Coordinate and perform surgical nursing routines

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 10:37 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Unit of competency

National Code
ACMVET405

State Code
OAL16

TGA Status
Current

DTWD Status
Approved

Current Release Number
1.00

Current Release Date
11/12/2018

View on TGA

State Implementation and Classification

Approved Date

29/05/2019

Field of Education

061103 - Veterinary Assisting

Original Release Date

29/05/2019

Nominal Hours

110

Description

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to coordinate surgery schedules, prepare the surgical environment and provide support for the veterinary surgeon, including before, during and after routine and non-routine surgical procedures and monitoring patients (animals) while they are under anaesthesia.This unit applies to veterinary nurses, who work independently under the supervision of a registered veterinarian in a veterinary practice. Veterinary nurses who coordinate surgical routines need to hold and apply specialised knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology, and surgical procedures, typically carried out in a veterinary practice or hospital.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.

Notes

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare surgery schedules

1.1 Prepare and prioritise surgery schedules using industry terminology in consultation with the veterinarian and theatre nurse
1.2 Prepare and collate consent forms, anaesthesia monitoring records and other surgical documentation according to practice policy
1.3 Manage surgery schedule in cooperation with the veterinarian

2. Prepare for surgical procedures

2.1 Communicate effectively with veterinarian and clients in relation to surgical preparation, procedures and post-recovery needs
2.2 Select and position surgical packs, equipment and supplies for scheduled procedures
2.3 Perform routine surgical site preparation procedures, including clipping, preparation of skin, and positioning animal
2.4 Position anaesthetic machine and monitoring equipment
2.5 Confirm that staff are appropriately dressed for surgery

3. Provide support for surgical routines

3.1 Hold, restrain or position anaesthetised animals during the surgical procedure
3.2 Provide sterile and non-sterile assistance to the veterinarian according to aseptic techniques
3.3 Provide theatre equipment to the veterinarian as required
3.4 Dispose of clinical and other waste in compliance with biosecurity and hazardous waste protocols

4. Perform post-operative procedures

4.1 Monitor wound or surgical site for signs of abnormality
4.2 Carry out defined post-operative patient management procedures according to veterinarian’s instructions
4.3 Provide post-operative advice to the animal owner according to veterinarian’s instructions

5. Clean, maintain and store theatre instruments, equipment and supplies

5.1 Clean theatre environs
5.2 Clean and sterilise instruments and theatre linen according to relevant Australian Standards
5.3 Handle and store sterilised instruments and theatre equipment in a manner that maintains sterility
5.4 Maintain equipment and stock of supplies
5.5 Implement equipment maintenance procedures to ensure machines are operational

No information

Replaces

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
D3942	ACMVET405A	Carry out surgical nursing routines	Unit of competency
D3945	ACMVET408A	Coordinate and perform theatre routines	Unit of competency

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
BED9	ACM40418	Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing	Qualification