The use of an evidence-based approach for teaching student veterinary nurses during workplace anaesthesia training. Part 1

Abstract

Registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) are often required to take up the role of a teacher for student veterinary nurses (SVNs) during workplace learning. Formal education training is not a routine part of the veterinary nurse curriculum and so it is common that RVNs undertaking this role do so without background knowledge of education theory. In the same way that evidence-based medicine guides clinical decisions, evidence can guide educational practice and the ways that RVNs teach SVNs. Evidence-based education is particularly valuable for workplace learning, which can be an environment where it is particularly challenging to teach and learn. This may be particularly the case during anaesthesia, when the RVN is responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the anaesthetised patient. Part 1 of this article will discuss the importance of evidence-based education, give an insight into the characteristics of SVNs as adult learners, and discuss the importance of developing SVNs as self-directed learners. While many of the educational theories and initially conceived frameworks discussed may be dated, this article aims to contextualise them into the niche area of veterinary nurse workplace education, using supportive contemporary evidence, to show how they can be used to help us understand the challenges RVNs face. Part 2 will focus on using these ideas to develop strategies to strengthen our teaching approaches.