Suggested Conduct Guidelines for Enrolled Veterinary Nursing and Technology Students
As an enrolled veterinary nursing or technology student on the AVPRC Student List, you are expected to uphold the following principles to maintain professionalism and integrity throughout your studies and future career.
These guidelines are intended to complement, not replace, the codes and policies of your respective educational provider.
Interactions with People and Animals
General Conduct
About Scopes of Practice
Respect and Consideration:
Treat all people including clients, classmates, educators, and all other people within your academic learning environment with dignity, respecting their autonomy, needs, and values.
Ensure the welfare of animals is a priority.
Be aware of your own values and beliefs and manage their influence to maintain a neutral and professional stance.
Be inclusive and respectful of all individuals, regardless of age, gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, culture, religion, political affiliation, socioeconomic status, cognitive function, or physical and mental health.
Confidentiality:
Maintain the confidentiality of all individuals, including veterinary business, clients, and animal information accessed during your studies. Do not disclose any information without proper authorisation or legal justification.
Professional Appearance:
Dress appropriately to facilitate effective and respectful interactions within your academic learning environment and work placements to maintain hygiene and biosecurity standards, especially concerning zoonotic diseases.
Professionalism:
Conduct yourself as an allied veterinary professional-in-training, both within and outside of the academic environment recognising that your behaviour reflects on the veterinary sector and your educational institution. Your conduct may impact your fitness to practice as a registered veterinary nurse/technician.
Your actions, both within and outside the educational environment, should uphold the trust placed in the veterinary sector.
You are expected to demonstrate professional integrity by taking responsibility for your actions, and admitting mistakes, as well as reflecting on, and learning from errors. This ensures you are accountable which is key to upholding the trust placed in us by clients, colleagues, and the wider community.
Communication:
All forms of communication, whether digital, verbal, or written, should be conducted with professionalism and respect.
You should always ensure that your communication does not harm the reputation of the veterinary sector, your educational provider, or any member of the public.
Academic Integrity:
As an allied veterinary professional-in-training, you are required to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity. This includes honesty in all academic work and avoiding any form of academic misconduct, such as plagiarism or cheating.
Health and Safety:
As an allied veterinary professional-in-training, you are required to prioritise health and safety in all your activities. This includes following safety protocols and guidelines to protect yourself, your peers, your colleagues, and the animals you work with.
Support and Resources:
Utilise available support services at your academic institution to help you meet these standards and succeed in your studies.
Understand and Respect the Limits of Your Role
As a veterinary nurse student, you should recognise your level of skills, experience, and knowledge, and avoid misrepresenting your competence.
Correct any misunderstandings about your qualifications.
Refrain from giving assistance, advice, or information beyond your expertise. Direct individuals to appropriate professionals when necessary.
In emergencies, seek immediate advice from a qualified professional and provide first aid within your capabilities only if no more qualified person is available.
The Veterinarians Act does not include guidelines of practice for non-veterinarians such as allied veterinary professionals or any other animal healthcare workers; however, there are some legislated guidelines for non-veterinarians listed in the Animal Welfare Act and its amendments.
See Scopes of Practice for more on legislative limitations to practice and the AVPRC suggested Scopes of Practice for allied veterinary professionals.