This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out post-operative nursing routines, and discharge patients (animals) that have undergone specialised surgical procedures into the care of clients (owners).

This unit applies to nurses who work in a veterinary practice under the supervision of a registered veterinarian who is at a minimum a Member of the Australia and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS), and who regularly performs advanced surgical procedures on animals. Managing these nursing requirements requires access to a veterinary practice where specialised surgical procedures are performed by veterinary surgeons on patients using the required equipment, instruments and resources.

This unit applies to individuals who exercise autonomy in undertaking complex work. They analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities. They demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area and work in a range of routine and non-routine contexts.

Legislative and regulatory requirements apply to veterinary nurses but vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.

NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice	Yes	No	Comments/feedback
Communicate effectively with surgeon on all aspects of post-operative patient care
Identify animal anatomy and physiology as it relates to post-operative surgical nursing procedures
Record vital signs and observations and abnormalities
Prepare and implement nursing care plans including pain management techniques in consultation with surgeon and comply with WHS, infection control and animal welfare requirements
Apply recognised physical therapy techniques according to patient needs
Recognise, respond to and assist with post-operative emergencies
Oversee the cleaning and maintenance of post-operative equipment according to infection control procedures
Complete all relevant documentation in consultation with surgeon
Aseptically place and maintain intravenous catheters
Maintain intravenous fluid therapy, under supervision of veterinary surgeon
Monitor patient fluid output
Meet specific nutritional requirements for individual patient needs
Calculate energy requirements according to patient needs
Carry out assisted feeding procedures
Select and apply appropriate post-operative dressings and bandages
Manage active and passive surgical drains
Manage open wounds post-operatively
Select housing and bedding appropriate to specific patient needs
Use specific nursing techniques to prevent and treat complications associated with recumbent patients
Use positioning aids and techniques appropriate to surgical procedure, disease process and individual patient needs
Communicate specific home care nursing requirements to client
Communicate instructions on patient’s physiotherapy and exercise to client as required
Organise follow up appointments as required

Assessment Cover Sheet

ACMVET502 - Carry out post-operative nursing routines

Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

ACMVET502 - Carry out post-operative nursing routines

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: