Required skills

maintain and use clippers and vacuum cleaners

record observations from veterinarian using correct veterinary terminology

restrain animals

safely dispose of biological hazardous waste and sharps

literacy skills to read select and apply policies and procedures including OHS and other clinic policies and procedures follow sequenced written instructions and record accurately and legibly patient details

oral communication skillslanguage required to fulfil the job role as specified by the clinic including questioning techniques active listening asking for clarification from the owner and consulting with the duty veterinarian

numeracy skills to estimate calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of social cultural religious and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities

problemsolving skills to use available resources and prioritise daily tasks

use disinfectants and cleaning agents correctly and apply appropriate cleaning and sterilising techniques

use and record the use of chemicals and medicines in accordance with relevant state or territory legislation

Required knowledge

aseptic techniques

clinic policies and procedures including OHS requirements

general theatre etiquette dress rules and nogo areas

legislative requirements and health regulations for the storage use and disposal of chemicals and biological debris from veterinary procedures

possible requirements of the veterinarian during operations

range of equipment required in both the preparation and theatre areas

veterinary terminology pertaining to patient observation

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit Assessors should ensure that candidates can

prepare animals for scheduled operations in accordance with clinic policies and procedures

transfer animals safely to and from surgery

prepare theatre or surgical operating area for use

provide surgery support as required throughout procedure

care for animal pre and postoperatively

clean and sterilise theatre and equipment after surgery

communicate effectively with the veterinarian and veterinary nurse and follow instructions

The skills and knowledge required to assist with surgery preparation must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts and include the ability to deal with unplanned events

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this unit is to be practical in nature and will be most appropriately assessed in a veterinary practice or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions

There must be access to a range of animals and the relevant information equipment andor resources to enable one to demonstrate competence

Method of assessment

To ensure consistency in ones performance competency should be demonstrated to industry defined standards on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances cases and responsibilities and where possible over a number of assessment activities

The assessment strategy must include practical skills assessment Suggested strategies for this unit are

written andor oral assessment of candidates required knowledge

observed documented and firsthand testimonial evidence of candidates application of practical tasks

simulation exercises that reproduce normal work conditions

thirdparty evidence

workplace documentation

portfolio

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands eg literacy and numeracy demands and the needs of particular target groups eg people with disabilities Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people women people with a language background other than English youth and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds

OHS risks when working with animals may include:

Animal preparation for surgery may include:

Surgical packs and equipment may include:

Staff preparation support may include:

Vital signs include:

Signs of pain may include:

Theatre equipment may include: