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:

apply an advanced working knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology whilst managing wounds or surgical sites post-surgery

communicate effectively with the surgeon on all aspects of patient care

provide clear and concise directions to clinic personnel

maintain patient fluid and nutritional requirements post-surgery in accordance with patient care plans

nurse animals with care and empathy and in accordance with individual patient requirements

implement a physical therapy program for recovering patients

observe and report on animals' condition and vital signs in an accurate manner

record and complete patient records accurately

recognise, respond to and assist with emergencies

communicate with clients on patients' progress and home-nursing requirements.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this Unit is to be practical in nature and must be assessed in a clinic or hospital where registered specialists are performing specialised surgical procedures.

There must be access to the appropriate equipment and/or resources relevant to the specialised surgical procedures taking place in the clinic and the postoperative nursing requirements to enable one to demonstrate competence.

Method of assessment

To ensure consistency of performance, competency should be demonstrated by carrying out postoperative nursing routines for an extensive range of patients recovering from specialised surgical procedures on a regular basis over a period of time.

The assessment strategy must include practical skills assessment. Suggested strategies for this Unit are:

written and/or oral assessment of candidate's required knowledge

observed, documented and first-hand testimonial evidence of candidate's application of practical tasks

simulation exercises that reproduce normal work conditions

case study analysis

third-party 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 (e.g. literacy and numeracy demands) and the needs of particular target groups (e.g. 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).

Required skills

Ability to:

calculate patient nutritional requirements

complete relevant work-related documentation

employ safe and environmentally responsible organisational systems and procedures when working with and handling animals

maintain the highest standards of hygiene and infection control at all times to reduce the risk of infection and cross-infection

observe accurately and report animal condition and vital signs

recognise, respond to and assist with emergencies

use literacy skills to read, select and implement policies and procedures, including workplace health and safety, infection control and other clinic policies and procedures; coordinate patient admission and discharge; implement sequenced written and oral instructions; and record patient details accurately and legibly

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

use oral communication skills/language required to fulfil the job role as specified by the clinic, including negotiating and questioning techniques, active listening, asking for clarification from veterinarian, and acknowledging and responding to a range of views

use numeracy skills to monitor patients' vital signs and surgical equipment

use problem-solving skills to use available resources, prioritise tasks and anticipate surgeon and patient requirements

use safe manual handling techniques and/or equipment

use safe waste handling and disposal procedures.

Required knowledge

Knowledge of:

anaesthesia, fluid therapy and radiographic and imaging routines relating to specialised surgical routines

animal anatomy and physiology related to post-operative nursing routines

fluid therapy

nutritional requirements after specialised surgical procedures

pain management techniques

principles of animal welfare and ethics

recognition of emergencies

relevant state or territory legislation and regulations relating to the practice of veterinary science, workplace health and safety and animal welfare

relevant state or territory legislation covering the use of therapeutic and controlled substances

safe work practices

specialised surgical procedures, including thoracotomy, enterotomy, gastrotomy, cystotomy, spinal surgery, orthopaedic surgery and ophthalmic surgery

therapy strategies for recovering patients

use and recording of chemicals and medicines in the clinic according to relevant legislative requirements

workplace hygiene standards, disinfectants and sterilisation, cleaning agents, cleaning techniques and cleaning equipment and materials.

The range statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Specialised surgical procedures may include:

cystotomy

enterotomy

gastrotomy

orthopaedic surgery

ophthalmic surgery

spinal surgery

thoracotomy.

Maintenance of intravenous catheter sites may include:

changing dressings

flushing wounds with heparinised saline

maintaining catheter asepsis

monitoring the insertion site of a peripheral or central catheter for signs of:

cellulitis

discharge

phlebitis

thrombosis.

Patient fluid output may include:

faeces

fluid from thoracic, abdominal or wound drainage

saliva

urine

vomitus.

Workplace health and safety risks when working with animals may include:

animal bites, kicks, scratches and crush injuries

biological hazardous waste and sharps disposal

handling of chemicals and medicines

gas leakage

inhalation of aerosol particles

intraocular contamination

manual handling, including carrying, lifting and shifting

needle pricks and cuts from other sharps

release of infective agents (animal and human)

slippery or uneven work surfaces

zoonoses.

Equipment to maintain intravenous fluid therapy may include:

drip rate flow regulators

fluid administration sets and extension tubing

fluid pumps

syringe drivers.

Specific nutritional requirements may include:

diets for:

growth

hepatic, renal, pancreatic or cardiac disease

intestinal or urinary tract disorders

weight loss

optimum healing.

Calculating energy requirements may include:

multiplying the basal energy requirement by the illness factor taking into account the calorific content of the food.

Assisted feeding may include:

hand feeding

preparation of suitable diets

tube feeding.

Indwelling surgical drain may include:

abdominal

intrathoracic

wound.

Housing and bedding may include:

housing:

cots

heated kennels

incubators

kennels

runs

bedding:

blankets

dry bedding

heated waterbeds

padded beds

towels.

Complications associated with recumbent patients may include:

decubitus ulcers

depression

hypostatic pneumonia

urine and faecal scalding.

Vital signs and observations may include:

assessment of temperament

capillary refill time

evaluation of pain

fluid and food intake

heart rate

mucous membrane colour

pulse rate and quality

rectal temperature

respiratory rate and effort

urine, faecal and fluid output.

Physical therapy techniques may include:

active assisted exercise:

assisted standing

assisted walking

hydrotherapy

massage:

effleurage (stroking)

petrissage (squeezing)

friction (circular movements)

the application of warm and cold compresses to the affected area

passive exercise therapy:

manipulation and movement of joints and limbs by the nurse through a range of motions.

Home-nursing advice may include:

specialised surgical operations may have life-threatening consequences even during the home recovery period

client advice on discharge:

specific home-nursing requirements detailed by the surgeon

administration of prescribed medications

bladder and bowel movements

management of surgical wounds and drains

cast management

diet and/or exercise and physiotherapy.

advice and contact numbers for potential emergency situations and follow-up appointments.