Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out post-operative nursing routines, and discharge patients (animals) that have undergone specialised surgical procedures into the care of clients (owners).
This unit applies to 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 individuals who exercise autonomy in undertaking complex work. They analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities. They demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area and work in a range of routine and non-routine contexts.
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. Monitor patients post-operatively under supervision of veterinary surgeon | 1.1 Communicate effectively with surgeon on all aspects of post-operative patient care 1.2 Identify animal anatomy and physiology as it relates to post-operative surgical nursing procedures 1.3 Record vital signs and observations and abnormalities 1.4 Prepare and implement nursing care plans including pain management techniques in consultation with surgeon and comply with WHS, infection control and animal welfare requirements 1.5 Apply recognised physical therapy techniques according to patient needs 1.6 Recognise, respond to and assist with post-operative emergencies 1.7 Oversee the cleaning and maintenance of post-operative equipment according to infection control procedures 1.8 Complete all relevant documentation in consultation with surgeon |
2. Maintain patient fluid requirements | 2.1 Aseptically place and maintain intravenous catheters 2.2 Maintain intravenous fluid therapy, under supervision of veterinary surgeon 2.3 Monitor patient fluid output |
3. Maintain patient nutritional requirements | 3.1 Meet specific nutritional requirements for individual patient needs 3.2 Calculate energy requirements according to patient needs 3.3 Carry out assisted feeding procedures |
4. Monitor wound or surgical site post-operatively, under supervision of veterinary surgeon | 4.1 Select and apply appropriate post-operative dressings and bandages 4.2 Manage active and passive surgical drains 4.3 Manage open wounds post-operatively |
5. Monitor recumbent patients post-operatively | 5.1 Select housing and bedding appropriate to specific patient needs 5.2 Use specific nursing techniques to prevent and treat complications associated with recumbent patients 5.3 Use positioning aids and techniques appropriate to surgical procedure, disease process and individual patient needs |
6. Discharge patients into the care of clients with veterinarian’s instructions | 6.1 Communicate specific home care nursing requirements to client 6.2 Communicate instructions on patient’s physiotherapy and exercise to client as required 6.3 Organise follow up appointments as required |
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 |
Numeracy | Measure and monitor animal vital signs Accurately measure and monitor medication dosages |
Get the work done | Address irregularities and contingencies in the context of the work role |
Sectors
Veterinary Nursing (VET)