Watch the trailer below for “Dissecting the Role of the Surgical Nurse” by Flick Caldwell BSc(hons) CVN, DipHECVN, DipAVN (Small Animal), RVN. If you want to watch it in full, click on buy on the video.
Lecture Synopsis:
Veterinary nurses (RVN) should be recognized as essential and critical members of the surgical team in any veterinary practice. However, their full potential is often underutilized and misunderstood. Surgical RVNs can significantly enhance the efficiency of the increasingly busy surgery list in any practice, positively impacting both surgical patients and client care.
This lecture seeks to uncover effective strategies for broadening RVNs’ responsibilities in surgical nursing, offering practical, easy-to-implement advice for everyday clinical settings. Beyond their pivotal role in patient care from admission to discharge, RVNs possess a multitude of technical and professional competencies that are vital during the perioperative and recovery phases.
While some practices actively encourage RVNs to immerse themselves within the surgical department and perform Schedule 3 minor surgical procedures, many RVNs feel unsupported and underutilised. This often leads to decreased job satisfaction and limits opportunities for career progression. Student veterinary nurses are taught how to perform minor procedures and achieve competency as part of their training; however, they may quickly lose confidence in such skills due to a lack of continuation and practice of surgical skills.
Through a blend of clinical insight, guidance, and case-based discussion, key topics that will be covered include:
- Revolutionising the evolving role of the surgical RVN
- Professional and clinical benefits of RVN utilisation throughout the surgical patient pathway
- Maintaining clinical skills, overcoming delegation barriers, and championing positive change in the workplace
- Building, leading, and supporting a collaborative surgical team with a culture of trust
Learning Points:
- Understand how to advocate for and implement expanded surgical roles for RVNs
- Identify training and support structures needed to develop confidence and competence within the surgical environment
- Gain confidence in navigating the legal and professional boundaries of minor surgery
- Be inspired to lead change within their teams and champion the valuable role of the surgical nurse in practice
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