Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assist with the preparation of patients (animals) and the theatre for surgery, provide pre- and post-operative patient care, and clean surgical and theatre equipment in a veterinary practice.
This unit applies to new entrants to the veterinary industry who work under the 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. Prepare animal for surgery under direction | 1.1 Confirm patient intakes and pre-operative procedures have been carried out 1.2 Follow practice procedures and WHS requirements related to theatre procedures 1.3 Assist with pre-operative animal preparation including minimising risks to self, others and the animal 1.4 Transfer patient to theatre 1.5 Provide relevant patient records to the veterinarian |
2. Prepare theatre or surgical operating area for use under direction of supervisor | 2.1 Clean and disinfect operating table, required equipment and environs 2.2 Transfer surgical packs and equipment selected by surgical supervisor to the operating area ensuring sterility is maintained 2.3 Assist other theatre staff with gloving and gowning according to aseptic techniques 2.4 Open surgical packs and equipment according to aseptic techniques |
3. Provide pre- and post-operative patient care | 3.1 Clean patient post-surgery 3.2 Transfer patient to recovery area 3.3 Record vital signs observations as instructed by veterinarian 3.4 Recognise and report signs of pain |
4. Clean theatre equipment in line with practice policies | 4.1 Clean and disinfect theatre equipment and surrounds 4.2 Clean, maintain and sterilise surgical equipment 4.3 Clean, remove, prepare and sterilise theatre linen 4.4 Store equipment, surgical instruments and gowns after use |
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 | Access and interpret practice policies and procedures |
Numeracy | Prepare antiseptic solutions for surgical procedures Measure and interpret animal vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiration rate |
Sectors
Veterinary Nursing (VET)