VET 222 Veterinary Nursing II

This course provides theoretical and technical skills in companion and exotic animal surgical and anesthesia nursing. Topics include sterile technique, surgical and monitoring equipment, common surgical procedures, dentistry, and wound management. Anesthesiology is discussed, including drugs, patient preparation, monitoring, and post- operative care of the patient. Clinical sessions provide the student hands-on experience with concepts learned during lecture.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: VET 221 and VET 220 and VET 210 and VET 223

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

VET 222 Veterinary Nursing II

Campus Location

  • Georgetown

Effective Date

2022-51

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: VET 221 and VET 220 and VET 210 and VET 223

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

2 lecture hours/week

6 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course provides theoretical and technical skills in companion and exotic animal surgical and anesthesia nursing. Topics include sterile technique, surgical and monitoring equipment, common surgical procedures, dentistry, and wound management. Anesthesiology is discussed, including drugs, patient preparation, monitoring, and post- operative care of the patient. Clinical sessions provide the student hands-on experience with concepts learned during lecture.

Additional Materials

Stethoscope, pen light, scrubs, closed toe, non-skid shoes, digital thermometer, pocket notebook, watch with a second hand and pocket formulary (optional).

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Disclaimer

Student must have completed required rabies pre-exposure vaccination series or document proof of protective titer before taking this course. The cost of the series is the responsibility of the student and may not be covered by insurance.  Students will be working with live animals.  Students are required to travel to Georgetown and off-campus clinical facilities on a weekly basis.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Maintain appropriate conditions in the surgical suite to assist the veterinarian prior to, during, and after surgery. (CCC 2, 3; PGC 2)
  2. Perform as a surgical or circulating nurse. (CCC 2, 3; PGC 2)
  3. Assist with anesthesia under supervision. (CCC 2, 6; PGC 2)
  4. Monitor and care for the veterinary patient prior to, during, and after surgery. (CCC 1, 2; PGC 2)
  5. Examine the oral cavity, and perform basic dental procedures. (CCC 2, 3, 6; PGC 2)
  6. Adhere to the professional behavior and ethical conduct as outlined in the Veterinary Technician Code of Ethics. (CCC 1, 3, 4; PGC 3)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Maintain appropriate conditions in the surgical suite to assist the veterinarian prior to, during, and after surgery.
    1. Maintain basic cleanliness and orderliness of surgery suite in a veterinary facility.
    2. Perform post-surgical clean up, including equipment, surgical room, instruments, patient, and personnel.
    3. Dispose of hazardous medical waste.
    4. Sterilize instruments and supplies using appropriate methods.
    5. Operate and maintain autoclaves.
  2. Perform as a surgical or circulating nurse.
    1. Maintain surgery and anesthesia records.
    2. Describe common surgical procedures and equipment used in each procedure.
    3. Perform surgical preparations.
    4. Properly pass instruments and supplies.
    5. Maintain proper operating room conduct and asepsis.
    6. Assist with the care of exposed tissues and organs.
    7. Perform cystocentesis, and manually express bladder of animal.
  3. Assist with anesthesia under supervision.
    1. Maintain surgery and anesthesia records.
    2. Calculate and administer pre-operative medications.
    3. Induce and maintain general anesthesia using the IV anesthetics and inhalation anesthetics.
    4. Calculate and administer injectable analgesics/sedatives/anesthetics.
    5. Monitor the anesthetized patient.
    6. Recognize abnormal ECG and audible sounds.
    7. Monitor signs of stages and planes of anesthesia.
    8. Recognize anesthetic emergencies.
    9. Care for anesthetic machine.
    10. Scavenge waste anesthetic gas to protect staff.
    11. Perform venipuncture for blood sampling.
    12. Administer parenteral injections.
    13. Place and secure intravenous catheters.
    14. Calculate and maintain fluid therapy.
  4. Monitor and care for the veterinary patient prior to, during, and after surgery.
    1. Monitor the anesthetized patient using esophageal stethoscope.
    2. Identify monitoring equipment.
    3. Monitor anesthetic recovery and provide intensive post-operative care and pain management.
    4. Remove sutures or surgical staples.
    5. Provide routine record keeping, care, and observation of hospitalized animals.
    6. Explain the care of recumbent animals.
    7. ​​​​​​​Explain post-surgical nutrition.
  5. Examine the oral cavity, and perform basic dental procedures.
    1. Recognize normal and abnormal dental structures, conditions, and lesions.
    2. ​​​​​​​Identify teeth by means of anatomical and triadan numbering systems.
    3. ​​​​​​​Use dental terminology to chart dental morphology.
    4. ​​​​​​​Recognize and correctly use, care for, and sharpen dental instruments.
    5. ​​​​​​​List the steps to perform a complete dental prophylaxis.
    6. ​​​​​​​Describe the causes and stages of gingivitis and periodontal disease.
    7. ​​​​​​​Describe the techniques of performing dental radiography.
    8. ​​​​​​​Prepare a dental home care program.
  6. Adhere to the professional behavior and ethical conduct as outlined in the Veterinary Technician Code of Ethics.
    1. Work effectively in groups of people from diverse backgrounds and beliefs.
    2. Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

Summative: Examinations

 

30%

Formative: Assignments and Quizzes

25%

Summative: Professional Behavior Evaluation

5%

Summative: Clinical Practicals

 

40%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

  1. Apply theoretical information that leads to appropriate action in the application or delivery of veterinary nursing procedures.
  2. Competently perform a full range of veterinary nursing procedures used in small and large animal medicine.
  3. Practice behaviors that are consistent with the Veterinary Technology Code of Ethics and employer expectations/requirements.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for all distance education type courses.