Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to coordinate surgery schedules, prepare the surgical environment and provide support for the veterinary surgeon, including before, during and after routine and non-routine surgical procedures and monitoring patients (animals) while they are under anaesthesia.
This unit applies to veterinary nurses, who work independently under the supervision of a registered veterinarian in a veterinary practice. Veterinary nurses who coordinate surgical routines need to hold and apply specialised knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology, and surgical procedures, typically carried out in a veterinary practice or hospital.
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.
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 surgery schedules | 1.1 Prepare and prioritise surgery schedules using industry terminology in consultation with the veterinarian and theatre nurse 1.2 Prepare and collate consent forms, anaesthesia monitoring records and other surgical documentation according to practice policy 1.3 Manage surgery schedule in cooperation with the veterinarian |
2. Prepare for surgical procedures | 2.1 Communicate effectively with veterinarian and clients in relation to surgical preparation, procedures and post-recovery needs 2.2 Select and position surgical packs, equipment and supplies for scheduled procedures 2.3 Perform routine surgical site preparation procedures, including clipping, preparation of skin, and positioning animal 2.4 Position anaesthetic machine and monitoring equipment 2.5 Confirm that staff are appropriately dressed for surgery |
3. Provide support for surgical routines | 3.1 Hold, restrain or position anaesthetised animals during the surgical procedure 3.2 Provide sterile and non-sterile assistance to the veterinarian according to aseptic techniques 3.3 Provide theatre equipment to the veterinarian as required 3.4 Dispose of clinical and other waste in compliance with biosecurity and hazardous waste protocols |
4. Perform post-operative procedures | 4.1 Monitor wound or surgical site for signs of abnormality 4.2 Carry out defined post-operative patient management procedures according to veterinarian’s instructions 4.3 Provide post-operative advice to the animal owner according to veterinarian’s instructions |
5. Clean, maintain and store theatre instruments, equipment and supplies | 5.1 Clean theatre environs 5.2 Clean and sterilise instruments and theatre linen according to relevant Australian Standards 5.3 Handle and store sterilised instruments and theatre equipment in a manner that maintains sterility 5.4 Maintain equipment and stock of supplies 5.5 Implement equipment maintenance procedures to ensure machines are operational |
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 follow information in policies and procedures, relevant Australian Standards and relevant legislation Interpret consent forms and anaesthesia monitoring records |
Numeracy | Measure, monitor and interpret animal vital signs |
Get the work done | Address irregularities and contingencies in the context of the work role |
Sectors
Veterinary Nursing (VET)