Application
This unit covers the fundamentals of disease and common disease processes. It includes diagnostic tests, treatment options and nursing care.
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. It is assumed that such nurses will have a leadership role in their practice and use specialised skills and knowledge for pathophysiological work.
This unit applies to veterinary nurses who work in a veterinary practice under the supervision of a registered veterinarian.
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. Interpret fundamentals of disease | 1.1 Collect detailed patient history from client 1.2 Assist with physical examination of the patient’s body systems 1.3 Assist to identify clinical signs consistent with basic disease processes 1.4 Assist in conducting effective triage of patients 1.5 Advise veterinarian of patient history and clinical signs using industry standard terminology |
2. Assist diagnosis of disease by a veterinarian | 2.1 Collect and process diagnostic samples and report results to veterinarian 2.2 Assist to determine causative agents or contributing factors in support of veterinary diagnosis 2.3 Comply with infection control, WHS and animal welfare requirements in disease outbreak scenarios 2.4 Implement strategies to prevent zoonosis |
3. Coordinate veterinary treatments for disease processes | 3.1 Identify the benefits from, and potential adverse responses to, veterinary medications used in general practice 3.2 Assist with preparation and administration of veterinary medications 3.3 Implement appropriate treatment as directed by a veterinarian 3.4 Use safe waste handling and disposal procedures |
4. Manage outpatients under treatment for disease | 4.1 Provide specific written and verbal instructions to clients 4.2 Identify environmental factors relevant to the management of common disease processes 4.3 Coordinate follow up procedures that encourage owner compliance and monitor patient progress |
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 |
Get the work done | Work with other team members and under veterinarian’s directions to coordinate diagnostic tests, treatment regimens and follow up procedures Address irregularities and contingencies in the context of the work role |
Sectors
Veterinary Nursing (VET)