Experience of designing and implementing a care plan in the veterinary environment

Abstract

The adoption of nursing care plans (NCP) within veterinary nursing has provided significant opportunity for movement away from the ‘traditional’ medical model, towards a more holistic approach of nursing. NCPs provide guidance for veterinary nurses to implement nursing theory and the nursing process. Current literature regarding NCPs within the veterinary environment provides evidence for their positive effect on animal care. However, published material on this subject is limited within the veterinary workplace. Unfortunately the lack of appreciation for the benefits of using NCPs within the human nursing field continues to influence the general opinion towards the use of these documents in the veterinary field. The NCP discussed in this article was initiated a week after admission of the patient, therefore allowing excellent opportunity for comparison of the nursing interventions and care to be made prior to and following the introduction of the NCP. The views and comments of all the nursing staff involved with this patient and the NCP have also been considered.