You may have seen your veterinary practice describe themselves as a ‘Training Practice’ and be wondering what this means. Who are they training? What impact will it have on my pet’s care? How does training work? Let’s look at this in a bit more detail.
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What‘s a Training Practice?
Essentially being a Training Practice means that the vet practice is one where student veterinary nurses can be trained and become qualified. In order to train veterinary nurses, a practice must fulfill certain criteria and deliver training of a high standard. This process is regulated by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS); the regulatory body governing veterinary practices in the UK, who publish a list of Approved Training Practices. There are different ways of becoming a veterinary nurse. But no matter which training route is chosen, it is essential that student vet nurses work in an Approved Training Practice in order to achieve a qualification.
What is required to become a Training Practice?
There is considerable effort required in order for a vets’ to become a Training Practice. There are accreditation Centres which help practices deliver veterinary nurse training (usually colleges of further education). The practice must apply to one of these Centres to become a Training Practice. As part of this application the practice is required to have an inspection by the accreditation Centre. They will need to show evidence that they are meeting certain high standards; both in terms of their clinical care of patients and their training and development of staff. The Centre may suggest improvements to practice policies. Only once the Centre is satisfied that the practice meets its requirements, they will approve the vets as a Training Practice. This information will be shared with the RCVS who publish the list on their website.
What sort of training will be provided?
The veterinary practice must provide individually tailored training to the student nurse. As part of their route to qualification, every student veterinary nurse will be assigned a ‘clinical coach’ or ‘clinical supervisor’ within their Training Practice. This is either an experienced registered veterinary nurse (RVN) or vet who is committed to assisting the student nurse through his/her training. This is an important role which comprises practical teaching; help with university assignments; informal mentoring; and record-keeping of skills and procedures that the student has performed.
In order for the student nurse to gain sufficient experience to become qualified, they must be exposed to a wide variety of patients with different clinical problems. Therefore, the practice must be of sufficient size in terms of their client base to have a busy and varied caseload.
Does this effect the service that my vet provides?
In becoming a Training Practice, the vet is required to uphold high professional standards. So you can be assured that they have made a commitment to providing good quality patient care to a wide variety of cases. Also, it shows that they care about the veterinary profession of the future. And they are willing to invest considerable time and resources in training the next generation of veterinary nurses.
Who will be looking after my pet?
You may have concerns about students who are not yet qualified being involved in your pet’s care. It is important to note that part of the commitment to being a Training Practice is that the student nurse is under the supervision of a qualified member of staff at all times. The law is very clear on who can perform veterinary procedures. There are many tasks that student nurses are not allowed to perform unless they are under direct supervision of a qualified nurse or vet; and some that they will not be allowed to perform at all.
Of course, in order to gain the relevant experience needed to qualify, it is crucial that student nurses become proficient in the practical tasks that will be required of them once they are qualified. To achieve this, the qualified team members, alongside the clinical coach, will help the student to develop their practical skills gradually; initially by observation followed by participation in clinical procedures, always under direct supervision. At any point the qualified staff member will be there to assist or to take over the task if necessary. If you would like to know more about the role of student vet nurses at your vets, you can contact your vet practice. Ask to speak to the practice manager or clinical coach who should be happy to answer your questions.
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