Diploma in Veterinary Nursing School of Agriculture, Food Science & Veterinary Medicine University College Dublin Course Outline 2007-2008 Development of this programme was supported by the Leonardo da Vinci European Community Programme, project Transeq. The Eurosyllabus (VETNNET 2000) was used in the preparation of this programme. Permission to use this material is gratefully acknowledged. July 2007
Diploma in Veterinary Nursing Course Outline 2007-2008 2007-08 Year (Semester) Module Module Title Pages 1 (Semester 1) Module 15 Comparative Anatomy & Physiology I 4 1 (Semester 2) Module 16 Comparative Anatomy & Physiology II 4 1 (Semester 1) Module 17 General Veterinary Nursing I 3 1 (Semester 2) Module 18 General Veterinary Nursing II 3 1 (Semester 1) Module 19 Reception & Management Skills in 1 & 2 Veterinary Nursing 1 (Semester 2) Module 20 Applied Veterinary Nursing 5 1 (Semester1&2) Details of other modules 2007-2008 6
2007-08 Year Module Title Comprising of Former Modules as follows: 2 Veterinary Nursing Module 5 Theory & Practice IIA Module 6 Former Module Title Medical Nursing, In patient Care, Hospital Management (Small Animal) First Aid (Small Animal) Pages 7 & 8 2 Veterinary Nursing Theory & Practice IIB Module 12 Module 7 Exotic Species Surgical Nursing, Anaesthesia and Theatre Techniques (Small Animal) 9, 10 & 11 2 Clinical Veterinary Nursing Rotations II 2 Veterinary Nursing Theory & Practice II 2 Portfolio of Veterinary Nursing Skills II Module 13 Structure of the Profession and Ethics --- --- 12 --- --- 12 --- --- 12
2007-08 Year Module Title Comprising of former Modules as follows: Former Module Title Pages 3 Veterinary Nursing Theory & Practice IIIA Module 8 Module 9 Pharmacology and Pharmacy Laboratory Work 13 & 14 Module 10 Diagnostic Procedures 3 Veterinary Nursing Theory & Practice IIIB 3 Clinical Veterinary Nursing Rotations III 3 Veterinary Nursing Theory & Practice III 3 Portfolio of Veterinary Nursing Skills III Module 11 Large Animal Nursing- (Anaesthesia & Fluid Therapy) Module 11 Large Animal Nursing 15, 16 & 17 --- --- 18 --- --- 18 --- --- 18
Module 19: Reception & Management Skills in Veterinary Nursing Reception Duties Taking and recording case histories Communication of details of cases and treatment to owners Admitting patients for hospitalisation or surgery Discussing consent/discharge forms with clients Discharging medical and surgical inpatients Answering the telephone Dealing with general enquiries Making appointments and maintaining appointment schedules Procedures required for referral of cases Advising and demonstration of the care of animals to clients (module 2) Maintaining manual client and case records Dealing with invoices, payment procedures and filing Identifying emergency conditions in small and large animals, both over the telephone and when presented Advising on first aid treatment to small and large animals Taking appropriate action Basic accounting Preparing and pricing for services supplied Basic stock control of drugs and other practice consumables using manual and electronic systems Introduction to legal aspects of pharmacy Basic computer use Maintaining relations with a range of clients Relations with other employees in the practice Keeping the practice secure Preparing a summary of the facts for each case handled Book keeping Dealing with routine correspondence Dealing with pet health insurance Dealing with documentation from the Department of Agriculture Business planning Marketing and merchandising Practice economics Word processing Maintaining computerised client and case records Bereavement counselling 1
Occupational Hazards, Health & Safety, Care of Equipment Prevention of accidents and safe working practices Requirement for protective clothing Radiation control, containment and protection Practice hygiene with particular reference animal diseases Common zoonoses, their signs and management Procedures for bites and scratches Safe waste storage and correct disposal including cadavers and clinical waste Scavenging systems for anaesthetic gases (module 7) Fire prevention, precautions and control Risk assessment Review of physical principles of the way the following items of equipment work as well as safety aspects, use, cleaning and maintenance; Hazards associated with; Animals Equipment Drugs Chemicals Workplace (module 11) Preventative medicine and disease prophylaxis in animals and man Personal hygiene with particular reference to zoonoses Anaesthetic equipment Anaesthetic monitoring equipment Powered and non powered dental instruments Electrocautery X-ray generators X-ray film processors Ultrasonographic imaging equipment Endoscopes Electrocardiographs Laboratory analysers Microscopes 2
Modules 17 & 18:General Veterinary Nursing I & II (All Species) General Nursing Care, normal and abnormal behaviour of animals Calming and restraining animals for examination and treatment Taking and recording pulse, temperature and respiratory rate; normal values for these parameters for different species Performing routine clinical examinations Basic training of pets Major breeds of species Systems of animal identification Nutritional management of animals Principles of disease prevention Vaccinations available for animals commonly kept Principles of asepsis in veterinary practice Disinfection of premises and equipment commonly used in veterinary practice Preparation of the animal for veterinary non-surgical procedures Sampling techniques Care and use of basic equipment in the veterinary surgery Effects of nutrition on disease Nutritional management of disease Assisting the veterinary surgeon with non-surgical procedures Introduction to dressings and bandages Veterinary terminology Medical Nursing, Inpatient Care and Hospital Management Treatment of hospitalised medical patients, including critical care patients Recording observations and treatment given Administration of medication Routes of administration Routine and therapeutic bathing and coat care Various techniques for patient comfort Management and construction details of facilities for keeping companion animals as inpatients The hospital environment; Ventilation, Heating, Lighting, Bedding Cleaning & Waste disposal Caring and responsible attitude to patients Familiarity with drugs in use and calculation of dose rates Advantages and disadvantages of physiotherapy and alternative therapies Security 3
Module 15 & 16: Comparative Anatomy and Physiology I & II Major categorisation of the different cell and tissue types General organisation of body systems Structure and function of the following systems, with comparative aspects Histology; cellular and sub-cellular structures skeletal system muscular system digestive system heart and circulatory system blood and lymphatic system respiratory system skin urinary system reproductive system nervous system and sensory organs endocrine system Body cavities Surface anatomy Physiology of metabolism movement reproduction temperature regulation Water content of the body and its distribution Types of body fluid 4
Module 20: Applied Veterinary Nursing Reproduction (All Species) Major reproductive and life parameters of all species currently kept Advice on breeding procedures Management of the pregnant animal Physical changes during pregnancy Normal parturition Problems associated with parturition Foetal and neonatal anatomy Post natal care of the dam and newborn Lactation Care of the orphaned animal Elementary genetics Oestrus control and prevention of pregnancy Problems associated with pregnancy False pregnancy Discussion with owners when to seek veterinary advice Managing neonatal illness Implications of inherited defects First Aid (Small Animal) Recognising urgent conditions in animals (module 1) Transporting sick and injured animals safely Different types of bandages and dressings, their features and indications for use Application of simple bandages and dressings Basic human first aid Organisation of ongoing treatment Use of casts Assisting with application of other bandages 5
Other Modules in 2007-2008: students must do one of the following modules in Semester 1 and another one of these modules in Semester 2: Veterinary Nursing Clinical Rotation I (Small Animal) Veterinary Nursing Clinical Rotation II (Large Animal) (These are 2-week rotations which take place within the University Veterinary Hospital) Large Animal Work Experience Small Animal Work Experience (These are non-veterinary, animal-oriented rotations arranged by the students which take place outside of veterinary practices. These rotations are subject to prior approval by the tutor) All students must complete the following modules: Veterinary Nursing Practice IA Veterinary Nursing Practice IB These modules capture the students time and practical experience by recording of time in the UCD registered training practices, completion of the Checklist of Practical Tasks, and practical assessment. Portfolio of Veterinary Nursing Skills I This module is a means of continuous assessment. There are 2 submissions in the academic year and each submission consists of 2 reports and 6 worksheets. 6
Module Title: Veterinary Nursing Theory & Practice IIA Medical Nursing, Inpatient Care and Hospital Management (Small Animal) Infectious diseases and prevention of spread of infection Common medical diseases; Categorisation of disease Epidemiology Pathogenesis of disease contagion/infection Pathogenesis and treatment of; Respiratory system Circulatory system Haemopoeitic system Alimentary system Hepatic disease Pancreatic disease Urinary system Nervous system Endocrine system Skeletal system Skin disease Special senses Poisons Fluid therapy including Calculation of deficits Types of fluids available Routes of administration Rates of administration Blood transfusions Shock Measurement of central venous pressure Total parenteral nutrition Inflammation Hypersensitivity Nutritionally induced diseases Ecto/endo parasite infestation Public health aspects of ecto/endo parasite infections First Aid (Small Animal) Conditions requiring first aid; Collapse/unconsciousness/death Seizures/convulsions Fractures/spinal injuries Wounds Shock Haemorrhage Respiratory arrest Abdominal organs Genitourinary system Sense organs Insect stings Burns/scalds Electrocution Neonates/geriatrics Review; Action in the event of poisoning (module 5) Fluid therapy (module5) Analgesia (module7) 7
Exotic Species Recognition and identification of commonly kept species Basic anatomy and physiology General husbandry in captivity Knowledge of optimal environment for each species Nutrition Compilation of comprehensive case history Handling Clinical examination Administration of medicines Preventative medicine Common conditions, signs and treatment Zoonoses; signs and management Sexing of exotic species Natural history of exotic species and normal habitat Specific species behaviour Advise on choosing of pet and suitability with regard to lifestyle of owner Advising owners on methods of transport Special medical requirements of exotic species Stress and hospitalisation of wild animals Pre-release assessment of wild animals Clinical pathology and collection of samples Anaesthesia Procedures including; Radiology Endoscopy Minor dental attention Neutering Legislation affecting exotics, wildlife and the poultry industry 8
Module Title: Veterinary Nursing Theory & Practice IIB Surgical Nursing, Anaesthesia and Theatre Techniques (Small Animal) The Surgical Patient Local inflammation Wound healing and reasons for wound breakdown Cleaning and dressing wounds Preventing self-damage Common conditions amenable to surgery General cutaneous Locomotor Urogenital Obstetric Alimentary Respiratory Tumours Ophthalmic Dental Circulatory Other; hernia, rupture Preparing animals for examination, treatment and surgery Assisting the veterinary surgeon in providing preoperative care Understanding rationale for treatment and explaining to owners Advising owners regarding withholding of food etc Anaesthesia The principles of different types of anaesthesia and analgesia Drugs used in anaesthesia and analgesia Use of anaesthetic equipment and anaesthetic monitoring equipment Supervision and monitoring of anaesthesia Review of fluid therapy (module 5) Reasons and rationale for choice of anaesthetic and analgesic by veterinary surgeon Types of anaesthetic gas scavenging systems (module 14) 9
Theatre Practice Preparing surgical lists Aseptic preparation of surgical team, theatre and equipment Identification, nomenclature, storage and use of surgical instruments and equipment for routine operative procedures Preparing and handling sterile instruments and materials Different types of sterilisation Preparing the animal for the surgical procedure Positioning the animal and preparation of the surgical site Assisting the veterinary surgeon in providing intra-operative care Preventing heat loss during surgery Different types and uses of suture and other implanted material Application of dental hygiene Use of dental equipment, powered and non powered Application of dental prophylaxis Procedures undertaken before the animal is removed from the operating table Assisting the veterinary surgeon in providing post operative care Monitoring recovery Describe post-operative emergencies and appropriate first aid Describe common post-operative complications Application of methods to prevent the animal from interfering with the wound Instruments for specialised procedures Identifying problems in undertaking surgical procedures and bringing to the attention of the appropriate person Assisting the veterinary surgeon during surgery, scrubbing up as required Assisting with control of haemorrhage Use of electrocautery Assisting with dental therapy 10
Structure of the Profession and Ethics General understanding of the structure, management and function of the veterinary profession at practice level Implications of data protection legislation General overview of statutory instruments and/or legislation relating to Knowledge of specialist areas in the veterinary profession and how this varies in different countries General principles of environmental protection and how they are applied to veterinary science Veterinary Surgeons Veterinary Nurses Medicines Employment Health and Safety at work Classification of notifiable diseases Procedure in the event of an outbreak Procedures which are allowed to be carried out by a veterinary nurse Rational and economic use of energy 11
Other Modules in 2007-2008: Clinical Veterinary Nursing Rotations II These are 2-week rotations which take place within the University Veterinary Hospital Veterinary Nursing Theory & Practice II This module captures the students time and practical experience by recording of time in the UCD registered training practices, completion of the Checklist of Practical Tasks, and practical assessment. Portfolio of Veterinary Nursing Skills II This module is a means of continuous assessment. There are 2 submissions in the academic year and each submission consists of 3 reports and 10 worksheets. 12
Module Title: Veterinary Nursing Theory & Practice IIIA Pharmacology and Pharmacy Types of commonly used medicines and vaccines Forms in which preparations are presented Identification of drugs and appropriate routes of administration Administration of oral and injectable medicines Dispensing and labelling Abbreviations used Categories of medicinal substances and restrictions which apply to each category Stock control Weights and measures commonly used in Veterinary medicine Modes of action of medicines and vaccines Effects and side effects of commonly used groups of medicines Drug withdrawal times for food producing animals Legal Acts and Regulations Care, storage and handling of drugs Recognising drug concentrations and calculating dose rates Laboratory Work Assisting in the collection and preparation of samples Correct labelling Preparation and examination; skin scrapings, blood, urine, faeces Dispatching samples to other laboratories in accordance with any regulations in the country of employment Type, function and safety aspects of common laboratory equipment Keeping laboratory records Year Methods of collection of samples Storage of samples Simple microbiology and parasitology Use of automated analysers, microscope, centrifuge other common lab equipment Use of quality assurance schemes for lab equipment Laboratory results analysis 13
Diagnostic Procedures Preparing equipment and animals of all species for diagnostic imaging procedures Function of diagnostic equipment, including radiography equipment Identification of errors in equipment function Identification of abnormal results Specific safety requirements for radiography Dangers of radiation Elementary principles of radiography Exposures and positioning Film types Use of manual and automatic film processing Darkroom protocol Assessing quality of radiographs Recording of exposures and results Use of ECG, endoscope, ultrasound Use of X-Ray generators Assisting with other imaging systems Use of contrast media Large Animal Anaesthesia and Fluid Therapy Drugs used in anaesthesia and analgesia Use of anaesthetic equipment and anaesthetic monitoring equipment Supervision and monitoring of anaesthesia (module 7) Fluid therapy Year3 Year3 Reasons and rationale for choice of anaesthetic and analgesic by veterinary surgeon Types of anaesthetic gas scavenging systems (module 14) 14
Module Title: Veterinary Nursing Theory & Practice IIIB Large Animal Nursing General Nursing Recognition and identification of breeds commonly kept Animal husbandry; Production Housing Nutrition Typical behaviour Handling/restraint Understanding differences in requirements for each species Preventative healthcare and public health; The Farm Parasite control Vaccination Hygiene Dental care Hoof care Castration Dehorning Docking National Department of Agriculture regulations Meat Inspection Zoonoses Taking and recording of case histories Calming and restraining animals for examination and treatment Taking and recording pulse, temperature and respiratory rate; normal values for these parameters for different species Collection and analysis of samples (module 9) Review of diagnostic imaging; restraint and procedures (module 10) Hazards associated with; Animals Equipment Drugs Chemicals Workplace (module 14) Emergency situations and procedures Rare breeds Optimal environmental conditions Common behavioural problems Communication of details of cases and treatment to owners Assisting with veterinary non surgical procedures 15
Medical Nursing Conditions requiring first aid (module 6) Infectious diseases and prevention of spread of infection Common medical diseases Head lesions Respiratory disease Cardiovascular disease Gastrointestinal tract disease Locomotor disorders Urinary disorders Reproductive disorders and diseases of the udder Metabolic diseases Blood borne diseases Dermatological diseases Ophthalmological diseases Poisons Other; hernia etc. Administration of medication Routes of administration Care of hospitalised patients Transporting sick and injured animals safely Recognition of notifiable diseases and procedures in the event of an outbreak Familiarity with drugs in use and calculation of dose rates The Surgical Patient Review of local inflammation, wound healing and reasons for wound breakdown (module 7) Cleaning and dressing wounds Bandaging/cast application Surgical Conditions and their nursing; General cutaneous Locomoter Urogenital Obstetric Alimentary Respiratory Tumours Ophthalmic Dental Circulatory Other; hernia, rupture Pre-operative preparation of the patient Preventing self-damage 16
Theatre Practice Identification, nomenclature, storage and use of surgical instruments and equipment for routine operative procedures Preparing and handling sterile instruments and materials Different types of sterilisation (module 7) Positioning the animal and preparation of the surgical site Assisting the veterinary surgeon in providing intra-operative care Assisting the veterinary surgeon in providing post operative care Monitoring recovery Describe post-operative emergencies and appropriate first aid Describe common post-operative complications Application of methods to prevent the animal from interfering with the wound Instruments for specialised procedures including endoscope/arthrpscope Identifying problems in undertaking surgical procedures and bringing to the attention of the appropriate person Assisting the veterinary surgeon during surgery, scrubbing up as required Year3 17
Other Modules in 2007-2008: Clinical Veterinary Nursing Rotations III This module is comprised of a number of different rotations as follows: -Laboratory & Examination Preparation Week: Students spend 1 week in UCD studying laboratory techniques and preparing for the examinations; -Diagnostic Imaging Rotation: Students spend 1 week in the Diagnostic Imaging unit of the University Veterinary Hospital (UVH); -Elective Rotation: This is an elective module of 2 weeks duration. Students must propose and attend an animal-oriented rotation (be it with veterinary or non-veterinary bias) which is subject to prior approval by the tutor. Veterinary Nursing Theory & Practice III This module captures the students time and practical experience by recording of time in the UCD registered training practices, completion of the Checklist of Practical Tasks, and practical assessment. Portfolio of Veterinary Nursing Skills III This module is a means of continuous assessment. There are 2 submissions in the academic year and each submission consists of 3 reports and 10 worksheets. 18