Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assist in preparing a veterinary practice for a veterinary emergency response. It is targeted at veterinary nurses who work in a veterinary hospital or emergency/specialist veterinary practice where an extensive range of emergency and critical care procedures are performed.
The unit applies to veterinary nurses, who work under the supervision of a registered, specialist veterinarian in a referral centre or in an emergency centre. Managing these nursing requirements requires access to an emergency care setting where emergency care procedures are regularly performed by specialist veterinary surgeons on patients using specialised equipment, instruments and resources.
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
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare for emergency response | 1.1 Prepare the environment for specific emergency scenarios and test equipment viability and personnel performance 1.2 Provide the critical care team with policies for emergencies 1.3 Provide critical care team practice drills for practice staff 1.4 Prepare and deliver in-house training sessions 1.5 Maintain a state of preparedness for emergency response |
2. Assist with the preparation of emergency and critical care protocols | 2.1 Assist with the development or review policies and procedures for critical care in consultation with the veterinarian 2.2 Conduct assessment of standard operation procedures including legislation, WHS and animal welfare requirements, and record a performance appraisal 2.3 Assist with the development of improved procedures in consultation with the veterinarian |
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 |
Oral Communication | Provide clear and concise instructions to staff in implementing practice drills |
Get the work done | Address irregularities and contingencies in the context of the work role |
Sectors
Veterinary Nursing (VET)