CVS upskills RVNs to undertake diagnostic imaging in practice
Pioneering training programme launched to offer small animal veterinary nurses broader clinical opportunities
CVS is upskilling its nurses on diagnostic imaging techniques so that they can undertake X-rays, Computed Tomography (CT) scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and ultrasounds in practice.
To date, most of these imaging procedures have been performed by vets within the group’s small animal first opinion veterinary practices.
Created for Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs), the pioneering Foundations in Diagnostic Imaging for Nurses training is designed to give CVS nurses even more clinical stature in first opinion practice.
It will allow them to examine the organs, tissues and skeletal system of their patients in detail.
Believed to be a first in the veterinary profession, an online training programme will allow nurses to examine and learn the workings of an X-ray machine. They will also study common X-ray positions and contrast material.
The programme will also cover the principles of CT and MRI. It will focus on how to set up and operate each piece of equipment, and how to support patients through these imaging procedures.
In addition, a workshop element of the programme will concentrate on ultrasounds that RVNs can complete without supervision. It will provide the full training for them to conduct ultrasounds within the current RCVS legal frameworks.
Tara Ryan, Chief Veterinary Nursing Officer at CVS said:
“Imaging is a brand new area that we are starting to delegate to our nurses. Having heavily invested in our small animal first opinion practices over the last decade, we have a wide range of imaging equipment at many of our sites.
Excitingly, this programme will open up the ability for nurses to start to contribute more information - to help vets identify and diagnose conditions and diseases in patients. It is another big step that we are taking to empower our brilliant nurses and to enable them to make a great clinical contribution towards the care of our patients – and to be the nurses they want to be.”
CVS has prioritised important areas for improving nurse optimisation - in the consulting room and with Schedule 3 delegated surgical procedures[i]. A key element to successful nurse optimisation is vets who pledge to support nurses to achieve this work within practice. Here the group has also published guidelines to provide clarity around effective delegation under Schedule 3.
CVS Group operates across small animal, farm animal, equine, laboratories and crematoria, with over 500 veterinary practices, referral centres and sites in the UK and Australia. In the last five years the company has invested nearly £80 million in its sites, facilities and equipment, in addition to industry leading training and support, to give the best possible care to animals. For more information about careers with CVS Group on our careers website.
[i] Under Schedule 3 to the Veterinary Surgeons Act, only registered veterinary nurses and student veterinary nurses have the privilege to perform certain procedures in veterinary practice, as delegated to them by veterinary surgeon colleagues employed in the same practice. Schedule 3 surgical procedures could include: stitch ups, dental scale and polish, radiography, minor benign skin mass removals, tail and toe amputations, and aural haematomas. www.rcvs.org.uk/setting-standards/advice-andguidance/advice-on-schedule-3