References
Supporting students in practice part 1: clinical supervisor role
Abstract
The clinical learning environment is a complex sociocultural landscape. It can be a challenging place to manage in a way that appropriately supports the professional development of student veterinary nurses (SVNs). One of the most influential factors in determining student satisfaction in this environment is the role played by the clinical supervisor. Clinical supervisors who are proactive in their role can provide a sense of belonging in the induction phase, function as positive professional role models and support timely progress through regularly planned training and tutorials. There are also benefits for the clinical supervisor, such as an increased sense of job satisfaction and maintaining up-to-date clinical knowledge.
Previous research relating to student veterinary nurse (SVN) support in practice has been published in the Journal of Veterinary Medical Education (Holt et al, 2021, 2022). The aim of this twopart article is to disseminate the key information from this previously published work and draw on the combined experience of the current authors relating to the role of the clinical supervisor and the training practice team within the clinical learning environment (CLE).
The experiences a student has in the CLE are critical in preparing student human nurses (SHNs) for their career, allowing opportunities to put theory into practice, develop clinical skills, and build professional identity and confidence (O'Mara et al, 2014; Arkan et al, 2018; Parvan et al, 2018; Ramsbotham et al, 2019). While no such research for SVNs could be identified by the authors, the two professions' practical training can be considered comparable. This is evidenced by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Standards Framework for Veterinary Nurse Education and Training, which adopted the structure and format of the Nursing and Midwifery Council Standards of Proficiency for Registered Nurses (RCVS, 2021). Therefore, the veterinary nursing profession can currently look to the literature available in SHN experiences of the CLE to help signpost key advice for clinical supervisors.
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