ABSTRACT: Managing a sustained change in veterinary practice is challenging. This article applies the Nursing Process to Change Management, which, while not a formal change management tool, is a framework veterinary nurses are familiar with and provides a succinct introduction to using a formal structure for change management. Using practical examples, the article will define and explain the relevance of applying problem analysis tools, developing a succinct vision of change, recruiting enthusiastic change agents and facilitating stakeholder engagement. It aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to this vast topic creating a robust foundation of knowledge on which to build further.

Part one of this article introduced the use of change management tools to facilitate effective and sustained change management. It linked several of those tools to the well-known framework of nursing, Assessment, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation (Yura & Walsh, 1967). While the Nursing Process is not a formal change management tool, in this introduction to change management, it serves as an aide to understanding the processes required to manage a change in established practice. It is hoped that the use of a familiar model will allow the reader to concentrate on the stages of the change management process and practice applying them in a structured manner. Once a level of confidence is achieved with working in this structured way, application of more detailed change management tools may be more valuable.

Author

Helen Ballantyne PG Dip BSC (Hons) RN RVN

After graduating with a degree in Pharmacology in 2002, Helen qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2005. She began a nine-year stint as a locum nurse working nationally and internationally, developing experience in referral medicine and surgery, charity practice, emergency nursing and exotics. During this time she spent five years on the BVNA council in a variety of roles, culminating in her being awarded honorary membership in 2016.

In 2013 she qualified as a human-centred nurse; after two years working on intensive care, she moved to the transplant team supporting patients pre- and post-transplant. Currently she works at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge on the Transplant High Dependency Unit.

Helen remains a Registered Veterinary Nurse and has developed a strong interest in the principles of One Health and chairs the Veterinary Nursing Futures One Health Committee. She regularly lectures and writes about concepts and ways of working that may be shared between the professions to support clinical and professional practice. Her first textbook, on Veterinary Nursing Care Plans, was published earlier this year: She is currently working on an MSc in Healthcare Management. Email: helen_ballantyne@yahoo.com

Keywords: Change management; change implementation; nursing process

To cite this article: Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 33 (12) • December 2018 pp305-308

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