and secured by the VN . The VS calculates the premedicant , induction agent and any other medications that may be required during the procedure . The VN draws up the medications , including the induction agent , and administers the premedicant .
The VN induces anaesthesia according to the protocol devised for Lily , places the endotracheal tube and attaches her to the GA machine for anaesthesia to be maintained . Lily is monitored by the VN throughout the anaesthetic , while the radiographs are taken by a second VN .
The VS checks the radiographs and confirms a diagnosis . Lily ' s anaesthetic is unremarkable and she recovers well in her kennel .
Read the full document
Visit https :// bvna . org . uk / wp-content / uploads / 2024 / 12 / For-veterinary-professionals- Maximising-RVN-role-11.12.24 . pdf
Volume 40 ( 1 ) • February 2025
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