Delegation of Schedule 3 tasks to student VNs - a reminder

Following a series of queries from employers about locum veterinary nurse students, we would like to remind veterinary surgeons to delegate Schedule 3 work to student VNs only while they are in training.

Veterinary surgeons have dispensations under Schedule 3 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act to delegate to student veterinary nurses in the course of their training, so that students can learn how to give medical treatments to animals.

Crucially, these dispensations apply only when the student is working as a student in their approved training practice or on a placement organised by their university, and is under the supervision of qualified staff.

These dispensations do not apply to any extra-curricula activity so, if working as locums, they are legally classified as unqualified lay staff.

We are concerned that locum agencies do not always appear to know this and are placing locums in their capacity as students, or even “senior students.” This has the potential to mislead employers and the students concerned, and result in illegal practice.

“Student VNs, especially those on university courses, often undertake locum work to supplement their earnings,” says Liz Branscombe, Chairman of the RCVS Veterinary Nurses Council.

“However, beyond the training practice which employs them, or in a placement organised by their university, they can only carry out tasks that may be expected of an unqualified staff member, and cannot legally undertake Schedule 3 work.”

Practices may check the details of a student VN directly with the RCVS or with the student’s college. If you notice an agency promoting student VN locums, please contact us so that we can provide guidance.