Veterinary Medical Nursing

Abstract

The subject extends the student's knowledge and skills in veterinary nursing in the field of medical nursing. Successful completion of this subject enables students to: coordinate nursing procedures to support veterinarians and achieve best possible outcomes for patients; provide veterinary support in consultation; provide high quality care to hospitalised patients; prepare equipment, materials and medications; prepare patients for a range of procedures; and provide high levels of infection control. For all students (internal and online) this subject includes 10 days (equating to 80hrs) of Work Integrated Learning (placement) in a veterinary clinic/hospital which could include 5 days in a specialist practice (e.g. Behavioural Specialist). Online students will attend an Intensive School at Charles Sturt's Wagga Wagga campus.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics: Physical examination and recording of physiological data;Pain recognition and management;Nursing for patients in different life stages;Nursing for patients with specific needs;Wound management - large, chronic and exudative wounds;Nursing exotic animals and wildlife;Infection control - isolation protocols; andThe role of the veterinary technologist in … For more content click the Read More button below.

This subject will cover the following topics:

Physical examination and recording of physiological data;
Pain recognition and management;
Nursing for patients in different life stages;
Nursing for patients with specific needs;
Wound management - large, chronic and exudative wounds;
Nursing exotic animals and wildlife;
Infection control - isolation protocols; and
The role of the veterinary technologist in consultations and advice to clients on topics including: dietary management, preventative health, behaviour management, administration of drugs and other medications, dental care and referral.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

demonstrate the ability to work individually and in a team;

monitor and record basic physiological parameters;

recognise and evaluate changes and trends in physiological parameters;

recognise and appraise the impact of chronic health conditions on the wellbeing of companion animals;

provide tailored nursing care for a variety of conditions to companion animals and wildlife; and

assist in implementing a therapeutic management plan.

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 practice with a high case turnover of internal medicine cases (e.g., chronic diseases, palliative care, long term nursing cases) and preventative health consultations such as vaccinations and microchips.

Learning activities

Intensive School

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

ASC392 - Veterinary Medical Nursing