RCVS Day One Competences for Veterinary Nurses

A new document has been produced which sets out the minimum essential competences that the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) expects all student veterinary nurses to have met when they register. These competences ensure that the student veterinary nurse is safe to practice from day one.

The document explains what competence is and what standards are required for ‘Day One Competence’ this incorporates ‘Day One Skills’ which is the minimum standard required for a student to register with the RCVS.

The day one competences are set out under the broad headings of:

  • General professional skills and attributes expected of newly-qualified veterinary nurses
  • Practical and clinical competences expected of new veterinary nurses

These competences may be gained in relation to the care of horses, large animals and/or small animals. (Including cats, dogs and exotics) along with this knowledge the veterinary nurse must also be fully conversant with the RCVS Code of Conduct.

This document can be found on the RCVS website.

If you have any questions please contact your college/training provider.