CVS reports that over 300 RVNs have now completed its recently launched Surgical Schedule 3 Course, designed for nurses looking to upskill and perform minor surgical tasks that were previously undertaken by vets. 

The course covers wound management, making decisions on dressings, drain management, how to complete biopsies and fine needle samples, how to complete a number of suture patterns and how to remove cutaneous masses and complete other surgeries under Schedule 3 legislation.

The course includes eight hours of practical skills training on cadavers as well as 2 hours online training, covering suture selection and legislation.

On completion of the course, CVS nurses are able to recognise what nurses can complete under Schedule 3 legislation, identify the correct dressing for each stage of wound healing, identify the equipment and correct technique for a range of biopsies, complete a number of different suture patterns, and remove cutaneous masses and complete other surgeries under Schedule 3 legislation.

Each nurse has a skills checklist to inform their ongoing training needs and is encouraged to have regular, informal meetings with a local mentor – who is able to support their learning.

The next Surgical Schedule 3 Course is scheduled for 21^st March 2024.

Karen Learmonth, LED Nursing Lead at CVS said: “I am excited about the opportunity that Surgical Schedule 3 provides for nurses within CVS to further their skills and knowledge.

"Advocating nurses’ involvement in Schedule 3 procedures supports improved patient care and provides nurses with rewarding careers.

“It’s fantastic to see so many nurses completing the course to date and we’ll further develop nurse utilisation in 2024 where we’ll rollout both ultrasound and lab skills training.

"We hope this will encourage nurses to utilise all aspects of their role in line with Schedule 3 guidelines.”

Fran Wood, an RVN at Albavet - Rogers, Brock & Barker said: “I have been loving doing surgery and felt the course was the best CPD I have ever been on!

"It has given me the confidence to complete stitch ups, tail amputations and many other procedures.” 

One of the critical factors in allowing vet nurses to use all their skills is having vets who are comfortable delegating.

To that end, CVS has vets who have pledged to support nurses to achieve this work.

The group has also published guidelines for its vets to provide clarity around effective delegation under Schedule 3.

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