Google Links

Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Monitor patients post-operatively under supervision of veterinary surgeon
   • 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
2. Maintain patient fluid requirements
   • Aseptically place and maintain intravenous catheters
   • Maintain intravenous fluid therapy, under supervision of veterinary surgeon
   • Monitor patient fluid output
3. Maintain patient nutritional requirements
   • Meet specific nutritional requirements for individual patient needs
   • Calculate energy requirements according to patient needs
   • Carry out assisted feeding procedures
4. Monitor wound or surgical site post-operatively, under supervision of veterinary surgeon
   • Select and apply appropriate post-operative dressings and bandages
   • Manage active and passive surgical drains
   • Manage open wounds post-operatively
5. Monitor recumbent patients 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
6. Discharge patients into the care of clients with veterinarian’s instructions
   • 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