FdSc Veterinary Nursing (FT)

FdSc Veterinary Nursing

• Key Information
• Course Content
• Additional Information
• How to Apply

Course Description:

Veterinary nursing is a major specialism of Myerscough College. This Foundation Degree, awarded by the University of Central Lancashire, provides a progression route for those who wish to develop a career in this discipline and attain registered veterinary nursing status. To satisfy RCVS regulations it will include 2100 hours spent at an approved training practice (TP). On completion of the course the student will be able to:

· Demonstrate practical veterinary nursing clinical competency based on an underpinning knowledge of veterinary nursing practice at Foundation Degree level.

· Satisfy the RCVS requirements to be included on their register of listed veterinary nurses.

· Be aware of communication and interpersonal skills whilst working within a multidisciplinary team and interfacing with clients.

· Appreciate the value of critical reflection in personal and professional development, encouraging the concept of lifelong learning.

· Realise the importance of the impingement of health and safety, ethical, legal, marketing and animal welfare issues on veterinary practice.

· Progress onto the BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing course providing they meet the entry requirements of that course.

· Demonstrate an increased awareness of employability skills, sustainability and the significance of internationalisation in their chosen field of study.

COURSE CONTENT:

All modules are core modules and must be taken.

Year 1

Form and Function

The module will focus on the anatomy and physiology of both dogs and cats and how an understanding of physiological dysfunction can influence nursing protocols.

Comparative Form, Function, Health and Welfare

The module will develop an appreciation of the significant anatomical and physiological differences between dogs and cats and exotic and equine species. The principles of animal nursing and management of horses and exotic species will also be investigated and how this might impinge on the provision of appropriate veterinary nursing care using the Veterinary Nursing National Occupational Standards as a guideline to the module content.

Applied Animal Health and Welfare

This module will cover the principles of animal nursing and management. The Veterinary Nursing National Occupational Standards will be used as a guideline to the module content.

Veterinary Nursing In-patient Care

This module will equip the student with the necessary nursing skills to work efficiently in a veterinary practice environment and enable them to develop practical competency. The Veterinary Nursing National Occupational Standards will be used as a guideline to the module content.

Personal, Professional Development and Employability Skills

This module will enable students to reflect and learn from their experiences within their veterinary practice to enhance their personal and professional development. Completion of the module will enable students to make effective use of learning opportunities on other modules of study and in the workplace. Students will develop their capacity for self-management, effective communication and IT, and academic study skills. The module will also generate an awareness of employability skills, sustainability and the significance of internationalisation.

Introduction to Veterinary Nursing Practice

This module will cover the maintenance of the clinical environment and equipment and the provision of support to veterinary surgeons performing clinical procedures. It will enable students to develop and apply their knowledge of working within the organisational context of veterinary nursing provision. It will also cover basic pharmacology and dispensing of medicines commonly used in veterinary practice.

Year 2

Students will work in practice as a member of the veterinary team developing veterinary nursing skills and compiling evidence of practical clinical competency as prescribed by the RCVS. During this time they will be supported by the practice placement officer, course tutor, module tutors, personal tutor and clinical coach. The students will be expected to develop and maintain a professional portfolio during this year by utilising an on-line tool which facilitates reflection and portfolio compilation. Duration will be 32 weeks.

Year 3

Veterinary Nursing Support of Anaesthesia (half module)

This module will equip the student with sound theoretical knowledge and practical competencies relating to pain relief and modern anaesthetics. The Veterinary Nursing National Occupational Standards will be used as a guideline to the module content and will focus on dogs, cats, exotic species and horses.

Veterinary Support of Diagnostic Imaging (half module)

This module will facilitate theoretical and practical competence in the important field of diagnostic medicine, including radiography and emerging imaging modalities. The Veterinary Nursing National Occupational Standards will be used as a guideline to the module content and will focus on dogs, cats, exotic species and horses (horses – theory only).

Research Skills (half module)

This module will develop the student's knowledge of research methodology and methods, critical appraisal and the use of information technology to support the research process.

Peri-operative Veterinary Nursing Support

This module will equip the student with a sound knowledge of surgical techniques and theatre practice. The Veterinary Nursing National Occupational Standards will be used as a guideline to the module content and will focus on dogs, cats, exotic species and horses (horses - theatre practice only).

Veterinary Nursing of Medical Patients

This module will include theoretical and practical application of the administration of nursing care to medical patients. It will facilitate practical competence in the important field of diagnostic laboratory techniques. The Veterinary Nursing National Occupational Standards will be used as a guideline to the module content and will focus on dogs, cats, exotic species and horses (horses – diagnostic laboratory techniques only).

Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Nursing (half module)

This module will enable the student to develop the nursing skills and understanding to competently evaluate, analyse and manage the nursing care of critically ill patients. The module also will facilitate the appreciation and application of advanced nursing procedures under the direction of a veterinary surgeon. The Veterinary Nursing National Occupational Standards will be used as a guideline to the module content and will focus on dogs, cats and exotic species.

Preparing for Professional Practice

The module will cover relevant areas of criminal and civil law and the functions and inter relationships of representative and regulatory organisations as applied to veterinary practice. Completion of this module will equip students with an underpinning awareness of the ethical and legal aspects which are important in the delivery of all aspects of veterinary nursing care in order to prepare them for the transition to qualified, registered veterinary nurse. The Veterinary Nursing National Occupational Standards will be used as a guideline to the module content. The module will also enhance and assess the student’s practical day one competencies via an OSCE examination.

Student Project

This will enable students to research an area of veterinary nursing study which is of specific interest.

Course Documents:

Student Handbook (2015 Entry)

Programme Specification and Handbook (2016 Entry)

Myerscough College Policies and Procedures

Assessment:

Students will face a variety of assessments including a combination of coursework, unseen examinations, practical assessments and OSCEs. The coursework assessment methods will include essays, reports and case study work.

Links with Professional Body:

The FdSc Veterinary Nursing has been validated by the University of Central Lancashire and the RCVS and on completion of the course and the Nursing Progress Log, the student will be eligible to apply for entry to the register of veterinary nurses, which is maintained by the RCVS.

Learning Environment:

Learning activities on the course are diverse, including weekly lesson delivery for each module the student is studying, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions and workshops. Students will be expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments. Group work and collaboration will form an important part of the course and the student’s personal and professional development. Students will also have access to specialist IT hardware and software where necessary to support their studies.

Special Requirements:

Students must complete 2100 placement in an approved small animal veterinary practice. This will involve block release placements and the whole of Year 2 spent in work placement. This is to comply with the RCVS regulations. During this time they will complete the Nursing Progress Log which will provide evidence of their competence of the Veterinary Nursing Occupational Standards.

Both these criteria must be fulfilled to enable the student to successfully achieve the target award.

Extra Costs:

Additional costs for items that are essential for the course include:

RCVS Enrolment Fee in year 1 - £169

RCVS Registration fee in year 3 - £112

please follow attached link: http://www.rcvs.org.uk/document-library/vn-enrolment-form-and-guidance-notes/

Student Veterinary Nursing uniform - £70 (2 tunics 2 pairs trousers)

Additional costs for opportunities and items that are optional for the course include:

Books - £120

Human First Aid Course £40

Nursing equipment (stethoscope etc.) £40 (This will vary according to equipment ordered, range £2 to £85)

Access to broadband internet and a computer

Progression:

Successful FdSc VN candidates may be able to progress on to the BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing Top-up degree course, providing they have met the entry criteria. Applicants for the BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing course must have Foundation Degree in Veterinary Nursing at a minimum of merit and have satisfied all the RCVS requirements to enrol as a Registered Veterinary Nurse. Applicants must also produce evidence of successfully completing a research based module at Level 5 to merit standard.

Other Opportunities:

Students will be able to complete a human first aid course during the FdSc, and this course will prepare students for progression to BSc (Hons) and other HE study by developing their academic study skills and abilities.

Additional Information:

We are mindful of the extra support required by students taking the FdSc, especially during their Year 2 practice placements. The College’s virtual learning environment (VLE) Bloom will be utilised to deliver work to students in Year 2 to monitor their progress, develop their clinical skills further and prepare them for returning to study in Year 3.

Myerscough has excellent teaching, practical and clinical resources and have excellent links with specialist veterinary guest speakers, experts in their fields, who are invited to deliver lectures for the students throughout various modules. This provides the students with real-world examples of veterinary case management and often helps guide their future career choices and decisions regarding potentially specialising in practice.

Accommodation on campus is available for students and further information about this can be obtained via the Accommodations Team at Myerscough College.

What do students think about this course?

Staff and support staff are always sympathetic and understanding of an individual's needs.

Staff always keep students in the educational loop.

The staff help promote essential life skills.

Course structure/requirements are clearly defined.

What work experience can I get?

Students must complete 2100 hours placement in an approved small animal veterinary training practice (TP). This will involve block release placements and the whole of Year 2 spent in work placement to comply with the RCVS regulations. Students can complete these placements in any TP and will have the opportunity to experience different types of veterinary practice should they wish too, including emergency practices and specialist referral practices.

What careers can you follow?

The course aims to provide a programme of veterinary nursing education which will enable FdSc holders to analyse key academic themes in the subject area and critically evaluate the wide range of management issues within different sectors of the veterinary industry, which will therefore prepare them for a successful career in the UK or overseas. The course promotes an ethos of self-development and reflection throughout the curriculum in order to foster a greater personal awareness and the confidence necessary to manage others. The course is designed with the intention that its graduates will be able to function effectively at a managerial level within the veterinary industry. Modular content emphasises the importance of career development and planning throughout.

Examples of possible careers included:

· Nurse in General Veterinary Practice

· Nurse in Animal Health Charities

· Instructor in Educational Establishments

Career opportunities could be further enhanced by progressing to the BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing or Diploma Higher Education Clinical Veterinary Nursing and Advanced Veterinary Nursing course, leading to BSc (Hons) Clinical Veterinary Nursing (Top-up) degree.

What are our graduates doing now?

100% of the FdSc graduates went into employment in veterinary practice having completed the course. Graduates have also taken the opportunity to progress on to the Diploma Higher Education Clinical Veterinary Nursing and Advanced Veterinary Nursing course.

What international opportunities are available?

Students on the course have the opportunity to complete work experience placements in other countries, such as countries in Africa and Europe. Organisations providing these experiences are invited to speak to the students during their Course Tutorials and students are encouraged and supported in their international endeavours.

Applications for all full-time undergraduate courses are made via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). To apply, visit their website www.ucas.com/apply. The first UCAS deadline for receipt of applications is 15 January, for the following September.

Applications received after the first UCAS deadline will be considered by us for most courses. If you are applying after the 15 January, or if your pre-entry qualifications are different to those stated, you are advised to contact Course Enquiries on 01995 642211 for further advice. Myerscough College - general contact details Address: Myerscough College, St Michael's Road, Bilsborrow, Preston
Lancashire PR3 0RY
Telephone:01995 642222 Email: enquiries@myerscough.ac.uk Individual Learning Requirements Prospective students who have a learning difficulty or disability that may affect their studies should inform the College as soon as possible so that reasonable adjustments can be initiated, as appropriate. Where necessary students will be asked for evidence to help identify appropriate adjustments. If students wish to apply for a Disabled Student Allowance they need to seek advice from Student Finance England (or equivalent) which funds this provision for Higher Education Students. Please note that DSA funding is not available on all courses.