Delegation can be defined as the process of allocating and entrusting a task to a person who will act as the authorised representative for another. It moves the responsibility of a task to another team member, but it is important to remember that accountability may remain with the person delegating the task.
Delegation is not just about instructing a colleague to complete a task; it is a strategic approach to optimising skills and abilities throughout the vet-led team. It should be thought of as a two-way process that builds a team approach, improves efficiency and helps staff retention through motivation when mastered. When used correctly, delegation will enhance the feeling of value, job satisfaction and progression in a role (Oakden, 2021).
How can we delegate to veterinary nurses effectively?
Effective delegation is crucial in veterinary practice and involves clear communication, trust and a thorough understanding of the capabilities, strengths and weaknesses of each team member. For delegation to be effective, the necessary resources and support must be provided to help team members succeed.
Two-way communication and an understanding of each individual’s skill set are crucial to fostering a no-blame team approach – an indispensable aspect necessary to make effective delegation possible. Delegation enables tasks to be allocated to the most appropriate team member based on their skills, competencies, knowledge and scope of practice. Thereby, the vet-led team can optimise the use of the resources and expertise within the practice while operating within the bounds of legislation. In every situation, veterinary surgeons and registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) must ensure that tasks are delegated only to those with the appropriate competencies and skills to complete them (Cooper, 2013).
Delegating tasks within these areas will allow the veterinary surgeon to focus on diagnosis, treatment plans and complex medical procedures, leading to a more streamlined and effective workflow within the practice
RVNs from many practices often state that they are underused and denied opportunities to put learned theory into practice (Saunders, 2020). With their diverse skill set, RVNs can assume many responsibilities, ranging from administering medications and monitoring anaesthesia to providing client education and performing minor surgical procedures. Delegating tasks within these areas will allow the veterinary surgeon to focus on diagnosis, treatment plans and complex medical procedures, leading to a more streamlined and effective workflow within the practice.
If tasks are delegated appropriately, RVNs can work in fulfilling roles while remaining accountable for their actions within the legal, professional and ethical frameworks (Priestman, 2017).
The benefits of delegation
Delegation:
- Builds team relationships
- Boosts morale and productivity, which can improve staff retention
- Encourages goal setting and improves well-being
- Empowers team members
- Improves patient outcomes through collaboration
- Produces an effective workflow
The Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses
RVNs are subject to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses and a similar regulatory jurisdiction as veterinary surgeons (RCVS, 2024). They will, therefore, be held accountable for actions completed outside the scope of the delegation and their competency level.
The RCVS Code of Professional Conduct states: “Veterinary nurses must work together and with others in the veterinary team and business, to co-ordinate the care of animals and the delivery of services.” This emphasises the significance of effective delegation within the veterinary team to achieve the highest standard of care for patients through a team-based and coordinated approach.
Legislation and Schedule 3
While legislative reform will be an important future step in the veterinary profession, currently there is much that can be effectively delegated to improve outcomes and job satisfaction. Therefore, it is crucial that RVNs understand the legal framework for delegation, particularly under Schedule 3 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, which outlines the tasks that can be delegated to veterinary nursing staff (RCVS, 2018). Under Schedule 3, a veterinary surgeon may delegate medical treatment and minor surgery that does not involve entry into a body cavity to RVNs and student veterinary nurses (SVNs) employed in the same practice.
The legal framework of Schedule 3 is not without its ambiguities; it relies on the veterinary surgeon to use their professional judgement in every situation
The legal framework of Schedule 3 is not without its ambiguities; it relies on the veterinary surgeon to use their professional judgement in every situation and to consider expertise and competencies to justify whether it is appropriate to delegate or not. Schedule 3 does not provide a definitive list in terms of minor medical and surgical treatments (Defries, 2020). Therefore, it is essential for veterinary surgeons and RVNs to understand and adhere to the legal requirements outlined in Schedule 3 and the supporting guidance to ensure there is safe and effective delegation within the veterinary practice (Priestman, 2017). If the vet-led team does not have a coherent understanding of delegation, there is a risk of error, pressure and confidence issues in staff performing tasks they are not competent or skilled enough to do.
Individuals also need to accept responsibility for their own actions to ensure a “no-blame culture”, which promotes an honest environment so the team can flourish with confidence rather than fear. A just and learning culture is the balance of fairness, justice, learning and taking responsibility for actions (Kerrigan, 2020). Alongside the delegation of tasks and procedures comes the encouragement of an inclusive collaborative learning environment. Most importantly, a professional learning culture will continue to improve the quality of care and ensure the health and welfare of animals (Oxtoby, 2018).
The SUPERB checklist
A 2017 survey of the profession revealed that both veterinary surgeons and RVNs were unsure of what may or may not be delegated under Schedule 3 (Robinson et al., 2017).
Following the publication of the survey report, the RCVS Veterinary Nursing Schedule 3 Working Party made several recommendations. Among these recommendations was the SUPERB reference poster (Figure 1).
The six-point SUPERB checklist was created for use in the veterinary practice setting to help veterinary surgeons understand the key things that should be considered when delegating work to RVNs and SVNs under Schedule 3. It aims to promote conversations between the vet-led team and encourage consideration of what duties can be delegated so staff can be confident that they have the appropriate skill set to perform the task appropriately and effectively. The veterinary surgeon can only delegate the task to RVNs and SVNs (accordingly) if the surgeon and nurse can answer all six questions in agreement.
The SUPERB mnemonic stands for:
- Specific procedure – does the procedure, medical treatment or minor surgery involve entry into a body cavity?
- Under care – is the animal under your care?
- Person – can you delegate to this person?
- Experience – does the RVN/SVN feel capable? Do they have sufficient competence and expertise?
- Risks – have you considered the risks specific to this case?
- Be there – are you available to direct or supervise as necessary?
Final thoughts
In summary, delegating tasks based on expertise and workload will help manage responsibilities efficiently, promote job satisfaction, prevent burnout and ensure that each team member contributes effectively. This can only happen if RVNs speak up to initiate discussions and veterinary teams work together to identify staff strengths and highlight what can be delegated. Therefore, embracing the full potential of RVNs will unify a team; more will be achieved together than alone.
Delegating tasks based on expertise and workload will help manage responsibilities efficiently, promote job satisfaction, prevent burnout and ensure that each team member contributes effectively
