Competence perceptions of veterinary nursing students and registered veterinary nurses in Ireland: a mixed methods explanatory study

Table 7 Focus group and interview attributes of a competent veterinary nurse

Themes	Subthemes	Students	RVNs
Attributes	Knowledge	Theoretical knowledge.	Theoretical knowledge.
	Performance	Practical patient care clinical skills. Work independently.	Practical patient care clinical skills. Work independently. Provide holistic patient care (primary responsibility). Plan ahead, work efficiently. Use initiative.
	Professional behaviour	Adaptable. People skills. Responsible. Manage emotions. Trustworthy. Recognise limits and ask for help.	Adaptable. People skills. Responsible. Manage emotions. Trustworthy. Recognise limits and ask for help. Support colleagues. Leadership. Admit mistakes. Love of the job.
	Reflective practice	Keep learning.	Keep learning. Constant re-evaluation of patients/situations. Self-appraisal.
Confidence		Confidence	Confidence
Context		Competence varies with species.	Competence varies with species. Caseload affects competence development.

ISSN: 2046-0481