Supporting student veterinary nurses (SVNs) on placement is one of the most rewarding roles in practice, but it’s not without its challenges. Sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, a student begins to struggle. Whether it’s confidence, clinical skills, communication, or personal circumstances affecting performance, it can be difficult for clinical supervisors to know what to do next.
At The College of Animal Welfare (CAW), we believe that early, compassionate intervention – paired with clear communication and structured support – can make all the difference. Here’s how to spot the signs, start the conversation, and get your student back on track.
Spotting the early warning signs
Sometimes students openly express that they’re struggling. But often, it’s more subtle. You might notice:
- A drop-in engagement or enthusiasm
- Repeated errors or slow progression in clinical skills
- Avoidance of tasks or feedback
- Increased absence or tardiness
- Emotional withdrawal or uncharacteristic behaviour
While occasional off days are normal, a pattern of these behaviours may signal that your student needs additional support.
Step one: Create a safe space
Approach any concerns with empathy first. A calm, one-to-one chat in a quiet space can go a long way. Ask open questions and give your student time to respond. Try:
- “I’ve noticed you’ve been a bit quieter lately. How are things going for you at the moment?”
- “You seemed a bit unsure in clinic this week. Is there anything you’d like more support with?”
This isn’t about catching students out, but rather opening the door to a two-way conversation.
Step two: Offer constructive, clear feedback
When issues need to be addressed, be specific, supportive, and forward-thinking. Focus on:
- What you’ve observed (“I noticed you’ve been hesitant with catheter placement…”)
- Why it matters (“This is a key skill for your upcoming assessment…”)
- How you can help them improve (“Let’s book in some extra practice time and talk through it step-by-step.”)
Try to pair feedback with encouragement. Struggling students still often show resilience, insight, and a willingness to improve, so make sure to highlight those positives too.
Step three: Involve the training provider early
If problems persist or you’re unsure how to proceed, don’t wait until things escalate, get in contact with your training provider. At CAW, we are always here to help and we can offer:
- Advice on managing tricky conversations or concerns
- Support plans tailored to the student’s needs
- Wellbeing referrals and academic coaching if needed
It’s always better to flag things sooner rather than later. Remember, you’re not alone in this process. Sometimes, having a conversation with your training provider and just knowing what steps to take next can make everything feel more manageable.
How we support our clinical supervisors
We deeply value the time and care you invest in supporting SVNs – and we’re here to support you too. As part of our commitment to placement practices and clinical supervisors, we offer:
- Free clinical supervisor training
Whether you’re new to the role or looking to refresh your skills, our clinical supervisor training is free of charge for CAW Training Practices and those hosting our placement students. - Ongoing support from our IQA team
Our dedicated Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) team is always just an email or phone call away. We’re here to answer questions, listen to concerns, and guide you through any student-related issues. - Discounts on CPD including our Clinical Supervisor Congress
Our annual virtual Clinical Supervisor Congress offers practical insights on coaching, mentoring, and supporting students – plus 7 hours of CPD and networking with peers. - Access to resources and a support forum
Our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) includes a wealth of resources. You can also connect with others via our Clinical Supervisor Forum, where challenges, solutions, and success stories are shared.
If you’re a CAW Training Practice and have a concern about a student, or would just like a sounding board, please reach out to your IQA contact.
Not every student journey is smooth, but what matters most is creating a culture of compassion, clarity, and collaboration. By recognising the signs early, opening up honest conversations, and accessing the support available, you can help students who are struggling find their way again.
Interested in becoming a Training Practice or looking for a new training provider?
If you are thinking about becoming involved in training student veterinary nurses and are unsure about what is involved or how to get started, please get in touch. We’d love to talk about how we can support you and your team to become involved.
Request a call back to discuss training SVNs in your practice.