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Unit of competency details

ACMVET501 - Manage nursing requirements for specialised surgical procedures (Release 1)

Summary

Usage recommendation:
Current
Mapping:
MappingNotesDate
Supersedes ACMVET501A - Manage nursing requirements for specialised surgical proceduresUpdated to meet Standards for Training Packages Minor changes to clarify content Assessment requirements revised Work placement requirement included 10/Dec/2018

Release Status:
Current
Releases:
ReleaseRelease date
1 1 (this release) 11/Dec/2018


Classifications

SchemeCodeClassification value
ASCED Module/Unit of Competency Field of Education Identifier 061103 Veterinary Assisting  

Classification history

SchemeCodeClassification valueStart dateEnd date
ASCED Module/Unit of Competency Field of Education Identifier 061103 Veterinary Assisting  01/Feb/2019 
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Unit of competency

Modification History

Release 

Comments 

Release 1

This version released with ACM Animal Care and Management Training Package Version 2.0.

Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to manage nursing requirements for specialised surgical procedures on animals.

This unit applies to veterinary nurses who work in a veterinary practice under the supervision of a registered veterinarian who is at a minimum a Member of the Australia and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS), and who regularly performs advanced surgical procedures on animals. Managing these nursing requirements requires access to a veterinary practice where specialised surgical procedures are performed by veterinary surgeons on patients using the required equipment, instruments and resources. This unit applies to veterinary nurses with extensive vocational expertise who are responsible for providing advanced nursing skills and support for veterinarians in general 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.

Pre-requisite Unit

Nil

Unit Sector

Veterinary Nursing (VET)

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. Conduct admission processes for specialised surgical procedures under supervision of a veterinary surgeon

1.1 Coordinate appointment and provide pre-operative instructions and hospital routines information to the client

1.2 Compile patient histories and client details according to surgeon’s requirements

1.3 Obtain patient samples and submit for analytical tests according to surgeon’s directions

1.4 Incorporate pathological and diagnostic aid results with patient's history

2. Supervise theatre environment preparation

2.1 Coordinate theatre preparation to achieve aseptic conditions before and during surgery

2.2 Prepare and check specialised materials and equipment suitable for individual animals ready for surgeon according to WHS and practice policies and procedures

2.3 Perform personal preparation for theatre

2.4 Supervise gloving and gowning of others

3. Complete specific pre-operative procedures

3.1 Identify animal anatomy and physiology as it relates to surgical nursing procedures

3.2 Perform pre-surgical evaluation and report observations

3.3 Report patient medical status to and assist the surgeon with patient stabilisation

3.4 Design an individual intravenous fluid therapy plan in consultation with surgeon

3.5 Supervise patient preparation for surgery and position on the operating table

4. Monitor anaesthesia under the direction and supervision of the surgeon

4.1 Apply specific anaesthetic procedures

4.2 Apply specific artificial respiration systems

4.3 Apply specific intra-operative medication

4.4 Monitor and record anaesthesia trends and respond appropriately

5. Provide intra-operative support to surgeon

5.1 Support the surgeon's personal preparation for theatre if required

5.2 Anticipate progress of surgery and surgeon's requirements

5.3 Aseptically handle and pass instruments, materials and equipment to the surgeon

5.4 Provide specific surgical operating support

6. Provide post-operative support to patient under supervision of veterinary surgeon

6.1 Monitor and support anaesthetic recovery of patients

6.2 Perform pain assessment on post-operative patients and develop pain management plan in consultation with surgeon

7. Manage equipment cleaning and maintenance

7.1 Oversee the cleaning and maintenance of theatre equipment, drapery and surgical equipment according to infection control procedures

7.2 Coordinate the packing and storage of instruments and surgical equipment

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

  • Access and follow information in practice policies and procedures (including specialised procedures), relevant legislation, relevant Australian Standards

Numeracy

  • Monitor surgical equipment, surgical routines and patient vital signs
  • Accurately measure and monitor dosages of medications

Interact with others

  • Apply workplace protocols for communicating with clients and staff
  • Issue verbal instructions on a range of subjects, including maintenance of theatre equipment, cleaning and storage of instruments and surgical equipment

Get the work done

  • Prioritise tasks
  • Problem solve issues with available resources
  • Maintain the highest standards of hygiene and infection control at all times to reduce the risk of infection and cross-infection
  • Address irregularities and contingencies in the context of the work role

Unit Mapping Information

Code and title current version 

Code and title previous version 

Comments 

Equivalence status 

ACMVET501 Manage nursing requirements for specialised surgical procedures

ACMVET501A Manage nursing requirements for specialised surgical procedures

Updated to meet Standards for Training Packages

Minor changes to clarify content

Assessment requirements revised

Work placement requirement included

No equivalent unit

Links

Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=b75f4b23-54c9-4cc9-a5db-d3502d154103

 

Assessment requirements

Modification History

Release 

Comments 

Release 1

This version released with ACM Animal Care and Management Training Package Version 2.0.

Performance Evidence

An individual demonstrating competency must satisfy all of the elements and performance criteria in this unit.

There must be evidence that the individual has managed nursing requirements for at least two different specialised surgical procedures covering two species, and for each procedure has:

  • evaluated pain prior to sedation and anaesthetic choice under supervision of a veterinary surgeon
  • monitored:
  • fluid therapy plan under supervision of a surgeon
  • mucous membrane colour
  • heart rate and rhythm
  • pulse rate and quality
  • rectal temperature
  • respiratory rate and effort
  • prepared one animal and theatre for specific surgical procedures, including at least two of these procedures:
  • thoracotomy
  • abdominal surgery
  • cystotomy
  • spinal surgery
  • orthopaedic surgery
  • managed theatre requirements and overseen the cleaning and maintenance requirements of surgical equipment, including at least two of these:
  • endoscope
  • laparoscope
  • arthroscope
  • electrosurgical unit/diathermy
  • ECG
  • ventilator
  • suction equipment
  • maintained hygiene and infection control standards to reduce the risk of contamination, infection and cross-infection in surgical, pre-and post-operative contexts
  • performed the activities outlined in the performance criteria of this unit during a period of at least 240 hours of work in a veterinary hospital or veterinary practice where specialist surgical procedures are regularly performed.

Knowledge Evidence

An individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge required to perform the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit. This includes knowledge of:

  • anaesthetic routines and anaesthetic types, including gaseous and injectables
  • animal anatomy and physiology related to specialised surgical procedures
  • specialised and anaesthetic surgical equipment and instruments and how to use each one, including:
  • anaesthetic equipment
  • blood pressure monitoring equipment
  • capnographs
  • catheters
  • wound drains
  • electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • electrosurgical units
  • endoscopes
  • fluid therapy pumps
  • heated operating tables
  • laryngoscopes
  • oesophageal stethoscopes
  • orthopaedic equipment including drills and saws
  • pulse oximeters
  • scavenger
  • suction pumps
  • syringe driver
  • ventilators
  • Australian Standard for cleaning, disinfecting and sterilising re-useable medical and surgical instruments and equipment and maintenance of associated environments in health care facilities
  • intravenous fluid therapy, radiographic and other imaging routines relating to specialised surgical routines
  • pain management and sedation medications and techniques
  • how to recognise emergencies
  • state or territory legislation and regulations relating to the practice of veterinary science, work health and safety and animal welfare relevant to surgical procedures
  • state or territory legislation covering the use of therapeutic and controlled substances in surgical procedures and nursing care
  • processes involved, equipment used and nursing duties in specialised surgical procedures, including thoracotomy, abdominal surgery, cystotomy, spinal surgery and orthopaedic surgery
  • specialised surgical nursing theatre routines
  • specialised bandages and their use
  • workplace hygiene standards, disinfectants and sterilisation, cleaning agents, cleaning techniques and cleaning equipment and materials required in pre-and post-surgical procedures.

Assessment Conditions

Assessment of skills must take place under the following conditions:

  • physical conditions:
  • in the workplace or an environment that accurately reflects a veterinary hospital or surgery
  • resources, equipment and materials:
  • a range of real patients
  • equipment, instruments and resources typically available for veterinary surgery, including specialised equipment used for intra-operative care
  • specifications:
  • access to organisational policies and procedures, current legislation, regulations and relevant codes of practice
  • relationships (internal and/or external):
  • interactions with a registered veterinarian who is at a minimum a Member of the Australia and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS), and who regularly performs advanced surgical procedures on animals.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

Links

Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=b75f4b23-54c9-4cc9-a5db-d3502d154103