The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has identified a number of common misunderstandings and myths about the Nursing Progress Log (NPL) circulating amongst clinical coaches and students. Here, they set the record straight between the myths and the facts….
Myth: students have to write a mini case report in the comments box when completing NPL entries.
Fact: the reflective comments box is there for students to include a reflective account i.e. feelings about their performance and the situation. It is not necessary to describe in detail how the activity was completed.
Myth: witness statements must be written as for the NVQ portfolio – it isn’t sufficient for the clinical coach to speak to the witnesses.
Fact: the use of a witness must be planned in advance and appropriate witnesses should be indentified at this stage. A clinical coach’s rationale when confirming a student’s competence must clearly explain how the decision was reached. It may be appropriate to record discussion with a witness and/or the practice team regarding the student’s performance.
Myth: clinical coaches should stipulate the number of activities to be completed before evaluating a student’s competence.
Fact: this is poor practice and may unnecessarily hold up progress. A number of activities may be given as guidance, but must not provide the basis for making a competence assessment. Judgements about competence should be based on performance rather than the amount of experience logged.
Myth: all skills should be demonstrated on all relevant species, for example, subcutaneous injection must be demonstrated on a cat, dog and exotic (such as a rabbit) at least x times.
Fact: not necessary; most nursing skills are transferable to a degree. Students should gain experience with a wide range of species however a clinical coach might judge competence using a more limited range of species.
All clinical coaches and students should be aware that all cases need to be referenced on the NPL each time an entry is made so that each entry logged can be tracked back to the case and the authenticity checked. Students are required to also include a brief explanation of the activity in the description (NPL update sessions were presented to each student group on their return to The College of Animal Welfare in September explaining how the NPL should be completed via a practical demonstration).
Please contact your QAS should you require any further information.
To read the article in full, check out The RCVS Awards Newsletter August 2012.
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