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.