Apprenticeship training course

Veterinary nurse (level 3)

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Information about Veterinary nurse (level 3)

Providing expert nursing care for sick animals.

• Knowledge, skills and behaviours:
  View knowledge, skills and behaviours

  Knowledge

  • The RCVS Day One Competences for Veterinary Nurses
  • The RCVS Code of Professional Conduct and its associated guidance
  • Organisational requirements and legislation related to a veterinary business and animal welfare
  • The aims of effective health and safety within a veterinary practice
  • Anatomy and physiology in relation to veterinary nursing practice
  • Normal form and function of body systems in a range of species
  • The relationship between normal form and function and the effects of disorder in disease processes and the consequent nursing requirements of sick animals
  • The role of infection in animal and human health
  • The principles of disease transmission in veterinary practice
  • The principles of disinfection and sterilisation
  • How to maintain personal hygiene especially in relation to cross-infection
  • The principles of infection monitoring and control
  • Correct usage, handling, storage, maintenance and disposal materials, equipment, instruments and veterinary pharmaceuticals
  • The principles of record keeping
  • The principles of medical veterinary nursing and support
  • The principles of surgical veterinary nursing and support including anaesthesia
  • The principles of pharmacology and administration of medication
  • The principles of first aid
  • The principles of nursing support and the triage, stabilisation and treatment of emergency patients
  • Nursing requirements of critically ill or injured animals
  • Intensive nursing care techniques and requirements for a range of species
  • The principles of radiography and imaging techniques
  • How to take and process radiographs
  • How to handle and store diagnostic images
  • The function and use of laboratory equipment
  • How to collect, prepare and test pathological samples
  • How to prepare specimens for transportation
  • The principles and methods of effective communication and their effect on client care
  • Factors affecting working relationships with clients and within the veterinary team
  • The principles relating to evidence based approaches to learning
  • Personal and professional limitations
  • How to seek and use feedback and advice

  Skills

  • Work within the requirements of the health and safety legislation
  • Work within the requirements of the data protection legislation
  • Follow relevant operating procedures and manufacturers guidelines when using equipment, materials and pharmaceutical products
  • Communicate effectively, appropriately and accurately using a variety of methods
  • Conduct nursing clinics
  • Prepare and maintain all areas of the veterinary practice at all times
  • Prepare records, equipment and resources
  • Work in a safe and effective manner
  • Manage and perform effective infection control procedures
  • Provide nursing support as required
  • Prepare, use, maintain, store and dispose equipment, pharmaceuticals and materials appropriately
  • Manage own performance and development
  • Take measures to improve performance and competence
  • Engage in continued professional and personal development
  • Use professional standards of practice to self-assess performance
  • Practise in accordance with the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct

  Behaviours

  • Conform to approved procedures
  • Work ethically in veterinary practice
  • Work reliably to high standards
  • Adjust to change
  • Take responsibility for personal and professional behaviours and decisions
  • Develop and maintain effective working relationships
  • Communicate effectively including the use of empathy and sympathy where appropriate
  • Maintain a professional appearance and follow Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) protocols
  • Take responsibility for own development
  • Apply knowledge and skills effectively
  • Prioritise and plan work
  • Commit to learning and professional development
  • Identify and implement measures to improve performance and competence
  • Accept and act on constructive advice and guidance, seeking clarification to recognise own limitations
• Apprenticeship category (sector): Agriculture, environmental and animal care
• Qualification level: 3; Equal to A level
• Course duration: 30 months
• Maximum funding: £17,000 ; Maximum government funding for ; apprenticeship training and assessment costs.

View more information about Veterinary nurse (level 3) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.