VET TECH 1035RW - Principles of Veterinary Nursing

Roseworthy Campus - Semester 1 - 2023

Skills and knowledge in veterinary nursing form important components of the work of Veterinary Technologists. This course provides an introduction to the work of nurses and technologists in veterinary practice, in preparation for workplace learning in an external veterinary practice at the end of the year and as a foundation for the broader curriculum and more focussed studies in higher levels of the program. In this course, students will learn about the profession of Veterinary Technology and how it contributes to the work done in veterinary practices. The course examines the role, business and staff structures of veterinary practices and introduces the work of veterinary nurses and technologists in patient and client care, diagnostic processes, handling of medicines, veterinary treatment, patient and client record systems and dealing with the death of patients.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code VET TECH 1035RW
    Course Principles of Veterinary Nursing
    Coordinating Unit School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s Roseworthy Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 6 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Restrictions Available to Bachelor of Veterinary Technology students only
    Assessment Mid term test, practical tests and final examination.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Courtnay Baskerville

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course students should be able to:
    1 Identify and explain the relevant acts and regulations pertaining to Veterinary Technology and the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery.
    2 Discuss the profession of Veterinary Technology and the role of Veterinary Technologists in animal well-being and the confidence of animal owners.
    3 Employ some of the common procedures performed by Veterinary Technologists in the diagnostic and treatment regimes used in veterinary practices.
    4 Identify and apply the appropriate first aid required for injured or ill animals.
    5 Recognise and employ computerised veterinary patient record systems.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    3, 4

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    3, 4, 5

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    2, 3

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1, 2, 3, 4, 5

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    2

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    3, 5

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    2
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Textbook; McCurnin's Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians, 9th Ed. 

    ISBN: 978-0-323-39461-1

    Principle Editors; Joanna m Bassert, Angela D Beal, Oreta M Samples.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Lectures are supported by tutorial and practical classes to reenforce theoretical knowledge and develop technical skill. Academic support is facilitated by contributing staff and students have access to the Universities network of academic and personal support services.
    Workload

    No information currently available.

    Learning Activities Summary
    Explore the professional roles involved in the practice of veterinary science and the legal responsibilities and obligations of veterinarians and allied animal health professionals with respect to animal health and welfare.

    Study and practise the way in which skills in communication are important in veterinary practice, including between staff, between staff and clients and the role of veterinary nurses and technologists in patient admission and discharge.

    Become aware of and familiar with veterinary clinic routines and procedures.

    Identify and learn to recognise and manage issues affecting workplace health and safety.

    Learn the reasons for, and methods of, the performance of some common diagnostic processes and procedures used by veterinarians, including but not limited to:

    • Clinical examination
    • Blood collection and preparation for laboratory submission
    • Faecal specimen collection and preparation for laboratory submission
    • Specimens for microbiological examination; their collection and preparation for laboratory submission

    Learn the responsibilities associated with the use of animal remedies and medicines, including drug scheduling, recording and security.

    Learn how to calculate dosages of medicines.

    Learn about procedures employed to manage animal husbandry of hospitalised patients and to achieve and maintain sterility and asepsis.

    Learn about fundamental veterinary first aid and wound management.

    Explore a number of data and record management systems and understand the expectations of an effective record system.

    Explore the topic of animal euthanasia, the methods employed and the way to recognise and manage grief and sadness in self, colleagues and animal owners.
    Specific Course Requirements
    The course will be delivered as a program of 36 lectures and 12 weeks of practicals or tutorials.

    Attendance at all practical classes and tutorials is compulsory.

    Students must have appropriate professional and protective clothing and footwear for practical classes, which may include white coats, overalls and boots.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type Weighting Hurdle
    Yes or No
    Learning Outcome Due
    Mid-term test Formative/Summative 15% No 1, 2 Week 4
    Reflective Journal Formative/Summative 10% No 1, 2 Week 6
    Clinical Skills Practical Test Formative/Summative 30% No 3, 4, 5 Exam Period
    Final theory exam Summative 45% Yes 3, 4, 5 Exam Period
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Assessment Item with hurdle % needed to meet hurdle Is additional assessment available if student does not meet hurdle requirement If additional assessment is available, explain what type
    Final theory exam 50% Yes Supplementary examination
    Participation in the practical classes is compulsory Satisfactory completion of all practicals Students missing more than two practical classes will fail the course. Unless they can provide signed medical certificates in line with University policy. Remedial practicals will be offered where reasonably possible. In many cases, practical classes require the time-consuming creation of resources and may be impractical to reproduce for small student groups. If one or two classes are missed students will be required to complete alternate activities, devised by the Course Coordinator, in order to achieve and demonstrate the skills involved in the missed class.
    Assessment Detail
    Mid-term test (15%)
    Students will complete a one-hour theory test examining components of the course studied in the first three weeks. It will consist of multiple choice questions provided in an online quiz format. While the test is summative it is also intended to be strongly formative, indicating to students the expectations for performance required to pass the final exam.  Feedback will be provided within one week of the test completion.

    Reflective Journal (10%)
    Students will complete a one week reflective journal, a minimum two entries of no more than 250 words per entry, reflecting on their experience in Veterinary Technology and University thus far. The journal will be submitted in Week 6 of semester.

    Clinical Skills Practical Test (total of 30%)
    Students will undertake a practical skills test to demonstrate their ability to complete the steps involved in the performance of clinical  skills. The test will comprise of up to 8 stations where students will have 5 mins in duration to complete each task. There will be a mixture of supervised and unsupervised stations in this exam.

    Final theory Exam (45%)
    The final two-hour written theory exam will examine all components of the course. It will consist of multiple choice, true false, matching and short answer questions.
    Submission
    If an extension is not applied for, or not granted, then a penalty for late submission will apply. A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that the assignment is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied. This means that an assignment that is 5 days late or more without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the marks available for that assignment.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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