Exploring factors affecting clinical supervisors' capacity to train students during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: The combination of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, increased pet ownership and recruitment difficulties in veterinary practice, has the potential to impact the clinical supervisor-led training of student veterinary nurses. Aims: This study explored the capacity for clinical supervisor-led training of student veterinary nurses and the factors contributing to reduced capacity. Methods: A questionnaire-based study of training managers in referral and primary care practice was performed, exploring difficulties encountered appointing clinical supervisors and with fulfilling the role, before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings: There was a reduced capacity for clinical supervisor-led training of student veterinary nurses throughout and following the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily because of a lack of time for the role. Conclusion: Challenges faced in clinical supervisor-led training of student veterinary nurses have led to reduced capacity for training. Future research and innovation in clinical nursing education needs to address the lack of time for nurses to fulfil the clinical supervisor role.