Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assist in providing treatments for patients (animals) on a daily basis, to maintain practice hygiene and assist with inventory and practice security.
This unit applies to new entrants to the veterinary industry who work under the supervision of a qualified veterinary nurse or registered veterinarian, in a veterinary practice.
Legislative and regulatory requirements apply to the performance of veterinary tasks (or work). These vary according to state/territory jurisdictions and users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before training 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. Maintain practice hygiene in accordance with WHS and industry standards | 1.1 Remove animals and complete housing cleaning and disinfection 1.2 Clean and return animals to housing, reinstate food, water or treatment regimes in accordance with the supervisor’s instructions 1.3 Clean and disinfect walkways, floors and fixtures, according to industry standards 1.4 Wash and dry bedding and materials 1.5. Follow isolation procedures in line with clinic procedures 1.6 Dispose of animal waste in accordance with local government and biosecurity regulations |
2. Carry out daily treatment of patients under veterinary supervision | 2.1 Check animal’s condition and vital signs and record details 2.2 Clean, disinfect and prepare treatment area 2.3 Carry out specified treatments or daily routine procedures 2.4 Administer treatments as instructed by supervising veterinary surgeon 2.5 Carry out veterinarian support routines 2.6 Use restraint techniques and equipment to hold patients for examination |
3. Assist in stock control and practice security | 3.1 Assist with inventory of veterinary supplies and medicines 3.2 Check practice stocks against orders as they are received 3.3 Handle and store drugs according to practice and legislative requirements 3.4 Comply with practice procedure security measures |
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 |
Reading | Access and follow practice policies and procedures, relevant legislation, relevant regulations and product information |
Numeracy | Take and interpret animal vital signs Follow instructions to accurately mix cleaning products and disinfectants Measure, calculate and record animal medications |
Sectors
Veterinary Nursing (VET)