Elements and Performance Criteria
- Prepare for a critical care surgical patient
- Monitor patient from induction to recovery
- Provide assistance to the veterinarian for induction and apply safe work practices and animal welfare protocols
- Identify anatomy and physiology as it relates to monitoring patient vital signs and response to anaesthetic agents
- Monitor anaesthetic continuously and record data under the direct supervision of a veterinarian
- Monitor vital signs constantly and respond to abnormal signs
- Administer analgesia and monitor response under veterinary supervision
- Apply specific emergency procedures as directed by the veterinarian
- Provide specific surgical operating support in response to the veterinarian’s requirements
- Collect and administer blood and blood products
- Provide critical care nursing
- Determine patient short-term positioning, environment, medication, nutrition, nursing care and physical therapy in consultation with veterinarian
- Develop nursing care plan using industry standard terminology and including all relevant aspects of treatment and care in conjunction with veterinarian
- Provide intensive nursing care and monitor the patient according to the nursing care plan
- Consult with the veterinarian regularly on the patient's progress
- Discharge patient
- Organise transportation for the critical care patient according to practice policies and WHS requirements
- Prepare patient for transport within and from the practice
- Provide the client with instructions concerning the patient's care requirements in the home environment
- Collate the patient’s history, records and veterinarian's report and present to client
- Advise client on the delivery of referral documentation to their regular practitioner