Modification History
Release |
TP Version |
Comments |
2 |
ACM10v3 |
Reference to OHS legislation replaced with generic terminology |
1 |
ACM10v1 |
Initial release. Supersedes and is equivalent to RUV4608A |
Unit Descriptor
This Unit of Competency covers the process of preparing, cleaning and maintaining theatre and equipment as well as preparing personnel for the performance of surgical procedures.
Application of the Unit
This Unit applies to a veterinary nurse working under supervision of a veterinarian in a veterinary clinic or similar practice. In addition to legal and ethical responsibilities, all Units of Competency in the ACM10 Animal Care and Management Training Package have the requirement for animals to be handled gently and calmly. The individual is required to exhibit appropriate care for animals so that stress and discomfort is minimised.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this Unit. Therefore, it will be necessary to check with the relevant state or territory regulators for current licensing, legislative or regulatory requirements before undertaking this Unit.
Pre-Requisites
Nil.
Employability Skills Information
This Unit contains employability skills.
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Prepare surgery schedules |
1.1. Surgery schedules are prepared and prioritised in consultation with the veterinarian and theatre nurse. 1.2. Accurate patient histories are collated and prepared in accordance with clinic policy. 1.3. Surgery programs are facilitated in cooperation with the supervising veterinarian. |
2. Implement surgery preparations |
2.1. Surgical packs are prepared for scheduled procedures as instructed. 2.2. Routine surgical site preparation procedures are coordinated in accordance with the veterinarian's instructions workplace health and safety requirements. 2.3. Staff preparation routines are carried out in accordance with clinic policy. 2.4. Anaesthetic equipment is checked for correct operation in accordance with manufacturers' specifications. 2.5. Veterinarian, theatre personnel and self are appropriately dressed in accordance with clinic policy. |
3. Clean, maintain and store theatre instruments , equipment and supplies |
3.1. Theatre debris and disposable equipment are safely disposed of in accordance with legislative requirements. 3.2. Instruments are cleaned and sterilised in accordance with clinic policies and procedures. 3.3. Instruments are grouped according to type and usage and stored after use. 3.4. Equipment and supplies are maintained in accordance with clinic policy. 3.5. Equipment maintenance procedures are implemented to ensure machines are functional and operational. 3.6. Gowns and drapes are sterilised in accordance with clinic policies and procedures. |
4. Carry out post-operative theatre routines. |
4.1. Theatre cleaning personnel are organised in accordance with clinic policy. 4.2. Theatre and preparation room supplies are verified in accordance with clinic policy. 4.3. Theatre is restored to a fully stocked condition in accordance with clinic policy. |
Required Skills and Knowledge
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this Unit. |
Required skills |
Ability to:
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Required knowledge |
Knowledge of:
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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. |
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Overview of assessment |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit |
The evidence required to demonstrate competency 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:
The skills and knowledge required to coordinate and perform theatre routines must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts and include the ability to deal with unplanned events. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment |
Assessment for this Unit is to be practical in nature and will be most appropriately assessed in a veterinary nursing workplace with access to the appropriate equipment and/or resources to enable one to demonstrate competence. |
Method of assessment |
To ensure consistency of performance, competency should be demonstrated, to industry defined standards, on more than two occasions over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, patients, cases and responsibilities and over a number of assessment activities. The assessment strategy must include practical skills assessment. Suggested strategies for this Unit are:
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). |
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. |
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Surgery schedule considerations may include: |
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Preparation of surgical packs may require: |
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Workplace health and safety risks when working with animals may include: |
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Staff preparation routines may include: |
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Appropriate dressing may include: |
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Instruments , equipment and supplies may include: |
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Theatre debris and disposable equipment may include: |
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Theatre and preparation supplies may include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Veterinary nursing