Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to manage nursing procedures in order to support veterinarians and achieve the best possible patient outcomes. Nursing procedures range from veterinary support in consultations and surgery to the daily care of hospitalised patients. Nursing support includes the preparation of equipment, materials, medications and the patient, monitoring anaesthesia, providing assistance in theatre, administering drugs, providing wound care, drain maintenance, critical care and infection control.
This unit applies to veterinary nurses with extensive vocational expertise who are responsible for providing advanced nursing skills and support for registered veterinarians in general practice. It is assumed that such nurses will have a leadership role in their practice and be involved in the development, implementation and review of practice policies and procedures.
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. Supervise nursing support for veterinary procedures | 1.1 Coordinate available nursing staff to support veterinary activities 1.2 Coordinate preparation of materials and equipment in anticipation of need 1.3 Supervise nursing staff assistance in a range of medical and surgical nursing procedures 1.4 Coordinate nursing staff to monitor and communicate anaesthetic depth and patient vital signs during general anaesthesia under veterinary supervision 1.5 Coordinate nursing staff requirements for post-operative procedures 1.6 Organise appropriate rostering of nursing staff |
2. Organise, monitor and document referral requests, procedures and follow-up processes | 2.1 Notify referral veterinarian or other health care professional and service regarding reason for referral according to practice procedures and referring veterinarian’s instructions 2.2 Arrange transfer of copies of client records and referral information while maintaining client confidentiality 2.3 Advise clients of referral procedures and provide copies of relevant documentation 2.4 Document referrals in case notes using industry standard terminology 2.5 Document referral veterinarian patient case report outcomes and required after care in case notes using industry standard terminology |
3. Manage hospitalised patients | 3.1 Implement specific veterinarian instructions for the care of hospitalised patients 3.2 Coordinate nursing care of hospitalised patients according to WHS, infection control and animal welfare requirements 3.3 Develop and implement infection control policies and procedures to comply with infection control requirements 3.4 Conduct hospital rounds with attending veterinarian ensuring effective nurse handovers |
4. Monitor the maintenance of accurate records | 4.1 Develop and implement a range of practice policies and procedures to facilitate nursing activities 4.2 Confirm staff follow policies and procedures to maintain appropriate documentation of hospitalised patients 4.3 Review policies and procedures to improve patient outcomes and customer service |
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 |
Numeracy | Monitor patient vital signs and calculate drug doses and fluid rates |
Get the work done | Apply problem-solving skills to use available resources and anticipate veterinarians’ requirements Consistently evaluate and monitor own performance Address irregularities and contingencies in the context of the work role |
Sectors
Veterinary Nursing (VET)