Course Number and Title:
VET 221 Veterinary Nursing I
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: VET 140
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 animal medical nursing. Topics include basic animal care and first aid, physical examination, administration of medication, nutrition, disinfecting/cleaning, bandaging, and fluid therapy. Clinical sessions provide the student hands-on experience with nursing 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).
Disclaimer
The 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 the Georgetown campus and off-campus clinical facilities on a weekly basis.
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Describe principles of humane and safe handling, housing, and management of small animals. (CCC 4; PGC1)
- Describe and implement basic sanitation requirements for animal care facilities. (CCC 6; PGC 1, 2)
- Demonstrate basic nursing skills used in companion animal care facilities. (CCC 4; PGC 2)
- Discuss the basic principles of fluid therapy. (CCC 6; PGC 1)
- 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:
- Describe principles of humane handling, housing, and management of small animals.
- Demonstrate correct restraint and handling of companion animals.
- Describe proper cage material and sizes for companion animals.
- Discuss proper facility design and ventilation requirements.
- List and describe items that are included in a medical record.
- Describe and implement basic sanitation requirements for animal care facilities.
- Identify active ingredients in various commercially available disinfectants and cleaners.
- Clean and disinfect cages and kennels.
- Properly label, handle, and store disinfectants and cleaners.
- Demonstrate basic nursing skills used in companion animal care facilities.
- Administer subcutaneous and intramuscular injections.
- Medicate orally by hand pilling and dose syringe.
- Apply topical medication to the eye.
- Examine, clean, and medicate ears.
- Perform venipuncture for blood sampling.
- Perform therapeutic bathing, basic grooming, and dipping.
- Provide care and observation of hospitalized/boarded patients/animals.
- Prepare feed and prescription diets.
- Trim nails.
- Express anal glands of dogs.
- Provide routine record-keeping.
- List and determine normal values of temperature, pulse, and respiration.
- Auscultate heart and lungs using a stethoscope.
- Perform bandaging and casting techniques for a variety of situations.
- Discuss the basic principles of fluid therapy.
- Describe the composition of body and therapeutic fluid.
- Describe fluid therapy equipment and its use.
- Categorize and provide examples of fluids used in maintenance and replacement therapy.
- List and describe selected fluid additives.
- List and describe selected oral electrolyte preparation.
- Calculate fluid replacement and drip rates.
- Adhere to the professional behavior and ethical conduct as outlined in the Veterinary Technician Code of Ethics.
- Work effectively in groups of people from diverse backgrounds and beliefs.
- 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: Lecture Exams
|
30 %
|
|
Formative: Assignments
|
15%
|
|
Summative: Clinical Skills Assessment
|
30 %
|
|
Formative: Weekly Lab Quizzes
|
15 %
|
|
Summative: Professional Lab Grade
|
10%
|
|
TOTAL
|
100%
|
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
- Apply theoretical information that leads to appropriate action in the application or delivery of veterinary nursing procedures.
- Competently perform a full range of veterinary nursing procedures used in small and large animal medicine.
- 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)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- 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.