Veterinary Nursing: Level 3 Apprenticeship

Description

Veterinary nursing is the supportive care of animals receiving treatment within a veterinary practice. A veterinary nurse works as a member of the veterinary team, providing expert nursing care for sick animals. Veterinary nurses also play a significant role in educating owners on maintaining the health of their pets.

They carry out technical work and are skilled in undertaking a range of diagnostic tests, medical treatments and minor surgical procedures, under veterinary direction. Veterinary Nurses are registered professionals and work within the standards and scope of practice defined by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

Programme length: 36 months.You must be employed full time in a suitable position before commencing the programme.

Qualification: Level 3 Apprenticeship in Veterinary Nursing

Modules may include

Additional skills for sector:

Legislation affecting practice

• 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 Communication

• Communicate effectively, appropriately and accurately using a variety of methods

• Conduct nursing clinics

Clinical skills

• 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

Self-Management

• 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

Professionalism

• Practise in accordance with the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct

Assessment methods

Apprentices will complete a training programme accredited by the RCVS while employed in a veterinary practice, which meets the minimum standard defined by the RCVS.

At the beginning of the apprenticeship, it is required that the employer, apprentice and training provider agree a training and assessment plan, demonstrating that the apprentice has the opportunity to develop the full range of knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the standard.

It is expected that apprentices will have the opportunity to complete the minimum training time of thirty months including both theoretical delivery and practical training as detailed in the RCVS Veterinary Nursing Registration Rules. This is in preparation for your End-Point Assessment (EPA). This will consist of:

• A Professional Discussion

• A Practical Assessment in the form of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

These are graded: Professional Discussion:

• Pass

• Distinction

Practical Assessment:

• Fail

• Pass

If you do not possess the necessary levels of Maths, Science and English prior to your application being submitted, you will need to achieve these before being able to apply/ enrol onto the program. In addition, the employer will provide the student veterinary nurse with a Clinical Coach in the workplace to support assessment of the occupational standards.

Entry requirements

As a minimum you should have achieved 5 GCSEs grade A-C or 4-9 under the new grading system (or equivalent) to include Mathematics, English language and Science.

Entry process

Prior to applying for an apprenticeship, you need to find an employer who is willing to support you throughout the duration of your programme. If you have an employer who is willing to support you then the college needs to know who this along with contact details to undertake the necessary checks to ensure that they are not only suitable to employ you but, are aware of their responsibilities to ensure that you achieve your apprenticeship.

This can be done by contacting the college campus reception and asking to be put through to someone within the apprenticeship team who will assist you further.

If applying through the find an apprenticeship service, your application will be sent to the employer, so make sure you list all your qualifications and any work experience. Proof read your application and make sure you have fully answered any questions.

Poor spelling and grammar and insufficient answers are the main reasons applications are unsuccessful. The employer will then shortlist the applicants and will invite the chosen candidates for interview before selecting a successful applicant for the position.

Career progression

• Please ask to speak with a Technical Expert about the progression opportunities.