FdSc Veterinary Nursing

Animal Handling Husbandry and Behaviour

The Animal Husbandry, Handling, and Behaviour module is a crucial component of veterinary nursing education, designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of animal care and management. This module covers the fundamental principles of animal husbandry including housing, breeding, and welfare standards for various species. Emphasis is placed on safe and effective handling techniques to minimise stress and prevent injury to both animals and caregivers. Additionally, the module explores animal behaviour, offering insights into normal and abnormal behaviours, to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to effectively nurse these patients. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, students learn to interpret behavioural cues, and create environments that promote the health and happiness of animals under their care. This holistic approach ensures that veterinary nursing students are well-equipped to support the physical and psychological needs of the animals they will work with.

Care of the Surgical Patient

The Care of the Surgical Patient module is a vital part of veterinary nursing education, designed to equip students with the specialised skills required for pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative care of animals undergoing surgery. This module covers the entire surgical process, starting with pre-surgical assessments and preparation, including patient history, physical examinations, and risk evaluations. During the intra-operative phase, students learn about maintaining aseptic techniques, assisting with surgical procedures, and monitoring anaesthesia. Post-operatively, the focus shifts to pain management, wound care, and monitoring for complications, ensuring a smooth and swift recovery. Through a combination of theoretical instruction and hands-on practice, students gain the knowledge and confidence needed to provide exceptional care to surgical patients, ensuring their safety and comfort throughout the surgical experience.

Interprofessional Skills

The Interprofessional Skills module is an essential part of veterinary nursing education, aimed at fostering effective collaboration among diverse healthcare professionals. This module emphasises the importance of teamwork, communication, and mutual respect in a multidisciplinary environment, whilst also housing essential well being and mental health care considerations. Students will learn strategies for efficient information sharing, conflict resolution, and joint decision-making to enhance patient care. The curriculum includes interactive workshops, role-playing scenarios, and case studies that simulate real-world veterinary settings, encouraging students to develop practical skills in working alongside veterinary surgeons and other animal healthcare providers. By mastering these interprofessional skills, students will be better prepared to contribute to a cohesive and supportive healthcare team, ultimately improving outcomes for animal patients and their owners.

Nursing Care 2

Building on Nursing Care 1, this nursing care module will delve deeper into more specialised and advanced areas of veterinary medicine. Advanced clinical skills such as wound management, intravenous catheterisation and critical care techniques. Covering the principles of animal rehabilitation and physiotherapy including hydrotherapy, laser therapy and massaging techniques aimed to help enhance recovery and improve mobility. This advanced module would not only reinforce the foundational knowledge and skills acquired in the initial Nursing Care module but also provide veterinary nursing students with the expertise needed to handle more complex and specialised scenarios in their professional careers.

Preparing for Professional Regulation

This module will assist student veterinary nurses nearing the point of qualification for the RCVS register to appreciate the concept of professional accountability and their duties as registered practitioners. They will consider some of the moral and ethical conflicts that may be encountered in caring for animals and working with colleagues and learn to apply strategies for resolving such conflicts and/or how to seek appropriate expert help. The module will also prepare students for assessment of their practical day one competences.

YEAR 1

Nursing Care 1

The Nursing Care module is a comprehensive course designed to equip students with essential skills and knowledge required for effective animal care. This module covers a wide range of topics, including animal physiology, pharmacology, and medical nursing techniques. Students learn how to perform clinical assessments, administer medications, and provide pre- and post-operative care. Emphasis is placed on understanding animal behaviour, recognising signs of illness, and implementing appropriate care plans tailored to individual patient needs. Additionally, the module addresses the importance of hygiene, nutrition, and the management of some chronic conditions. Through practical hands-on training and theoretical lessons, students are prepared to deliver high-quality, compassionate care to various animal species in veterinary settings.

Year 2

Diagnostic Imaging

The Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory Skills module is a pivotal part of veterinary nursing education, providing students with the expertise needed to perform and interpret essential diagnostic procedures. This module covers a wide range of imaging techniques, including radiography, ultrasound, and MRI, teaching students how to operate equipment, position animals correctly, and ensure high-quality images. Additionally, the laboratory skills component focuses on the collection, handling, and analysis of biological samples such as blood, urine, faeces and tissue. Students will learn to conduct various tests, interpret results accurately, and understand their implications for diagnosis and treatment. By integrating theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice, this module ensures that veterinary nursing students are proficient in using diagnostic tools to support veterinary diagnoses and contribute to comprehensive patient care.

YEAR 3

Care of the Medical Patient

The Care of the Medical Patient module is an integral component of veterinary nursing education, dedicated to the comprehensive care and management of animals with medical conditions. This module focuses on developing students' abilities to perform thorough patient assessments, implement effective treatment plans, and provide ongoing care for animals with chronic or acute illnesses. Key areas of study include fluid therapy, medication administration, nutritional support, and monitoring of vital signs. In addition to clinical skills, the module emphasises the importance of research skills, teaching students how to critically evaluate scientific literature, apply evidence-based practices, and contribute to clinical research. Through a blend of theoretical learning and practical application, students are equipped to deliver high-quality medical care and stay abreast of the latest advancements in veterinary medicine. This dual focus ensures that veterinary nursing students are not only proficient in patient care but also skilled in integrating research findings into their practice for optimal patient outcomes.