Course overview
This course introduces students to the various roles of a Veterinary Technologist working in clinical practice as part of the Veterinary Nursing Team. In preparation for workplace learning in an external veterinary practice, students will begin to develop and practice a wide range of technical nursing skills and enhance their understanding of legal, ethical and work health and safety (WHS) responsibilities. Students will be introduced to principles of patient care which underpin the practice of nursing such as concepts of clinical governance, one health and nursing care plans. This course examines the role, business and staff structures of veterinary practices and introduces the student to client care including client relations, record systems and the emotional landscape of veterinary practice.
Course learning outcomes
- Recognise and mitigate Work Health and Safety (WHS) risks, and apply principles of one-health and clinical governance perspectives to veterinary clinical practice.
- Source and utilise evidence-based literature and evaluate resources to enhance the development of veterinary nursing protocols and procedures.
- Reflect upon the role of a veterinary technologist working as part of a collaborative veterinary team demonstrating an understanding of legal and ethical practice and principles of animal welfare.
- Demonstrate introductory level skills in routine veterinary nursing practice, veterinary first aid and computerised patient record systems to prepare for supervised tasks in clinical practice.
- Utilise appropriate communication styles and educational approaches according to the circumstances and needs of clients and colleagues with consideration to cultural context, diversity, community focused veterinary care, and recognition of the human-animal bond.