Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:11 PM AWST
22/07/2026 3:11 PM 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.
Manage nursing requirements for specialised surgical procedures
Manage nursing requirements for specialised surgical procedures
Unit of competency
National Code
ACMVET501A
ACMVET501A
State Code
D3951
D3951
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
30/06/2014
Field of Education
080301 - Business Management
Original Release Date
30/06/2014
Nominal Hours
180
Description
This Unit of competency covers the process of conducting admissions for specialised surgical procedures, preparing the theatre environment, performing specific pre-operative procedures, monitoring anaesthesia, providing intra-operative support to surgeons and managing equipment cleaning and maintenance.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Conduct admission process for specialised surgical procedures
- 1.1. Appointment is made and pre-operative instructions and hospital routines information are provided to the client (owner).
- 1.2. Patient histories and client details are compiled in accordance with surgeon's requirements.
- 1.3. Referrals and associated documentation are coordinated as required.
- 1.4. Patient samples are obtained in accordance with workplacehealth and safety requirements and are submitted for analytical tests as required.
- 1.5. Pathological and diagnostic aid results are assimilated with patient's history.
2. Prepare the theatre environment
- 2.1. Theatre is prepared in accordance with workplace health and safety requirements to achieve aseptic conditions prior to and during surgery.
- 2.2. Specialised materials and equipment are accessed, checked and prepared for use.
- 2.3. Personal preparation and gloving and gowning of theatre attire by other personnel are supervised as required.
3. Perform specific pre-operative procedures
- 3.1. Pre-surgical evaluation is performed and observations are reported.
- 3.2. Patient is stabilised and an individual fluid therapy plan is designed in consultation with the surgeon.
- 3.3. Patient is prepared for surgery and positioned on the operating table in accordance with the requirements of the procedure and surgeon.
4. Monitor anaesthesia
- 4.1. Specific anaesthetic procedures are applied under the supervision of the surgeon.
- 4.2. Specific artificial respiration systems are applied under the supervision of the surgeon.
- 4.3. Specific intra-operative medication is applied as instructed by the surgeon.
5. Provide intra-operative support to surgeon
- 5.1. Support is provided for the surgeon's personal preparation for theatre if directed.
- 5.2. Progress of surgery and surgeon's requirements are anticipated and requirements are met in a timely manner.
- 5.3. Instruments, materials and equipment are handed to the surgeon in accordance with defined clinic policies.
- 5.4. Specific surgical operating support is provided as required.
- 5.5. Specialised bandages or splints are applied and medication is administered as instructed by the surgeon.
6. Manage equipment cleaning and maintenance
- 6.1. Theatre equipment, drapery and specialised surgical equipment are cleaned and maintained in accordance with clinic policies and workplace health and safety requirements.
- 6.2. Instruments and specialised surgical equipment are packed and stored in an appropriate environment and atmosphere.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Specialised surgical procedures may include:
cystotomy
enterotomy
gastrotomy
orthopaedic surgery
ophthalmic surgery
spinal surgery
thoracotomy.
Pre-operative instructions may be given in regard to:
control of exercise
fasting
medication
restricted fluid intake.
Hospital routines information may include:
patient progress
patient visiting arrangements
referral to specialised advice.
Patient histories and client details may include:
patient histories may be maintained manually or electronically
patient histories:
referral and associated documentation
pathological and diagnostic results
client details:
owner's name and address
emergency contact
payment details.
Patient samples may include:
blood obtained by venipuncture
faeces collected by direct rectal examination and free catch
hair pluckings
other exudates
skin scrapings
tape preparations
urine collected by free catch
urinary catheterisation under veterinary supervision.
Workplace health and safety risks when working with animals may include:
animal bites, kicks, scratches and crush injuries
biological hazardous waste and sharps disposal
handling of chemicals and medicines
gas leakage
inhalation of aerosol particles
intraocular contamination
manual handling, including carrying, lifting and shifting
needle pricks and cuts from other sharps
release of infective agents (animal and human)
slippery or uneven work surfaces
zoonoses.
Specialised materials and equipment may include:
anaesthetic equipment
blood pressure monitoring equipment
capnographs
catheters
drains
electrocardiogram (ECG)
electrosurgical units
endoscopes
fibroscopes
heated operating tables
laryngoscopes
laparoscopes
oesophageal stethoscopes
orthopaedic equipment:
drills and saws
ophthalmic equipment
pulse oximeters
scavenger
suction pumps
ventilators.
Personal preparation and preparation of other personnel for the theatre environment will include:
anti-static footwear or shoe covers
demonstrating open and closed gloving techniques
donning specialised theatre scrub suits
gowning using cloth or disposable gowns
scrubbing up aseptically
surgical caps and masks.
Pre-surgical evaluation may include:
assessment of temperament
capillary refill time
evaluation of pain prior to sedation and anaesthetic choice under supervision of a surgeon
fluid therapy plan under supervision of a surgeon
heart rate
mucous membrane colour
pulse rate and quality
rectal temperature
respiratory rate and effort.
Actions when stabilising patients may include:
administration of fluid therapy
application of restraints
calming actions and words
clearing the airway as required
connection to artificial respiration
intubation
monitoring vital signs
preoperative medications and premedications
placement of an intravenous catheter
provision of supportive padding.
Preparing patients for specialised surgical procedures may include:
administration of an enema
applying splints
clipping
fitting of surgical drapes
limb support
scrubbing of surgical area using an aseptic technique
taping
vacuuming.
Specific anaesthetic procedures may include:
administration of anaesthetic agents and patient monitoring
intra-operative drugs
intravenous or intraosseous fluid therapy
maintaining arterial catheters
maintaining peripheral or central intravenous catheters
pain management.
Specific artificial respiration systems may include:
constant monitoring of vital signs
monitoring and recording of anaesthesia levels
administration of oxygen into recovery and may include mechanical or manual artificial ventilation, such as intermittent positive pressure ventilation.
Intra-operative support to surgeon may include:
anaesthesia support
maintenance of an aseptic surgical environment.
Anticipating surgeon's requirement may include:
animal restraint
cleaning up
haemostasis
notifying changes in vital signs or level of anaesthesia
providing instruments and tray maintenance
selecting and providing suture material
wet and dry swabbing.
Specific surgical operating support may include:
instrument holding, passage, cleansing and assembly
instrument tray maintenance
limb positioning, as appropriate
organ packing
positioning of suction apparatus
retraction, as appropriate
suture selection and cutting
swab counting.
Specialised bandages may include:
abdominal bandages
Ehmer slings
foot bandages
head or ear bandages
Robert Jones
thoracic bandages.
Maintenance may include:
specialised equipment:
calibration checks
checks of scavenger
checks of heating and cooling systems
disassembly and reassembly
light globe tests
lubrication
parts sharpening
performance testing
general maintenance:
identification of damaged and ineffective equipment or parts that are replaced or set aside for repair
lubrication of hydraulic lifts, tracks and wheels to ensure smooth operation and optimum performance.
Cleaning may require:
appropriate antibacterial or virucide agents
specific cleaning tools
use of chemical agents.
The range statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Specialised surgical procedures may include:
cystotomy
enterotomy
gastrotomy
orthopaedic surgery
ophthalmic surgery
spinal surgery
thoracotomy.
Pre-operative instructions may be given in regard to:
control of exercise
fasting
medication
restricted fluid intake.
Hospital routines information may include:
patient progress
patient visiting arrangements
referral to specialised advice.
Patient histories and client details may include:
patient histories may be maintained manually or electronically
patient histories:
referral and associated documentation
pathological and diagnostic results
client details:
owner's name and address
emergency contact
payment details.
Patient samples may include:
blood obtained by venipuncture
faeces collected by direct rectal examination and free catch
hair pluckings
other exudates
skin scrapings
tape preparations
urine collected by free catch
urinary catheterisation under veterinary supervision.
Workplace health and safety risks when working with animals may include:
animal bites, kicks, scratches and crush injuries
biological hazardous waste and sharps disposal
handling of chemicals and medicines
gas leakage
inhalation of aerosol particles
intraocular contamination
manual handling, including carrying, lifting and shifting
needle pricks and cuts from other sharps
release of infective agents (animal and human)
slippery or uneven work surfaces
zoonoses.
Specialised materials and equipment may include:
anaesthetic equipment
blood pressure monitoring equipment
capnographs
catheters
drains
electrocardiogram (ECG)
electrosurgical units
endoscopes
fibroscopes
heated operating tables
laryngoscopes
laparoscopes
oesophageal stethoscopes
orthopaedic equipment:
drills and saws
ophthalmic equipment
pulse oximeters
scavenger
suction pumps
ventilators.
Personal preparation and preparation of other personnel for the theatre environment will include:
anti-static footwear or shoe covers
demonstrating open and closed gloving techniques
donning specialised theatre scrub suits
gowning using cloth or disposable gowns
scrubbing up aseptically
surgical caps and masks.
Pre-surgical evaluation may include:
assessment of temperament
capillary refill time
evaluation of pain prior to sedation and anaesthetic choice under supervision of a surgeon
fluid therapy plan under supervision of a surgeon
heart rate
mucous membrane colour
pulse rate and quality
rectal temperature
respiratory rate and effort.
Actions when stabilising patients may include:
administration of fluid therapy
application of restraints
calming actions and words
clearing the airway as required
connection to artificial respiration
intubation
monitoring vital signs
preoperative medications and premedications
placement of an intravenous catheter
provision of supportive padding.
Preparing patients for specialised surgical procedures may include:
administration of an enema
applying splints
clipping
fitting of surgical drapes
limb support
scrubbing of surgical area using an aseptic technique
taping
vacuuming.
Specific anaesthetic procedures may include:
administration of anaesthetic agents and patient monitoring
intra-operative drugs
intravenous or intraosseous fluid therapy
maintaining arterial catheters
maintaining peripheral or central intravenous catheters
pain management.
Specific artificial respiration systems may include:
constant monitoring of vital signs
monitoring and recording of anaesthesia levels
administration of oxygen into recovery and may include mechanical or manual artificial ventilation, such as intermittent positive pressure ventilation.
Intra-operative support to surgeon may include:
anaesthesia support
maintenance of an aseptic surgical environment.
Anticipating surgeon's requirement may include:
animal restraint
cleaning up
haemostasis
notifying changes in vital signs or level of anaesthesia
providing instruments and tray maintenance
selecting and providing suture material
wet and dry swabbing.
Specific surgical operating support may include:
instrument holding, passage, cleansing and assembly
instrument tray maintenance
limb positioning, as appropriate
organ packing
positioning of suction apparatus
retraction, as appropriate
suture selection and cutting
swab counting.
Specialised bandages may include:
abdominal bandages
Ehmer slings
foot bandages
head or ear bandages
Robert Jones
thoracic bandages.
Maintenance may include:
specialised equipment:
calibration checks
checks of scavenger
checks of heating and cooling systems
disassembly and reassembly
light globe tests
lubrication
parts sharpening
performance testing
general maintenance:
identification of damaged and ineffective equipment or parts that are replaced or set aside for repair
lubrication of hydraulic lifts, tracks and wheels to ensure smooth operation and optimum performance.
Cleaning may require:
appropriate antibacterial or virucide agents
specific cleaning tools
use of chemical agents.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this Unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this Unit. Assessors should ensure that candidates can:
admit animals for specialised surgical procedures completing all appropriate documentation
prepare animals and theatres for specific surgical procedures
organise self and clinic personnel in preparing necessary equipment and material for specialised routines
identify and safely use appropriate equipment, instruments and materials for specialised surgical procedures
monitor anaesthesia throughout surgery and provide specific support to surgeons as required
observe and report accurately on animals' condition and vital signs
recognise, respond to and assist with emergencies
manage theatre requirements and the cleaning and maintenance requirements of specialised surgical equipment.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment of this Unit is to be practical in nature and must be assessed in a clinic or hospital where registered specialists are performing specialised surgical procedures.
There must be access to the appropriate surgical equipment and/or resources relevant to the specialised surgical procedures taking place in the clinic to enable one to demonstrate competence.
Method of assessment
To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated by managing nursing requirements and carrying out post-operative nursing routines for an extensive range of specialised surgical procedures on a regular basis over a period of time.
The assessment strategy must include practical skills assessment. Suggested strategies for this Unit are:
written and/or oral assessment of candidate's required knowledge
observed, documented and first-hand testimonial evidence of candidate's application of practical tasks
simulation exercises that reproduce normal work conditions
case study analysis
third-party evidence
workplace documentation
portfolio.
This Unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other Units of Competency relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy and numeracy demands) and the needs of particular target groups (e.g. people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people with a language background other than English, youth and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds).
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this Unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this Unit. Assessors should ensure that candidates can:
admit animals for specialised surgical procedures completing all appropriate documentation
prepare animals and theatres for specific surgical procedures
organise self and clinic personnel in preparing necessary equipment and material for specialised routines
identify and safely use appropriate equipment, instruments and materials for specialised surgical procedures
monitor anaesthesia throughout surgery and provide specific support to surgeons as required
observe and report accurately on animals' condition and vital signs
recognise, respond to and assist with emergencies
manage theatre requirements and the cleaning and maintenance requirements of specialised surgical equipment.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment of this Unit is to be practical in nature and must be assessed in a clinic or hospital where registered specialists are performing specialised surgical procedures.
There must be access to the appropriate surgical equipment and/or resources relevant to the specialised surgical procedures taking place in the clinic to enable one to demonstrate competence.
Method of assessment
To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated by managing nursing requirements and carrying out post-operative nursing routines for an extensive range of specialised surgical procedures on a regular basis over a period of time.
The assessment strategy must include practical skills assessment. Suggested strategies for this Unit are:
written and/or oral assessment of candidate's required knowledge
observed, documented and first-hand testimonial evidence of candidate's application of practical tasks
simulation exercises that reproduce normal work conditions
case study analysis
third-party evidence
workplace documentation
portfolio.
This Unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other Units of Competency relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy and numeracy demands) and the needs of particular target groups (e.g. people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people with a language background other than English, youth and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds).
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S4074 | RUV5601A | Manage nursing requirements for specialised surgical procedures | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAL05 | ACMVET501 | Manage nursing requirements for specialised surgical procedures | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J363 | ACM50212 | Diploma of Veterinary Nursing (Surgical) | Qualification |
| S688 | ACM50210 | Diploma of Veterinary Nursing (Surgical) | Qualification |