Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:39 PM AWST

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Provide nursing support for critical care surgery

Provide nursing support for critical care surgery

Unit of competency
National Code
ACMVET507
State Code
OAK98
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
13/04/2021
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
90
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for critical care surgery and support the veterinarian during the surgery.It is targeted at veterinary nurses who work in a veterinary hospital or emergency/specialist veterinary practice where an extensive range of emergency and critical care procedures are performed under the supervision of a registered or specialist veterinarian in a referral centre or in an emergency centre. It applies to veterinary nurses with extensive vocational experience.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.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for a critical care surgical patient
  • 1.1 Identify the patient's requirements and prepare patient for surgery
  • 1.2 Prepare surgical and monitoring equipment
2. Monitor patient from induction to recovery
  • 2.1 Provide assistance to the veterinarian for induction and apply safe work practices and animal welfare protocols
  • 2.2 Identify anatomy and physiology as it relates to monitoring patient vital signs and response to anaesthetic agents
  • 2.3 Monitor anaesthetic continuously and record data under the direct supervision of a veterinarian
  • 2.4 Monitor vital signs constantly and respond to abnormal signs
  • 2.5 Administer analgesia and monitor response under veterinary supervision
  • 2.6 Apply specific emergency procedures as directed by the veterinarian
  • 2.7 Provide specific surgical operating support in response to the veterinarian’s requirements
3. Collect and administer blood and blood products
  • 3.1 Identify blood type; source or collect and store blood under the supervision of a veterinarian
  • 3.2 Prepare and administer blood and blood products under the supervision of a veterinarian
  • 3.3 Recognise and treat adverse reactions to transfusions under the supervision and direction of a veterinarian
4. Provide critical care nursing
  • 4.1 Determine patient short-term positioning, environment, medication, nutrition, nursing care and physical therapy in consultation with veterinarian
  • 4.2 Develop nursing care plan using industry standard terminology and including all relevant aspects of treatment and care in conjunction with veterinarian
  • 4.3 Provide intensive nursing care and monitor the patient according to the nursing care plan
  • 4.4 Consult with the veterinarian regularly on the patient's progress
5. Discharge patient
  • 5.1 Organise transportation for the critical care patient according to practice policies and WHS requirements
  • 5.2 Prepare patient for transport within and from the practice
  • 5.3 Provide the client with instructions concerning the patient's care requirements in the home environment
  • 5.4 Collate the patient’s history, records and veterinarian's report and present to client
  • 5.5 Advise client on the delivery of referral documentation to their regular practitioner
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D3957 ACMVET507A Provide nursing support for critical care surgery Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BER8 ACM50219 Diploma of Veterinary Nursing Qualification