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Part D: Professional behaviours and attributes

Overview

The following professional behaviours and attributes are a form of etiquette in the workplace that is linked primarily to respectful, courteous and competent conduct.

Consciousness of how veterinary nurses interact with colleagues and clients is an essential requisite for the veterinary led team, promoting a harmonious and effective working environment.

The newly registered veterinary nurse is expected to reflect upon the development of their professional behaviours as they progress towards registration.

Professional behaviours and attitudes

Note that the chart below is best viewed in landscape mode on mobile devices.

Professional behaviours and attitudes Practice Level 1
Constant supervision –
this SVN may be new to practice with no experience and is therefore requiring help and support to progress. Alternatively, this category may indicate an SVN who is demonstrating fitness to practise concerns which must be followed up. SVNs in this category must be under constant supervision.

Practice Level 2
With assistance –
this SVN may have some, but limited experience of practice, but is still requiring almost constant reassurance and guidance. This SVN does not require constant supervision but will not have the confidence or experience to work autonomously.

Practice Level 3
Decreasing supervision –
this SVN has basic level of practice experience and is starting to demonstrate autonomy with a sufficient understanding of the relevant theory to support their ongoing development. This SVN will be able to complete some tasks autonomously and confidently.

Practice Level 4
Independent –
this SVN is competent in all areas of practice. This SVN will be able to work with limited guidance or support but is aware of their own limitations and will seek support as required. This SVN will be able to work autonomously, confidently, and competently.

Practice Level 5
Proficient –
this SVN is competent in all areas of practice and is able to suggest improvements to practice protocol. This level of experience and ability will have developed over a period of time, with their reflective capabilities demonstrating an enhanced personal awareness. This SVN requires no supervision, except for that required within the relevant legislation.
Reliable and adaptable application of knowledge and skills Struggles with confidence or competence to complete simple nursing tasks. Doesn’t  adapt well to changing situations. Able to carry out simple tasks but often lacks the knowledge and confidence to complete tasks competently. Slow to adapt to changing situations. Often completes tasks competently but lacks the confidence to do this in a consistent way without guidance. Sometimes struggles with changing situations. Is confident and competent to complete the required nursing tasks and has the ability to apply theory to practise. Adapts well to changing situations. Comprehensive knowledge and skills often exceeding requirements for level of study. Adapts well to changing situations and often takes the lead.

Works within legal and ethical limits

 Does not understand or appreciate the requirement for supervision and does not take instruction well. Unaware of own limitations in work. Sometimes  has difficultly following instructions or working under supervision.  Limited knowledge of the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct. Usually follows procedures and works as instructed. Usually adheres to the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct. Always conforms to approved procedures. Adheres to the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct and understands their professional responsibilities. Uses and adapts approved procedures. Fully aware  of the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct and promotes understanding within the veterinary team.
Demonstrates initiative and ability to self-reflect Needs constant prompting and guidance. Lacks confidence or ability to self-reflect. Hesitant to do things on their own. Often needs encouragement to develop suitable improvement strategies. Developing confidence to work without guidance and needs little prompting to reflect and consider required improvements. Confident in their abilities but can recognise their own limitations and implement appropriate improvement strategies as required. Promotes self-reflection within the veterinary team and encourages personal and professional development.
Ability to organise own time and work Unable to plan or organise own work and often not adhering to scheduled shifts, or does not make themselves available when needed. Limited ability to plan or organise own work but completes tasks as requested.  Able to plan and organise own work with assistance, but is not always mindful of wider team requirements. Able to plan and organise their own time and work. A proactive and supportive member of the team who can be relied upon. Promotes effective time management techniques to assist the smooth running of the practice.
Communication skills

Struggles to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and tends to avoid communicating with clients and colleagues.

 Attempts to communicate effectively but often requires prompting to ensure the correct message is conveyed. Demonstrates adequate and timely communication which requires little prompting. Communicates effectively and efficiently, both verbally and in writing, and actively contributes to discussions, acting as an advocate for their patients. Promotes alternative and diverse communication strategies within the veterinary team.
Attitude to feedback and guidance

Struggles to accept and action constructive feedback in a meaningful way.

 Accepts constructive feedback but is slow to show improvement. Accepts constructive feedback and considers  improvements, whilst not always addressing the matter. Accepts and addresses constructive feedback in a meaningful way. Always shows positive and proactive responses to guidance and feedback.
Demonstrates professional accountability

Appears to be unable to take ownership for actions and does not understand the need to admit to mistakes.

 Struggles to take ownership for actions and requires support and guidance to understand accountability. Shows increasing ability to take responsibility. Recognises mistakes but does not always address these appropriately. Takes responsibility and ownership for their actions. Recognises areas for improvement and addresses this accordingly.  Readily accepts responsibility and encourages promotion of accountability within the veterinary team.
Consideration of professional development Seems unmotivated to learn or participate in clinical discussions and does not appear to reflect on their own practice. Asks questions when prompted, but interest is generally focused on limited areas of practice, with little awareness of reflective requirements. Actively questions areas of practice but struggles to reflect on their own capabilities in these areas. Shows an intelligent interest in their personal and professional development. Asks good, relevant questions, and utilises the opportunity to reflect on their own practice. Participates in all opportunities to improve practice. Reflects on their own work, implementing suggested outcomes where appropriate.
Maintains a professional and clinical appearance Does not follow practice protocol with regards to appearance. Struggles with their personal hygiene or maintaining a professional image. Occasionally untidy in appearance or professional image. Sometimes adheres to the practice protocol with regard to appearance. Usually tidy in appearance professional image. Mostly adheres to the practice protocol with regard to appearance. Always adheres practice protocols with regards to appearance and consistently maintains a professional image. Always presents a professional appearance acting as a professional role model.
Understanding and awareness of own wellbeing No understanding of the impact of emotional factors on themselves and does not appear to recognise signs of mental and physical stressors. Little understanding of the impact of emotional factors on themselves. Can recognise basic signs of mental and physical stressors, but is unsure of how to address these. Some understanding of the impact of emotional factors on themselves. Can recognise common signs of mental and physical stressors, but requires guidance to be able to address these. Understands how emotional factors may impact upon themselves. Can recognise signs of mental and physical stressors and be aware of how to mitigate these and where to seek further guidance. Consideration of the impact of emotional factors on themselves and others and promotion of an inclusive environment with reference to support mechanisms for the veterinary team.
Ability to work as part of the veterinary team Does not appreciate the roles and responsibilities of the veterinary team and does not understand the remit of the SVN or their own limitations. Little appreciation of the roles and responsibilities of the veterinary team, but has some awareness of the remit of the SVN. Some appreciation of the roles and responsibilities of the veterinary team, with a good awareness of the remit of the SVN and how they contribute to the veterinary team. Appreciates the roles and responsibilities of the veterinary team and understands and values their contribution to it. Promotes the roles and responsibilities of all members of the veterinary team, acting as an advocate for the veterinary nursing profession.

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