Course Description
In this course, students will learn and practice advanced veterinary nursing skills. Skills acquired in Veterinary Nursing 1 (VTEC 1103) and 2 (VTEC 1203) will be reviewed and further developed. Advanced drug dosing, fluid administration, constant rate infusion (CRI) and transfusion calculations will be practiced. Students will gain experience in client and workplace communication. Emergency and critical care nursing will be emphasized, along with the medical record keeping needed for these disciplines. Ward and hospital management will be discussed from a veterinary technologist's perspective.
Course Content
Diagnostic techniques:
- blood glucose curves and monitoring
Advanced nursing care:
- advanced monitoring and procedures such as bandaging, ECG, blood transfusion medicine, constant rate infusions and fluid therapies
- medical record keeping in all aspects of practice
- regional anesthesia and tracheostomy care procedures
Emergency Medicine:
- management of veterinary emergencies
- CPCR and other emergency techniques
Critical Care:
- transition of a patient from emergency care to critical care
- role of the veterinary technologist in the care of the critical patient
Workplace communications:
- client communication, problem solving, conflict resolution and interpersonal skills
Career opportunities for the veterinary technician.
Learning Activities
Lectures will include online quizzes and video lectures, case studies and interactive group work. Labs and workshops may include live animal labs, CPR simulations, client communication simulations (which may include actors), as well as tours of off-site facilities and external speaker events. A variety of practicum placement types will be offered including 24 hour emergency and specialty hospital care.
Means of Assessment
Assessment will be in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. A final minimum cumulative grade of C, or 60%, is required in order to pass this course. Evaluation will be based on the following:
Assignments, quizzes, projects 40-60% (No single evaluation worth more than 25%)
Midterm exam 10-20%
Final exam 20-40%
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, successful students will be able to:
- Perform emergency and critical care nursing techniques for small animals;
- Discuss hospital design, work flow and principles affecting ward hygiene and infection control;
- Practice effective workplace and client communication;
- Complete and maintain veterinary nursing records for small animal general nursing, emergency and critical care;
- Discuss the variety of potential career opportunities available to veterinary technicians.
Textbook Materials
Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials.