Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to implement medical nursing routines, including the preparation and handling of patients (animals) and equipment for specific routines.
This unit applies to veterinary nurses who work independently, under the supervision of a registered veterinarian in a veterinary practice. Veterinary nurses who perform medical nursing routines need to hold and apply specialised knowledge animal anatomy and physiology and medical procedures carried out in a veterinary practice.
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
Element | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare for and assist with medical procedures according to practice policies | 1.1 Prepare equipment, instruments and materials for the required medical procedure at practice or owner site 1.2 Identify anatomy and physiology as it relates to medical routines 1.3 Confirm diagnostic equipment to be used for procedure 1.4 Prepare patient and apply appropriate restraint according to WHS and animal welfare requirements 1.5 Perform scheduled medical procedure under supervision 1.6 Return patient to housing or owner and provide post-procedure care instructions 1.7 Record procedures and animal responses in practice records using industry standard terminology |
2. Prepare for specific practice routines | 2.1 Prepare and calibrate equipment for specific practice routines, according to manufacturer instructions and practice guidelines 2.2 Prepare patient and apply restraint as instructed and according to WHS and animal welfare requirements 2.3 Assist with medical procedures according to practice policies and relevant state/territory legislation 2.4 Record medical procedures as instructed by supervising veterinarian using industry standard terminology 2.5 Clean patient as required and return to housing or owner according to practice policy 2.7 Clean and store equipment according to manufacturer instructions and practice guidelines |
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 | Interpret and apply practice policies and procedures for medical procedures, including infection control procedures |
Numeracy | Monitor animal vital signs during and after medical procedures Effectively operate equipment |
Get the work done | Address irregularities and contingencies in the context of the work role |
Sectors
Veterinary Nursing (VET)