Principles of Veterinary Nursing

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Examine the principles of biosecurity and explain the concept of barrier nursing.
2. Identify a range of wounds and compare and contrast common dressings and bandaging techniques.
3. Examine examples of fluid therapy and explain methods of administering these safely.
4. Identify common conditions requiring first aid and appraise the role of the veterinary nurse in triage and administering first aid safely and legally.
5. Explain methods of providing physical therapy and identify common conditions requiring it.
6. Identify the requirements of a clinical examination and explain the nursing process in relation to holistic nursing and the use of care plans.

The aim of this module is to introduce the important clinical participation of the veterinary nurse through the nursing process. The module will explore the diverse role of the veterinary nurse in hospitalisation, patient management, patient care and nursing interventions. An introduction to wounds, fluid therapy, physical therapy and common practical procedures around these topics will provide initial information that will be further developed in the year 2 clinical modules.

1. Patient requirements, assessment, care, treatment and management during hospitalisation
2. Introduction to nursing care plans
3. Biosecurity and practice hygiene including barrier nursing
4. Introduction to wounds, dressings and bandages
5. Introduction to fluid therapy
6. Introduction to physical therapy
7. First aid
8. Common practical procedures and nursing skills

The following RCVS Day One Skills (DOS) are covered within the content of this module:
3.1, 4.1, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4.12, 4.14, 4.15, 4.16, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 9.2
The following RCVS Day One Competences (DOC) are covered within the content of this module:
1, 12, 18, 19, 20, 29

This module is at CQFW Level 4