Diploma of Veterinary Nursing (Surgical)

This Qualification is the industry standard for veterinary nurses who provide specialised surgical nursing support for registered specialist veterinarians performing specialised surgical procedures within veterinary clinics or hospitals.

Candidates undertaking study for this Qualification require extensive vocational expertise and should expect that access through paid employment within a veterinary clinic or hospital where a registered specialist performs specialised surgical procedures will be essential for meeting assessment requirements of some Units.

The Diploma of Veterinary Nursing (Surgical) is extremely complex and requires access and exposure to an extensive range of specialised surgical procedures, including intrathoracic, internal fixation, external fixation, soft tissue, ophthalmic, skin grafting, oncological surgery, advanced corrective orthopaedics and which may require advanced anaesthetic monitoring. It also requires access to a veterinary clinic or hospital where specialised surgical procedures are performed; veterinary surgeons that perform specialised surgical procedures; patients and clients requiring specialised surgical procedures; and the equipment, instruments and resources required to perform specialised surgical procedures.


Subjects

A total of seven (7) Units of Competency must be achieved as specified below:

complete seven (7) CORE Units.

CORE: Complete the following seven (7) CORE Units

Unit code

Unit title

add topic ACMSUS301A

Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices

add topic ACMVET501A

Manage nursing requirements for specialised surgical procedures

add topic ACMVET502A

Carry out post-operative nursing routines

add topic ACMVET508A

Support veterinary practice communication and professional development

add topic ACMWHS501A

Manage workplace health and safety processes

add topic BSBCUS501C

Manage quality customer service

add topic BSBWOR502B

Ensure team effectiveness


Pathways...

    Pathways into the Qualification

    Pathways for candidates considering this Qualification are after achieving ACM40412 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.

    Pathways from the Qualification

    After achieving the ACM50212 Diploma of Veterinary Nursing (Surgical), candidates may undertake professional development activities in areas of benefit to their workplace and their personal aspirations


Entry Requirements

Entrants into ACM50212 Diploma of Veterinary Nursing (Surgical) are required to hold the 19 Core Units from the ACM40412 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.


Licensing Information

There is a direct link between this Qualification and approval to perform veterinary nursing duties under the Western Australian (WA) Veterinary Surgeons Act 1960 as amended. The WA Veterinary Surgeons Board must approve qualified persons to carry out the duties of veterinary nurses and must authorise persons enrolled in approved courses to perform the duties of trainee veterinary nurses. Candidates should confirm the regulatory requirements that apply in their relevant state or territory. In addition, individual Units of Competency may specify relevant licensing, legislative and/or regulatory requirements.


Employability Skills

Employability Skill

Industry/enterprise requirements for this Qualification include:

Communication

analyse and apply technical information

analyse data and information to determine implications for work operations

communicate with all people at all levels of the organisation in a professional manner

complete a range of workplace documentation and records

select communication technologies to support work operations

demonstrate effective and appropriate communication and interpersonal skills when dealing with people

develop work instructions, specifications and procedures

select and apply documentation, communication and interpersonal strategies when dealing with internal and external clients

select communication methods according to priority, cost and audience needs.

Teamwork

determine performance required to meet internal and external customer needs

facilitate team achievements

lead cooperative work relations with people of different ages, gender, race or religion

manage organisational processes and provide problem solving support to others

provide leadership.

Problem-solving

identify and address potential and actual problems associated with work operations or in achieving work outcomes

investigate problem causes and implement corrective strategies

identify environmental features, regulations, legislative requirements and other factors which may affect the process or service to be provided

use material and process knowledge to solve problems

identify hazards and suggest control measures

analyse animal welfare and safety practices.

Initiative and enterprise

determine and act on situations requiring further information or problem solving

determine information gathering requirements to monitor work processes and procedures

determine quality and other indicators of work outcomes

identify efficient production processes

implement continuous improvement processes

provide leadership in the workplace.

Planning and organising

demonstrate time-management skills

determine resource requirements

determine work timelines and quality service targets

identify hazards and implement appropriate hazard control measures

optimise work processes.

Self-management

analyse implications of relevant Acts and regulations on work practices

conduct work reviews to determine improvement requirements

determine workplace procedures and instructions

monitor work operations and identify and act on any quality and performance issues

manage own time to meet deadlines.

Learning

assess work data and information to identify areas for improved performance

be supportive, assertive and use interpersonal skills to encourage workplace learning

develop learning opportunities

gather feedback on own work to assess effectiveness in meeting objectives and integrate information into own practice

identify own training needs and seek skill development if required

maintain currency of industry skill and knowledge.

Technology

ensure readiness and operational efficiency of workplace technology

help others use technology efficiently and safely

select computer software applications to perform work operations

work with technology safely and according to workplace standards.