VDS cover for nurses

Re: VDS cover for nurses

Jill Nute — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 19:01:59 GMT

I think there may be some crossed wires on this, VDS have circulated letters regarding the extension of their cover to include the legal costs for RVNs associated with any RCVS disciplinary proceedings. My understanding is that there is no change to the existing VDS position that veterinary nurses and unqualified employees are usually covered by the VDS policies of the VS in the practice for negligence etc. & the additional charge, which is hopefully only needed for staff peace of mind, is just over £20. We have paid for our RVNs.

Re: VDS cover for nurses

Bob Russell — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 14:49:38 GMT

We pay for all relevant insurance for our staff, including memberships.

My head nurse cannot see a good reason for the practice paying for anything that is unnecessary! A listed VN is fully qualified but does fall outside the RCVS disciplinary process. Not sure that being accountable to the RCVS for your actions is much to shout about.

If a student VN can continue training for his or her qualification having forged a signature the disciplinary process cannot be considered robust in any way. Forging a signature means an individual cannot be trusted.

Re: VDS cover for nurses

Gareth Dowdeswell — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 14:22:36 GMT

I think all newly qualifed VNs now go onto a register like Vets are, and the plan is eventually to get rid of the listed option, so all VNs will be on the register. It does mean VNs can be held accountable for their actions, tho I'm sure there was an article in the Vet Times a few months ago that an actual disciplinary process isn't in place.

Can remember the student VNs in my last job were looking into insurance for when they graduated, can't remember if they persauded the partners to pay for it tho!

Re: VDS cover for nurses

Hannah Wynne Richards — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 14:05:01 GMT

I think it's also because a RVN is a proper professional, so is expected totake responsibility for his/her own actions,and could therefore be sued by owners. A listed VN would be regarded as lay staff, and any mistakes the responsibility of the employing/supervising veterinary surgeon

Wynne

Re: VDS cover for nurses

Bob Russell — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 13:52:44 GMT

We looked into this. This seems to be an RCVS initiative relating to registration of vet nurses. My head nurse refuses to register, not least because she cannot see any advantage in us paying additional premiums until such time as VDS remove the existing cover for staff members.

I have not received notification from VDS to indicate they have changed their policy. The cynic in me says this cover is to protect the registered nurse in case the RCVS take disciplinary action against him or her. It seems they have no such powers over listed VN's.

There is something surreal (or is it unreal?) about the situation where an organisation requires insurance in case they take action against an individual!

Sod all that us mere mortals can do in the face of such illogical logic.

Re: VDS cover for nurses

Hannah Wynne Richards — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 13:46:44 GMT

I thinkthe least I can do is pay it for my RVN

Wynne

Re: VDS cover for nurses

Vikki Halliday LLB — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 13:39:31 GMT

We have made our nurses aware that it would be preferable that they had personal cover, as if they carry out any puppy parties, weight clinics etc, they are working not under the direction of an MRCVS.

They have to pay for it, but can however claim it back from us as expenses.