Unit information: Principles and Practice of Primary Veterinary Nursing in 2020/21

Unit name	Principles and Practice of Primary Veterinary Nursing
Unit code	VETS10014
Credit points	20
Level of study	C/4
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Mrs. Irwin-Porter
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	All other first year units
School/department	Bristol Veterinary School
Faculty	Faculty of Health Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

This unit will enable students to understand how healthy animals function and how health can be maintained. Students will learn to develop the essential skills of nursing care in the management of patients as well as the underpinning theoretical knowledge and application of the communication process in order to prepare them for communication with clients and other members of the veterinary team

Intended Learning Outcomes

1. Recognise the ethical and legal responsibilities of the veterinary nurse in relation to patients, clients (to include the public) and colleagues within veterinary practice
2. Recognise normal and abnormal parameters of both the healthy and unhealthy animal. Consider animal welfare and deliver nursing care according to the patient’s needs.
3. Relate Clinical Pharmacology to the dispensing of medicines in accordance with veterinary legislation and latest guidance.
4. Recognise and demonstrate the complexity of the communication process. Demonstrate effective communication with clients, the public, professional colleagues and responsible authorities using a range of communication skills and tools.

Species range: Canine, Feline, Equine, Exotics

Teaching Information

Practicals Online synchronous and asynchronous teaching and learning Small group working Use of Virtual learning environment (Blackboard)

Assessment Information

Students must pass the following assessments:

2 hour written examination (100% weighting)

30 minute practical examination (Must Pass)

In addition,students MUST ENGAGE with the following component:

1 x reflective log relating to the communications role play

All units must be passed in order to progress to the next year of study. There will be an opportunity to resit written and practical examinations during the resit period.

Please note that practical and technical skills will also be assessed via the RCVS Nursing Progress Log.

Reading and References

Please refer to the central University reading list repository : https://bristol.rl.talis.com/index.html