Reflections on designing and implementing a nursing care plan

Models of nursing were introduced into the field of human nursing in the 1970s and have since become a constant source of discussion. Evidence of continual exploration into the concept of models and their significance is vast and demonstrates the varying degrees of criticism and praise that has been generated by their existence.

This article will briefly look into the concept of nursing theory, the nursing process and nursing models, and how important these concepts are to the development of veterinary nursing as a profession. The article will be a critical discussion of the author's experience of designing and implementing a care plan in practice. Published literature will be examined in an attempt to support or further explain the findings, and the broader implications of these findings for veterinary nursing will be considered.

Veterinary nursing has come a long way since its beginning in the mid 20th century, from unqualified veterinary assistants to fully accountable registered veterinary nurses (RVNs). It is still, however, not clear whether RVNs are truly professionals in their own right or whether the public and even other members of the veterinary profession will forever view them as the veterinary surgeon's assistant. One way veterinary nursing can enhance its professional status is to take ownership of the unique skill set that sets it apart from veterinary medicine — this is where nursing theory, the nursing process and nursing models become relevant. These are all terms that have originated from human nursing but are easily transferrable to the veterinary nursing vocation.