Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to manage nursing requirements for specialised surgical procedures on animals.
This unit applies to veterinary nurses who work in a veterinary practice under the supervision of a registered veterinarian who is at a minimum a Member of the Australia and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS), and who regularly performs advanced surgical procedures on animals. Managing these nursing requirements requires access to a veterinary practice where specialised surgical procedures are performed by veterinary surgeons on patients using the required equipment, instruments and resources. This unit applies to veterinary nurses with extensive vocational expertise who are responsible for providing advanced nursing skills and support for veterinarians in general practice.
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. Conduct admission processes for specialised surgical procedures under supervision of a veterinary surgeon | 1.1 Coordinate appointment and provide pre-operative instructions and hospital routines information to the client 1.2 Compile patient histories and client details according to surgeon’s requirements 1.3 Obtain patient samples and submit for analytical tests according to surgeon’s directions 1.4 Incorporate pathological and diagnostic aid results with patient's history |
2. Supervise theatre environment preparation | 2.1 Coordinate theatre preparation to achieve aseptic conditions before and during surgery 2.2 Prepare and check specialised materials and equipment suitable for individual animals ready for surgeon according to WHS and practice policies and procedures 2.3 Perform personal preparation for theatre 2.4 Supervise gloving and gowning of others |
3. Complete specific pre-operative procedures | 3.1 Identify animal anatomy and physiology as it relates to surgical nursing procedures 3.2 Perform pre-surgical evaluation and report observations 3.3 Report patient medical status to and assist the surgeon with patient stabilisation 3.4 Design an individual intravenous fluid therapy plan in consultation with surgeon 3.5 Supervise patient preparation for surgery and position on the operating table |
4. Monitor anaesthesia under the direction and supervision of the surgeon | 4.1 Apply specific anaesthetic procedures 4.2 Apply specific artificial respiration systems 4.3 Apply specific intra-operative medication 4.4 Monitor and record anaesthesia trends and respond appropriately |
5. Provide intra-operative support to surgeon | 5.1 Support the surgeon's personal preparation for theatre if required 5.2 Anticipate progress of surgery and surgeon's requirements 5.3 Aseptically handle and pass instruments, materials and equipment to the surgeon 5.4 Provide specific surgical operating support |
6. Provide post-operative support to patient under supervision of veterinary surgeon | 6.1 Monitor and support anaesthetic recovery of patients 6.2 Perform pain assessment on post-operative patients and develop pain management plan in consultation with surgeon |
7. Manage equipment cleaning and maintenance | 7.1 Oversee the cleaning and maintenance of theatre equipment, drapery and surgical equipment according to infection control procedures 7.2 Coordinate the packing and storage of instruments and surgical equipment |
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 practice policies and procedures (including specialised procedures), relevant legislation, relevant Australian Standards |
Numeracy | Monitor surgical equipment, surgical routines and patient vital signs Accurately measure and monitor dosages of medications |
Interact with others | Apply workplace protocols for communicating with clients and staff Issue verbal instructions on a range of subjects, including maintenance of theatre equipment, cleaning and storage of instruments and surgical equipment |
Get the work done | Prioritise tasks Problem solve issues with available resources Maintain the highest standards of hygiene and infection control at all times to reduce the risk of infection and cross-infection Address irregularities and contingencies in the context of the work role |
Sectors
Veterinary Nursing (VET)