Post on 09-Mar-2018
Diploma in Veterinary NursingSchool 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 CommunityProgramme, 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
Year 1 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 inVeterinary Nursing
1 & 2
1 (Semester 2) Module 20 Applied Veterinary Nursing 5
1(Semester1&2)
Details of other Year 1 modules 2007-2008 6
Year 2 2007-08
Year Module Title Comprising ofFormer Modules asfollows:
Former Module Title Pages
2 Veterinary NursingTheory & PracticeIIA
Module 5
Module 6
Module 12
Medical Nursing, In patientCare, Hospital Management(Small Animal)
First Aid (Small Animal)
Exotic Species
7 & 8
2 Veterinary NursingTheory & PracticeIIB
Module 7
Module 13
Surgical Nursing, Anaesthesiaand Theatre Techniques(Small Animal)
Structure of the Professionand Ethics
9, 10 &11
2 Clinical VeterinaryNursing Rotations II
--- --- 12
2 Veterinary NursingTheory & Practice II
--- --- 12
2 Portfolio ofVeterinary NursingSkills II
--- --- 12
Year 3 2007-08
Year Module Title Comprising of formerModules as follows:
Former Module Title Pages
3 Veterinary NursingTheory & PracticeIIIA
Module 8
Module 9
Module 10
Module 11
Pharmacology and Pharmacy
Laboratory Work
Diagnostic Procedures
Large Animal Nursing-(Anaesthesia & Fluid Therapy)
13 & 14
3 Veterinary NursingTheory & PracticeIIIB
Module 11 Large Animal Nursing 15, 16 &17
3 Clinical VeterinaryNursing RotationsIII
--- --- 18
3 Veterinary NursingTheory & PracticeIII
--- --- 18
3 Portfolio ofVeterinary NursingSkills III
--- --- 18
1
Module 19: Reception & Management Skills in Veterinary Nursing
Reception DutiesGood working knowledge of General overview at this level
Taking and recording case historiesCommunication of details of cases and treatmentto owners
Year 1
Preparing a summary of the facts for each casehandled
Year 1Admitting patients for hospitalisation or surgeryDiscussing consent/discharge forms with clientsDischarging medical and surgical inpatients
Year 1Answering the telephoneDealing with general enquiries
Year 1
Making appointments and maintainingappointment schedulesProcedures required for referral of cases
Year 1Advising and demonstration of the care ofanimals to clients (module 2)
Year 1Maintaining manual client and case recordsDealing with invoices, payment procedures andfiling
Year 1
Book keepingDealing with routine correspondenceDealing with pet health insuranceDealing with documentation from the Departmentof Agriculture
Year 1Identifying emergency conditions in small andlarge animals, both over the telephone and whenpresentedAdvising on first aid treatment to small and largeanimalsTaking appropriate action
Year 1Basic accountingPreparing and pricing for services suppliedBasic stock control of drugs and other practiceconsumables using manual and electronicsystemsIntroduction to legal aspects of pharmacy
Year 1
Business planningMarketing and merchandisingPractice economics
Year 1Basic computer use
Year 1Word processingMaintaining computerised client and case records
Year 1Maintaining relations with a range of clientsRelations with other employees in the practice
Year 1
Bereavement counselling
Year 1Keeping the practice secure
Year 1
2
Occupational Hazards, Health & Safety, Care of Equipment
Good working knowledge of General overview at this level
Prevention of accidents and safe workingpractices
Year 1
Hazards associated with;
Animals Equipment Drugs Chemicals Workplace
(module 11)Year 1
Requirement for protective clothingYear 1
Radiation control, containment and protectionYear 1
Practice hygiene with particular reference animaldiseases
Year 1
Preventative medicine and disease prophylaxis inanimals and man
Year 1Common zoonoses, their signs and management
Year 1Personal hygiene with particular reference tozoonoses
Year 1Procedures for bites and scratches
Year 1Safe waste storage and correct disposal includingcadavers and clinical waste
Year 1Scavenging systems for anaesthetic gases(module 7)
Year 1Fire prevention, precautions and control
Year 1Risk assessment
Year 1Review of physical principles of the way thefollowing items of equipment work as well assafety aspects, use, cleaning and maintenance;
Anaesthetic equipmentAnaesthetic monitoring equipmentPowered and non powered dental instrumentsElectrocauteryX-ray generatorsX-ray film processorsUltrasonographic imaging equipmentEndoscopesElectrocardiographsLaboratory analysersMicroscopes
Year 1
3
Modules 17 & 18:General Veterinary Nursing I & II (All Species)
General NursingGood working knowledge of General overview at this level
Care, normal and abnormal behaviour of animalsYear 1
Basic training of petsYear 1
Calming and restraining animals for examinationand treatment
Year 1
Major breeds of speciesSystems of animal identification
Year 1Taking and recording pulse, temperature andrespiratory rate; normal values for theseparameters for different species
Year 1
Performing routine clinical examinationsYear 1
Nutritional management of animalsYear 1
Effects of nutrition on diseaseNutritional management of disease
Year 1Principles of disease preventionVaccinations available for animals commonlykept
Year 1Principles of asepsis in veterinary practiceDisinfection of premises and equipmentcommonly used in veterinary practice
Year 1Preparation of the animal for veterinarynon-surgical procedures
Year 1
Assisting the veterinary surgeon with non-surgicalprocedures
Year 1Sampling techniques
Year 1Introduction to dressings and bandages
Year 1Care and use of basic equipment in the veterinarysurgery
Year 1
Veterinary terminologyYear 1
Medical Nursing, Inpatient Care and Hospital Management
Good working knowledge of General overview at this level
Treatment of hospitalised medical patients,including critical care patientsRecording observations and treatment given
Year 1
Caring and responsible attitude to patientsYear 1
Administration of medicationRoutes of administration
Year 1
Familiarity with drugs in use and calculation ofdose rates
Year 1Routine and therapeutic bathing and coat care
Year 1
Various techniques for patient comfortYear 1
Advantages and disadvantages of physiotherapyand alternative therapies
Year 1Management and construction details of facilitiesfor keeping companion animals as inpatients
Year 1
SecurityYear 1
The hospital environment; Ventilation, Heating , Lighting, Bedding Cleaning & Waste disposal
Year 1
4
Module 15 & 16: Comparative Anatomy and Physiology I & II
Good working knowledge of General overview at this level
Major categorisation of the different cell andtissue typesGeneral organisation of body systems
Year 1
Histology; cellular and sub-cellular structures
Year 1
Structure and function of the following systems,with comparative aspects
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
Year 1Body cavities
Year 1Surface anatomy
Year 1Physiology of metabolism movement reproduction temperature regulation
Year 1
Water content of the body and its distribution
Types of body fluidYear 1
5
Module 20: Applied Veterinary Nursing
Reproduction (All Species)
Good working knowledge of General overview at this level
Major reproductive and life parameters of allspecies currently kept
Year 1
Oestrus control and prevention of pregnancyYear 1
Advice on breeding proceduresManagement of the pregnant animalPhysical changes during pregnancy
Year 1
Problems associated with pregnancyFalse pregnancy
Year 1
Normal parturitionProblems associated with parturition
Year 1
Discussion with owners when to seek veterinaryadvice
Year 1Foetal and neonatal anatomy
Year 1Post natal care of the dam and newbornLactation
Year 1Care of the orphaned animal
Year 1Managing neonatal illness
Year 1Elementary genetics
Year 1Implications of inherited defects
Year 1
First Aid (Small Animal)
Good working knowledge of General overview at this level
Recognising urgent conditions in animals(module 1)
Year 1Transporting sick and injured animals safely
Year 1Organisation of ongoing treatment
Year 1Different types of bandages and dressings, theirfeatures and indications for use
Year 1
Use of castsYear 1
Application of simple bandages and dressingsYear 1
Assisting with application of other bandagesYear 1
Basic human first aidYear 1
6
Other Modules in Year 1 2007-2008:
Year 1 students must do one of the following modules in Semester 1 and anotherone 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 UniversityVeterinary Hospital)
Large Animal Work Experience Small Animal Work Experience(These are non-veterinary, animal-oriented rotations arranged by thestudents which take place outside of veterinary practices. These rotations aresubject to prior approval by the Year 1 tutor)
All Year 1 students must complete the following modules:
Veterinary Nursing Practice IA Veterinary Nursing Practice IBThese modules capture the students’ time and practical experience byrecording of time in the UCD registered training practices, completion of theChecklist of Practical Tasks, and practical assessment.
Portfolio of Veterinary Nursing Skills IThis module is a means of continuous assessment. There are 2 submissions inthe academic year and each submission consists of 2 reports and 6worksheets.
7
Module Title: Veterinary Nursing Theory & Practice IIA
Medical Nursing, Inpatient Care and Hospital Management(Small Animal)Good working knowledge of General overview at this level
Infectious diseases and prevention of spread ofinfection
Year 2
Categorisation of diseaseEpidemiologyPathogenesis of disease contagion/infection
Year 2Common medical diseases;
Respiratory system Circulatory system Haemopoeitic system Alimentary system Hepatic disease Pancreatic disease Urinary system Nervous system Endocrine system Skeletal system Skin disease Special senses
Year 2
Pathogenesis and treatment of;
Inflammation Hypersensitivity Nutritionally induced diseases Ecto/endo parasite infestation
Public health aspects of ecto/endo parasiteinfections
Year 2
PoisonsYear 2
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
Year 2
First Aid (Small Animal)Good working knowledge of General overview at this level
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 Year 2
Review;Action in the event of poisoning (module 5)Fluid therapy (module5)Analgesia (module7)
Year 2
8
Exotic SpeciesGood working knowledge of General overview at this level
Recognition and identification of commonly keptspeciesBasic anatomy and physiology
Year 2
Sexing of exotic speciesYear 2
General husbandry in captivityKnowledge of optimal environment for eachspeciesNutrition
Year 2
Natural history of exotic species and normalhabitatSpecific species behaviourAdvise on choosing of pet and suitability withregard to lifestyle of owner
Year 2Compilation of comprehensive case history
Year 2Advising owners on methods of transport
Year 2HandlingClinical examinationAdministration of medicines
Year 2
Special medical requirements of exotic speciesYear 2
Preventative medicineYear 2
Common conditions, signs and treatmentZoonoses; signs and management
Year 2
Stress and hospitalisation of wild animalsPre-release assessment of wild animals
Year 2Clinical pathology and collection of samples
Year 2 Year 2Anaesthesia
Year 2Procedures including;
Radiology Endoscopy Minor dental attention Neutering
Year 2Legislation affecting exotics, wildlife and thepoultry industry
Year 2
9
Module Title: Veterinary Nursing Theory & Practice IIB
Surgical Nursing, Anaesthesia and Theatre Techniques(Small Animal)
The Surgical Patient
Good working knowledge of General overview at this level
Local inflammationWound healing and reasons for wound breakdown
Year 2Cleaning and dressing woundsPreventing self-damage
Year 2Common conditions amenable to surgery
General cutaneous Locomotor Urogenital Obstetric Alimentary Respiratory Tumours Ophthalmic Dental Circulatory Other; hernia, rupture
Year 2
Understanding rationale for treatment andexplaining to ownersAdvising owners regarding withholding of foodetc
Year 2
Preparing animals for examination, treatment andsurgery
Year 2Assisting the veterinary surgeon in providing pre-operative care
Year 2
Anaesthesia
Good working knowledge of General overview at this level
The principles of different types of anaesthesiaand analgesia
Drugs used in anaesthesia and analgesiaYear 2
Reasons and rationale for choice of anaestheticand analgesic by veterinary surgeon
Year 2
Use of anaesthetic equipment and anaestheticmonitoring equipment
Supervision and monitoring of anaesthesiaYear 2
Types of anaesthetic gas scavenging systems(module 14)
Year 2
Review of fluid therapy (module 5)Year 2
10
Theatre Practice
Good working knowledge of General overview at this level
Preparing surgical listsYear 2
Aseptic preparation of surgical team, theatre andequipment
Year 2Identification, nomenclature, storage and use ofsurgical instruments and equipment for routineoperative procedures
Year 2
Instruments for specialised proceduresYear 2
Preparing and handling sterile instruments andmaterialsDifferent types of sterilisation
Year 2Preparing the animal for the surgical procedure
Positioning the animal and preparation of thesurgical site
Year 2
Identifying problems in undertaking surgicalprocedures and bringing to the attention of theappropriate person
Year 2
Assisting the veterinary surgeon in providingintra-operative care
Year 2
Assisting the veterinary surgeon during surgery,scrubbing up as required
Year 2Preventing heat loss during surgery
Year 2Assisting with control of haemorrhageUse of electrocautery
Year 2Different types and uses of suture and otherimplanted material
Year 2Application of dental hygieneUse of dental equipment, powered and nonpoweredApplication of dental prophylaxis
Year 2
Assisting with dental therapyYear 2
Procedures undertaken before the animal isremoved from the operating table
Year 2Assisting the veterinary surgeon in providing postoperative careMonitoring recoveryDescribe post-operative emergencies andappropriate first aidDescribe common post-operative complications
Year 2Application of methods to prevent the animalfrom interfering with the wound
Year 2
11
Structure of the Profession and Ethics
Good working knowledge of General overview at this level
General understanding of the structure,management and function of the veterinaryprofession at practice level
Year 2
Knowledge of specialist areas in the veterinaryprofession and how this varies in differentcountries
Year 2Implications of data protection legislation
Year 2General overview of statutory instruments and/orlegislation relating to
Veterinary Surgeons Veterinary Nurses Medicines Employment Health and Safety at work
Year 2
General principles of environmental protectionand how they are applied to veterinary science
Rational and economic use of energyYear 2
Classification of notifiable diseasesProcedure in the event of an outbreak
Year 2Year 2
Procedures which are allowed to be carried out bya veterinary nurse
Year 2
12
Other Modules in Year 2 2007-2008:
Clinical Veterinary Nursing Rotations IIThese are 2-week rotations which take place within the UniversityVeterinary Hospital
Veterinary Nursing Theory & Practice IIThis module captures the students’ time and practical experience byrecording of time in the UCD registered training practices, completion ofthe Checklist of Practical Tasks, and practical assessment.
Portfolio of Veterinary Nursing Skills IIThis module is a means of continuous assessment. There are 2 submissionsin the academic year and each submission consists of 3 reports and 10worksheets.
13
Module Title: Veterinary Nursing Theory & Practice IIIA
Pharmacology and Pharmacy
Laboratory WorkGood working knowledge of General overview at this level
Assisting in the collection and preparation ofsamplesCorrect labelling
Year 3
Methods of collection of samplesStorage of samples
Year 3
Preparation and examination; skin scrapings,blood, urine, faeces
Year 3
Simple microbiology and parasitologyYear 3
Dispatching samples to other laboratories inaccordance with any regulations in the country ofemployment
Year 3Type, function and safety aspects of commonlaboratory equipment
Year 3
Use of automated analysers, microscope,centrifuge other common lab equipmentUse of quality assurance schemes for labequipment
Year 3Keeping laboratory records
YearLaboratory results analysis
Year 3
Good working knowledge of General overview at this level
Types of commonly used medicines and vaccinesForms in which preparations are presented
Year 3
Modes of action of medicines and vaccinesYear 3
Identification of drugs and appropriate routes ofadministrationAdministration of oral and injectable medicines
Year 3
Effects and side effects of commonly used groupsof medicines
Year 3
Dispensing and labellingAbbreviations used
Year 3Categories of medicinal substances andrestrictions which apply to each category
Year 3
Drug withdrawal times for food producinganimalsLegal Acts and Regulations
Year 3Stock control
Year 3Care, storage and handling of drugs
Year 3Weights and measures commonly used inVeterinary medicine
Year 3
Recognising drug concentrations and calculatingdose rates
Year 3
14
Diagnostic ProceduresGood working knowledge of General overview at this level
Preparing equipment and animals of all speciesfor diagnostic imaging procedures
Year 3Function of diagnostic equipment, includingradiography equipment
Year 3
Use of ECG, endoscope, ultrasoundYear 3
Identification of errors in equipment functionIdentification of abnormal results
Year 3Specific safety requirements for radiographyDangers of radiation
Year 3
Use of X-Ray generatorsYear 3
Elementary principles of radiographyYear 3
Assisting with other imaging systemsYear 3
Exposures and positioningYear 3
Use of contrast mediaYear 3
Film typesUse of manual and automatic film processingDarkroom protocol
Year 3Assessing quality of radiographsRecording of exposures and results
Year 3
Large Animal Anaesthesia and Fluid TherapyDrugs used in anaesthesia and analgesia
Year 3Reasons and rationale for choice of anaestheticand analgesic by veterinary surgeon
Year 3Use of anaesthetic equipment and anaestheticmonitoring equipment
Supervision and monitoring of anaesthesia(module 7)
Year3
Types of anaesthetic gas scavenging systems(module 14)
Year 3
Fluid therapy Year3
15
Module Title: Veterinary Nursing Theory & Practice IIIBLarge Animal Nursing
General NursingGood working knowledge of General overview at this level
Recognition and identification of breedscommonly kept
Year 3
Rare breedsYear 3
Animal husbandry; Production Housing Nutrition Typical behaviour Handling/restraintUnderstanding differences in requirements foreach species
Year 3
Optimal environmental conditions
Common behavioural problemsYear 3
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
Year 3Taking and recording of case histories
Year 3Communication of details of cases and treatmentto owners
Year 3Calming and restraining animals for examinationand treatment
Year 3
Assisting with veterinary non surgical procedures
Year 3Taking and recording pulse, temperature andrespiratory rate; normal values for theseparameters for different species
Year 3Collection and analysis of samples (module 9)
Year 3Review of diagnostic imaging; restraint andprocedures(module 10)
Year 3Hazards associated with; Animals Equipment Drugs Chemicals Workplace
(module 14)Year 3
Emergency situations and proceduresYear 3
16
Medical Nursing
Good working knowledge of General overview at this level
Conditions requiring first aid (module 6)Year 3
Transporting sick and injured animals safelyYear 3
Infectious diseases and prevention of spread ofinfection
Year 3
Recognition of notifiable diseases and proceduresin the event of an outbreak
Year 3Common 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.
Year 3Administration of medicationRoutes of administration
Year 3
Familiarity with drugs in use and calculation ofdose rates
Year 3Care of hospitalised patients
Year 3
The Surgical Patient
Good working knowledge of General overview at this level
Review of local inflammation, wound healing andreasons for wound breakdown(module 7)
Year 3
Cleaning and dressing woundsBandaging/cast application
Year 3
Preventing self-damageYear 3
Surgical Conditions and their nursing; General cutaneous Locomoter Urogenital Obstetric Alimentary Respiratory Tumours Ophthalmic Dental Circulatory Other; hernia, rupture
Year 3Pre-operative preparation of the patient
Year 3
17
Theatre Practice
Identification, nomenclature, storage and use ofsurgical instruments and equipment for routineoperative procedures
Year 3
Instruments for specialised procedures includingendoscope/arthrpscope
Year 3
Preparing and handling sterile instruments andmaterialsDifferent types of sterilisation (module 7)
Year 3
Year 3
Positioning the animal and preparation of thesurgical site
Year 3
Identifying problems in undertaking surgicalprocedures and bringing to the attention of theappropriate person
Year 3Assisting the veterinary surgeon in providingintra-operative care
Year 3
Assisting the veterinary surgeon during surgery,scrubbing up as required
Year3Assisting the veterinary surgeon in providing postoperative careMonitoring recoveryDescribe post-operative emergencies andappropriate first aidDescribe common post-operative complications
Year 3Application of methods to prevent the animalfrom interfering with the wound
Year 3
18
Other Modules in Year 3 2007-2008:
Clinical Veterinary Nursing Rotations IIIThis module is comprised of a number of different rotations as follows:
-Laboratory & Examination Preparation Week: Students spend 1 week inUCD studying laboratory techniques and preparing for the Year 3examinations;
-Diagnostic Imaging Rotation: Students spend 1 week in the DiagnosticImaging 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 withveterinary or non-veterinary bias) which is subject to prior approval by theYear 3 tutor.
Veterinary Nursing Theory & Practice IIIThis module captures the students’ time and practical experience byrecording of time in the UCD registered training practices, completion ofthe Checklist of Practical Tasks, and practical assessment.
Portfolio of Veterinary Nursing Skills IIIThis module is a means of continuous assessment. There are 2 submissionsin the academic year and each submission consists of 3 reports and 10worksheets.