Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to compile patient (animal) histories including client details, maintain records and consult the veterinarian as required.
This unit applies to new entrants to the veterinary industry who carry out basic veterinary reception duties working under supervision of a qualified veterinary nurse or registered veterinarian, in a veterinary practice.
Legislative and regulatory requirements apply to the performance of veterinary tasks (or work). These vary according to state/territory jurisdictions and users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before training 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.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Compile patient and client histories | 1.1 Identify patients according to species, breed and permanent identification features 1.2 Identify and retrieve existing client and patient histories 1.3 Establish new client or patient records 1.4 Complete patient admission and discharge documentation |
2. Consult the duty veterinarian | 2.1 Recognise and report emergency situations to veterinarian, in line with practice procedures 2.2 Present patient and details to the veterinarian 2.3 Restrain animal as instructed by veterinarian with consideration of advice from the owner 2.4 Obtain treatment details as directed by veterinarian 2.5 Comply with practice policy provisions, WHS and relevant legislative requirements in the sale of veterinary products prescribed to clients |
3. Identify information required | 3.1 Identify customer information needs using appropriate interpersonal skills 3.2 Handle customer enquiries courteously and promptly according to practice policies 3.3 Provide information on treatments that address customer requirements in a timely and professional manner 3.4 Present products and services that meet client requirements to customers as directed |
4. Maintain practice records according to practice policies | 4.1 Record and store visit details 4.2 Record details of treatments provided for the client 4.3 Complete office routines |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Reading | Interpret and follow detail in practice policies, procedures and current legislation |
Writing | Record information using computer based technology |
Oral communication | Use industry standard terminology to relay information to the duty veterinarian |
Numeracy | Carry out sale of veterinary products |
Sectors
Veterinary Nursing (VET)