Foundations in Clinical Procedures and Veterinary Nursing

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Abstract

This is the second of a suite of first year subjects (four in total) which are used for awarding of the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. This subject introduces students to the knowledge and skills associated with veterinary clinical procedures and veterinary nursing. Students will develop knowledge and skills in veterinary imaging, laboratory procedures and the maintenance and preparation of a range of medical and diagnostic equipment. Students will also develop skills in veterinary nursing to enable them to assist in a range of medical and diagnostic procedures. This subject will also assist students to develop self-reflection and self-assessment skills in order to develop a strategy for professional lifelong learning. For the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology, students are required to complete four subjects (ASC180, ASC181, ASC182 and ASC183) and a total of 35 days of workplace learning in an approved veterinary clinic to gain the knowledge, practical skills and competencies required for the awarding of the Certificate IV of Veterinary Nursing. There is no WPL associated with this subject.

Syllabus

Introduction to anatomy and physiology;Diagnostic procedures: veterinary imaging, radiation safety, clinical pathology procedures, ultrasound, ECG and endoscopy; andVeterinary medical nursing: management of hospitalised patients, pain management, wound management, neonatal nursing, physical therapy, parenteral and enteral nutrition, fluid therapy and routine observations.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

recognise and apply basic animal anatomy and physiology;

appropriately position animals for a range of diagnostic equipment;

prepare and maintain a range of veterinary diagnostic equipment;

describe radiation safety requirements and apply in a practical setting;

describe the fundamentals of contrast media and apply in a practical setting;

describe the maintenance protocol for a range of veterinary equipment and apply in a practical setting;

assist in a range of diagnostic procedures;

prepare for and assist in a range of medical procedures;

prepare and administer (under veterinary supervision) intravenous fluids and blood products; and

10.

describe the principles of and provide high quality veterinary nursing care.

Enrolment restrictions

Restricted to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology.

Learning activities

Intensive School

The purpose of the intensive school is to ensure students have the competencies that veterinary technologists are expected to have (based on industry needs). The program will include tutorials and practical classes associated with the following: laboratory techniques including in-house testing, sample collection, operation and maintenance of microscopes and other laboratory and diagnostic equipment including ECGs, endoscopes and ultrasounds, imaging and radiology equipment use, radiation safety, fluid therapy and the maintenance of fluid pumps, and catheter (intravenous and urinary) use and maintenance. The intensive school will also include a practical examination.

Duration4 days