Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to provide advice to animal owners about the nutritional requirements of specific animals, and support nutritional needs of hospitalised patients across a range of medical and surgical conditions.
The unit applies to veterinary nurses who work independently, under the supervision of a registered veterinarian in a veterinary practice. Veterinary nurses who provide animal care advice need to hold and apply specialised knowledge of animal anatomy, physiology, health and nutrition for different life stages and conditions.
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.
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. Assess nutritional requirements of animals | 1.1 Evaluate the patient’s needs as the basis for provision of support and advice 1.2 Document animal’s dietary history 1.3 Classify animals according to natural nutrient sources and types of digestive systems 1.4 Align normal feeding behaviours and nutritional requirements of animal for stage of life 1.5 Evaluate feeding strategies and methods to maximise enrichment 1.6 Identify characteristics of under or over supply of nutrients |
2. Evaluate food sources and calculate dietary requirements | 2.1 Interpret nutritional information on food label 2.2 Identify most appropriate feeding method for animal 2.3 Evaluate methods used to monitor nutritional uptake 2.4 Identify WHS hazards to animal and human health from food sources and implement procedures to manage risks 2.5 Determine feed and water requirements based on animal profile 2.6 Estimate protein, carbohydrate, vitamin and mineral supplement and fibre needs based on animal profile 2.7 Identify other dietary issues relevant to the animal and factor into dietary calculations |
3. Assess and provide nutritional needs of hospitalised patient | 3.1 Evaluate the patient’s need for method of supported feeding 3.2 Align the nutritional requirements to the animal’s condition 3.3 Prepare patient for feeding 3.4 Feed animal in line with the animal’s nutritional plan, using supporting equipment and methods, as required |
4. Plan and monitor animal nutrition | 4.1 Prepare and document nutrition and feeding plan for client 4.2 Demonstrate feeding technique to client 4.3 Provide advice for monitoring animal diet including feed intake, feeding behaviour, condition, metabolic and behavioural changes |
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 food labels, including ration definitions such as ‘balanced’ and ‘complete’ |
Oral communication | Use appropriate industry terminology to discuss nutritional support Discuss, question and clarify information with animal owner |
Numeracy | Determine and measure rations and doses |
Get the work done | Address irregularities and contingencies in the context of the work role |
Sectors
Veterinary Nursing (VET)