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- About extra-mural studies (EMS)
- EMS requirements
- Information for vet students
- Information for EMS providers
- Information for vet schools
- Temporary EMS requirements
- Practice by students - regulations
- Health and safety on EMS placements
- EMS contacts and further guidance
- Extra-mural studies fit for the future
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- Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons
- Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses
- Contact the Advice Team
- XL Bully dog ban
- 'Under care' - new guidance
- Advice on Schedule 3
- Controlled Drugs Guidance – A to Z
- Dealing with Difficult Situations webinar recordings
- FAQs – Common medicines pitfalls
- FAQs – Routine veterinary practice and clinical veterinary research
- FAQs – Advertising of practice names
- GDPR – RCVS information and Q&As
Clinical placement hints and tips
Get ready for your EMS clinical placement with our helpful hints and tips.
Tie back long hair and avoid jewellery
For safety reasons, long, loose hair and jewellery are prohibited in operating rooms and other clinical areas. Feisty cats may snag their claws on earrings, and no one wants the lingering smell of animal vomit in their hair.
Wear comfortable shoes
It’s likely you'll be on your feet most of the day. You may be allowed to wear trainers on some placements, but always find out if there’s a dress code before you start.
Follow the dress code
Smart, practical clothing is essential in the workplace. Avoid jeans on your first day, as some practices don’t allow them – always check the dress code. Darker colours are advisable, and be prepared to do lots of washing when you get home.
Say goodbye to personal space
It's difficult to maintain your personal space when you're helping to restrain an agitated Akita. If being in close proximity to others makes you feel uncomfortable, remember it's usually only a temporary necessity to ensure an animal's wellbeing.
Keep busy, keep learning
The ‘Q’ word ('quiet') is usually banned in clinical settings due to a common superstition that saying it out loud will dramatically increase the workload. Should you find yourself at a loose end, ask what you can do to help - or use your initiative. There will always be a kennel to clean, instruments to wash, colleagues to support, questions to ask or learning to be consolidated.
Make the practice team your new best mates
The supporting veterinary team will have a wealth of valuable knowledge you can tap into. For example, veterinary nurses will probably be the staff members who teach you essential skills such as inserting a cannula or restraining a rabbit. Receptionists can demonstrate effective client communication, including how to empathise with grieving owners. Animal care assistants can give guidance on cleaning kennels and surgical equipment properly. In fact, the entire team can offer you countless learning opportunities.
Brush up on clinical parameters, common illnesses and diseases
As you will be involved in clinical examinations, it's vital to understand abnormalities in patients. Remember to use the correct medical terminology when discussing these conditions.
Ask questions
Vets and vet nurses are generally happy to discuss cases and share their knowledge, so feel free to ask lots of questions. However, it's important to consider the timing and avoid stressful situations, such as when an animal is undergoing euthanasia.
Bring a notebook, stethoscope, pen and fob watch
These will be incredibly useful on placements. Most practices have spare stethoscopes you can use, so it might not be necessary to go out and buy a new one. Pens, however, are like gold dust, so keep yours safe.
Try not to worry
This type of experience may be very new to you. Be assured that you have a valuable role to play and the team will welcome the extra pair of hands. By the end of your placement you’ll have gained numerous valuable experiences, expanded your professional network and created some wonderful memories!