Veterinary Anaesthesia and Surgery Nursing

Abstract

The subject extends the student's knowledge and skills in veterinary nursing in the field of anaesthesia and surgery. Students will study anaesthesia in detail to ensure a comprehensive knowledge as preparation for the practice of surgical nursing. Successful completion of this subject enables students to perform: specific pre-operative procedures; provide high level intra-operative support to the surgeon; apply and monitor anaesthesia; respond to anaesthetic emergencies; develop and maintain fluid plans and provide diagnostic support relating to specific and complex surgical procedures; prepare theatre for surgery and manage theatre staff and theatre procedures; prepare and manage the theatre environment and personnel to deliver the highest standard of surgical care. This subject includes 10 days (equating to 80hrs) of Work Integrated Learning (placement) in an approved veterinary surgery. It is suggested that students seek a practice that offers a surgical referral service for complex surgical procedures.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics: Module 1: analgesia and anaesthesia;Module 2: theatre practice; instrumentation and aseptic technique; legislation; technical support for surgical procedures including dentistry; andModule 3: post-operative management: nutritional support; fluid therapy; rehabilitation and physical therapy; pain management; the recumbent patient and home care.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

maintain surgical equipment using effective aseptic technique;

admit a patient for routine surgeries, by anticipating patient needs prior to surgery and advising the client accordingly;

prepare the theatre, surgical equipment and patient for anaesthesia and surgery;

monitor patient condition, vital signs and anaesthetic response and relate these to patient parameters;

provide support to the surgeon, for a range of surgical and ancillary procedures; and

provide post-operative support to the patient and comprehensively advise the client on home management.

Enrolment restrictions

Restricted to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology

Pre-requisite

Work integrated learning

Placement Duration 80 hours Details Ten (10) days over a fourteen (14) day period (minimum 80 hours) in a small animal specialist (referral) practice with a surgery ward OR a small animal clinic with a high turnover of surgical cases.

Learning activities

Intensive School

The purpose of the intensive school is to ensure students have the surgery and anaesthesia competencies that veterinary technologists are expected to have (based on industry needs). The program will include tutorials and practical classes associated with the following: aseptic technique; anaesthesia considerations for different disease states; physical therapy; instrumentation; sutures; pain management; and monitoring the patient. The intensive school will run for 24 hours over a 6 day period.

Duration24 hours

Learning resources

Additional resources required by students

Students attending compulsory intensive schools on Charles Sturt campuses will incur costs associated with travel, accommodation and required resources.

Students attending compulsory work integrated learning will incur costs associated with travel, accommodation and required resources.

Handbook

ASC391 - Veterinary Anaesthesia and Surgery Nursing