How is the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for vet nurses relevant to you? by DWA

A client declines a recommended dental procedure for their cat because they “can’t afford it right now.” The animal is in pain and has advanced dental disease

dwa2023 — 2025-10-09 10:10:34 UTC

An SVN makes a medication error and is frightened about getting into trouble

dwa2023 — 2025-10-09 10:11:02 UTC

You’re asked to monitor anaesthesia during a complex surgery, but you’ve never monitored this type before and don’t feel confident. The vet says, “You’ll be fine.”

dwa2023 — 2025-10-09 10:12:47 UTC

A colleague posts a photo on social media showing themselves holding a patient in practice uniform, with the clinic name visible

dwa2023 — 2025-10-09 10:16:32 UTC

2025-10-14 10:39:29 UTC

Social media, online networking and public life

Did they get consent from the owner

Client confidentiality they may not wish for their pet to put on social media if you did not get consent

Competency

rhjwpm7gpr — 2025-10-14 10:40:53 UTC

Principle of Practice 1. Professional Competency

You may not feel competent to perform the anaesthesia for this particular surgery

2025-10-14 10:42:32 UTC

Does she have consent? Could be a possible breach of GDPR

Communication between professional colleagues

rhjwpm7gpr — 2025-10-14 10:43:17 UTC

The nurse has made the vet aware of their concerns, which have been dismissed. This isn’t a great example of inter professional communication.

Key issues

2025-10-14 10:43:27 UTC

you don’t feel competent, and you are more likely to make a mistake if you are nervous or worried about your abilities.

This applies to the veterinary nurses and animals and veterinary nurses and the veterinary team

Delegation

rhjwpm7gpr — 2025-10-14 10:44:53 UTC

If another nurse is available who has either more experience with anaesthesia or has monitored the particular procedure before, it would be in the veterinary nurses best interests in this case to delegate this anaesthetic to the other member of staff.

The nurse who doesn’t feel competent could then observe and learn from their colleague, adhering to principles of clinical governance

Client trust

rhjwpm7gpr — 2025-10-14 10:46:58 UTC

If the client found out that the nurse who was monitoring the procedure felt uncomfortable with their ability to manage the procedure, this could have a seriously detrimental impact on the trust and relationship between the client and clinic.

2025-10-14 10:54:26 UTC