Educating veterinary nurses for professional competence

Abstract

Professional competence for veterinary nurses today is not just a matter of being skilled in technical tasks such as processing a blood sample or placing an intravenous catheter. As members of a profession which is evolving rapidly in a changing world, it is vital that veterinary nurses also possess the personal attributes necessary for developing effective professional relationships. With the advances in veterinary medicine and its accompanying technology, educators too must not lose sight of the ‘human side’ of veterinary nursing; educating caring professionals as opposed to trained technicians. Therefore, it is important that a veterinary nurse model of professional competence emphasizes the emotional aspects of their practice as well as the technical skills and an ability to problem-solve. Veterinary nursing/veterinary technology curricula internationally have embraced this ethos. Hence the development of personal attributes such as empathy is regarded as pivotal in producing veterinary nurses who are able to meet the expectations of employers, clients and society today. This paper will explore some of the personal attributes that are integral to the veterinary nurses' professional competence and the implications this has for veterinary nursing curricula.