Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide advice to clients (animal owners) about animal health, behaviour, disease and reproduction.
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 and physiology, animal health, disease and reproduction, and products available for care.
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. Provide specific animal health advice | 1.1 Evaluate the patient and client needs as the basis for provision of advice 1.2 Provide primary care advice according to WHS and animal welfare requirements 1.3 Provide advice on animal health, disease and reproduction |
2. Offer animal care product advice | 2.1 Prepare and document information on animal care products available in the practice 2.2 Establish client product requirements through discussion and evaluation 2.3 Provide specific product advice to clients |
3. Provide animal behaviour advice | 3.1 Explain and discuss types of normal and abnormal behaviour with the owner 3.2 Provide basic advice on techniques to modify problem behaviours 3.3 Record details of advice and strategies in the patient’s history |
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 product labels |
Oral communication | Discuss, question and clarify information with animal owner |
Get the work done | Address irregularities and contingencies in the context of the work role |
Sectors
Veterinary Nursing (VET)