Veterinary nurses creating a unique approach to patient care: part two

Abstract

Planning patient care is an integral part of veterinary nursing practice. Part one of this article outlined how the Orpet and Jeffery Ability Model (2007) can be used to enhance the processes involved in planning care and encourage a holistic view of veterinary patients. This second part builds on the existing literature regarding the use of this model in practice by examining the outcomes arising from its use by 56 registered veterinary nurses in practice, as part of their studies towards the Royal Veterinary College Graduate Diploma in Professional and Clinical Veterinary Nursing. The observed positive outcomes included perceived increased recognition and enhancement of the unique role of the veterinary nurse and improved individualised and patient-specifc care through use of the client questionnaire. The predominant negative outcome was the length of time taken to complete the planning of patient care. While this may decrease if use of the model was routinely adopted by practising veterinary nurses, it is proposed by the authors that signifcant local adaptations of the model are required to ensure that this adoption occurs.

An evaluation of Henderson's nursing needs model and how it can be adapted for use in veterinary nursing

“…A nursing model is a description of how to plan, systematically implement and evaluate nursing care (Jeffery, 2006). They are increasingly being introduced allowing veterinary nurses to develop their skills (Wager and Welsh, 2013) in implementing nursing care for veterinary patients providing a more holistic approach, to ensure aspects of care are less likely to be overlooked. Nursing models ensure that nursing care is patient-orientated, rather than primarily focusing on their presenting problem (Jeffery, 2006).…”