Name:

..

Overview
VN1-Understanding the operational requirements of a veterinary practice
Numb
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Done:
er:
VN2-Professional relationships and communication for veterinary nursing practice
Numb
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Done:
er:
VN3- Comparative functional anatomy for veterinary nurses
Numb
1a
1b
1c
1d
Done:
er:
VN4- Applied animal welfare, health and husbandry for veterinary nurses
Numb
1a
1b
1c
1d
2a
2b
2c
2d
3a
3b
3c
Done:
er:
Numb
3d
4a
4b
4c
4d
5
6
Done:
er:
VN5- Infection control in veterinary practice
Numb
1
2
3
4
5a
5b
5c
5d
6
7
8
Done:
er:
VN7- Essentials of practical veterinary nursing care for hospitalised animals
Numb
1
2
3
4
5a
5b
6
7a
7b
7c
8
Done:
er:
Numb
9
10
11
12
13
14a
14b
15
16
17a
17b
Done:
er:
Numb
17c
18
19
20
21
22
23a
23b
24a
24b
24c
Done:
er:
Numb
25
26a
26b
27
Done:
er:
VN8- Supporting the supply of veterinary medicines
Numb
1
2
3
4
5
6a
6b
6c
7
8
9
Done:
er:
VN9- Veterinary Nursing Support of Diagnostic Imaging
Numb
1a
1b
1c
1d
2a
2b
2c
2d
3
4
5
Done:
er:
Numb
6
7
8
9
10
11a
11b
11c
11d
11e
11f
Done:
er:
Numb
11g
11h
11i
11j
11k
12a
12b
12c
12d
12e
12f
Done:
er:
Numb
12g
12h
Done:
er:
VN10- Veterinary nursing support of laboratory diagnostics
Numb
1a
1b
1c
1d
1e
1f
2a
2b
2c
2d
2e
Done:
er:
Numb
2f
3a
3b
3c
3d
3e
3f
4a
4b
4c
4d
Done:
er:
Numb
4e
4f
4g
5
6a
6b
7a
7b
7c
7d
7e
Done:
er:
Numb
8a
8b
8c
8d
9a
9b
9c
10
11
12
Done:
er:
VN11- Supporting veterinary operating theatre practice
Numb
1a
1b
1c
1d
2a
2b
2c
3a
3b
4a
4b
Done:
er:
Numb
4c
5
6
7a
7b
8a
8b
8c
9a
9b
10a
Done:
er:
Numb
10b
10c
10d
11
12a
12b
12c
13a
13b
13c
13d
Done:
er:
Numb
14a
14b
15a
15b
15c
15d
16
17
18a
18b
18c
Done:
er:
Numb
19
Done:
er:

Numb
Done:
er:
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Done:
er:
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Done:
er:
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Done:
er:
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Done:
er:
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Done:
er:
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Done:
er:
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Done:
er:
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Done:
er:
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Done:
er:
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Done:
er:
Numb
Done:
er:
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Done:
er:
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Done:
er:
Numb
Done:
er:

SAVN13- Practical monitoring of small animal anaesthesia

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9a

10a

10b

11a

11b

17

18

19

20

1a

12a

12c

13

14

SAVN15- Practical peri-operative veterinary nursing support

1b
1c
1d
2a
2b
3a
3b
4a

9c

15

16

4b

4c

5a

5b

5c

6a

6b

6c

6d

7a

7b

8a

8b

8c

9a

9b

9c

9d

10a

10b

10c

10d

10e

11a

11b

11c

11d

11e

12a

12b

13a

13b

13c

SAVN17- Practical veterinary nursing support of small animal patients

1a
1b
1c
1d
1e
1f
1g
2a
2b
2c

2d

2e

4a

4b

4c

4d

4e

4f

5a

5b

5c

5d

5e

5f

6a

6b

7a

7b

8a

8b

9a

9b

10a

10b

10c

11a

11b

11c

12a

12b

12c

12d

13a

13b

13c

13d

13e

13f

SAVN18- Principle of small animal nursing emergency and critical care

1a
1b
1c
1d
2a
2b
2c
2d
3a
3b

3c

4a

4b

5a

5b

5c

6a

6b

6c

7a

7b

7c

7e

7f

8a

8b

8c

Percentage= add the

Date

12b

9b

Percentage

Date

6d

6e

, /371 & X100

Percentage

Date

Percentage

VN1-Understanding the operational

requirements of a veterinary practice
Numb
er
1

2
3
4
5
6
7

To Do
Manually handle and move
materials and equipment loads
safely
Store equipment and materials in
a way that enables safe manual
handling
Complete a risk assessment for
one area of the practice and
instigate appropriate action
Maintain stock in the examination
room
Follow practice procedure for
ordering supplies
Identify and dispose of surplus
and outdated stock
Follow practice protocol to report
damage to and malfunction of
accommodation and/or
equipment
Arrange a maintenance visit for
practice equipment (one piece
only)

Guidance Note
Ability to move a variety of loads
demonstrating safe technique. Taking into
account positioning of load, weight, stability
and handler factors.
Taking into account accessibility, use of aids
No guidance notes
Keep stock in optimum condition for use taking
in to account stock rotation, expiry sates and
storage
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes

One piece of equipment only

Don
e

VN2-Professional relationships and

communication for veterinary nursing
practice
Numbe
r
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

To Do
Make appointments for
consultation
Make appointments for surgical
procedures
Register new clients
Register new patients
Process clients on arrival in the
practice
Take and recorded payments
accurately
Provide estimates of costs to
clients
Maintain client record and
documentation appropriately
Exhibit client-focussed behaviour
and personal presentation
Communicate over the
telephone, using practice
telephone protocols
Produce clear written clinical
records (observations, nursing
reports and client instructions)

Guidance Note
Use a variety of means (face-to-face,
telephone) Reasons for appointment must
include first opinion, emergency and follow up.
Use a variety of means (face-to-face,
telephone).
Use a variety of means (face-to-face,
telephone).
Use a variety of means (face-to-face,
telephone).
No guidance notes
To include credit card, cheque and insurance
claims.
Follow practice protocol.
Following practice protocol, to include dealing
with insurance forms.
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes

Done

VN3- Comparative functional anatomy

for veterinary nurses
Numb
er
1a
1b
1c
1d

To Do

Guidance Note

Demonstrate the position of

anatomical landmarks in intact
animals :- cat
Demonstrate the position of
anatomical landmarks in intact
animals :- dog
Demonstrate the position of
anatomical landmarks in intact
animals :- exotics
Demonstrate the position of
anatomical landmarks in intact
animals :- Horse

Experience of this can be gained throughout

Experience of this can be gained throughout
Experience of this can be gained throughout
Experience of this can be gained throughout

VN4- Applied animal welfare, health

and husbandry for veterinary nurses
Numb
er
1a

1b

1c

1d

2a
2b
2c
2d
3a

3b

3c

3d

4a
4b
4c
4d
5
6

To Do

Guidance Note

Demonstrate correct techniques

for handling, holding and
restraining animals for
examination: cat
Demonstrate correct techniques
for handling, holding and
restraining animals for
examination: dog
Demonstrate correct techniques
for handling, holding and
restraining animals for
examination: exotics
Demonstrate correct techniques
for handling, holding and
restraining animals for
examination: horse
Demonstrate techniques for
approaching and catching animals:
cat
Demonstrate techniques for
approaching and catching animals:
dog
Demonstrate techniques for
approaching and catching animals:
exotics
Demonstrate techniques for
approaching and catching animals:
horse
Move animals around the
establishment with due regard to
health and safety and animal
welfare: cat
Move animals around the
establishment with due regard to
health and safety and animal
welfare: dog
Move animals around the
establishment with due regard to
health and safety and animal
welfare: exotics
Move animals around the
establishment with due regard to
health and safety and animal
welfare: horse
Clean and maintain
accommodation for: cat
Clean and maintain
accommodation for: dog
Clean and maintain
accommodation for: exotics
Clean and maintain
accommodation for: horse
Demonstrate basic groom
practices
Examine hooves and carry out

No guidance notes

No guidance notes

Exotics to include rabbits, birds, rodents and

reptiles.
Basics of horse restraint

No guidance notes
No guidance notes
Exotics to include rabbits, birds, rodents and
reptiles.
No guidance notes
No guidance notes

No guidance notes

No guidance notes

Leading a horse, to include application of head

collar
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
To include use of hoof pick

Done

basic equine foot care

VN5- Infection control in veterinary

practice
Numb
er
1
2
3
4
5a
5b
5c
5d
6
7
8

To Do

Guidance Note

Select and constitute appropriate

cleaning and disinfectant
solutions

Taking into account safe and effective use,

susceptibility of different classes of organisms
such as viruses and bacteria
To include consulting rooms, kennel
accommodation, stabling, laboratory and
operating theatre
No guidance notes

Demonstrate methodical and

effective cleaning technique
Maintain hygiene in examination
rooms
Clean general in-patient
accommodation
Handle and dispose of hazardous
or offensive biological materials:
body fluids
Handle and dispose of hazardous
or offensive biological materials:
faeces
Handle and dispose of hazardous
or offensive biological materials:
tissue
Handle and dispose of hazardous
or offensive biological materials:
cadavers
Demonstrate methodical and
effective hand hygiene
Use appropriate disposable
proactive clothing
Exhibit personal hygiene and
dress commensurate with
infection control

To include cleaning isolation accommodation

(daily cleaning regime and terminal
disinfection)
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
Using the World Health Organisation method
No guidance notes
Taking into account personal hygiene, personal
protective equipment, infection risks of
jewellery, nail varnish, hair sleeves and
footwear

VN7- Essentials of practical veterinary

nursing care for hospitalised animals
Numb
er
1

2
3
4
5a
5b
6
7a
7b
7c
8
9
10
11
12

13
14a
14b
15
16
17a
17b
17c

To Do

Guidance Note

Prepare and maintain

accommodation for in-patients
taking into account species and
clinical condition
Assess and record overall animal
condition and demeanour
Assess and record temperature,
pulse, respiration and colour of
mucous membranes
Assess and record levels of
consciousness

To include substrates and bedding materials

Observe and monitor excretion

Assess and monitor for signs of
pain and/or anxiety
Groom and bathe patients
appropriately according to species
Provide food and fluids to patients
taking into account: medical
dietary requirements
Provide food and fluids to patients
taking into account: species and
size of animal
Provide food and fluids to patients
taking into account: normal
feeding regimes
Hand feed patients
Administer tube feeds
Administer solutions for oral rehydration
Assemble fluid therapy equipment
and materials
Monitor the administration of fluid
therapy and recognise problems
with flow rate or catheter site
should these arise
Apply simple wound dressings
using aseptic technique
Apply simple bandages that: retain
dressings effectively
Apply simple bandages that:
support limbs
Observe and report the condition
of wounds
Use strategies and devices to
prevent patient interference with
wounds
Interpret prescriptions and
prepare medicines for
administration: oral
Interpret prescriptions and
prepare medicines for
administration: topical
Interpret prescriptions and

To include appearance and behaviour

No guidance notes
To include assisting with recovery from
anaesthesia
To include urine, faeces, vomitus/gastric
reflux
No guidance notes
To include cleansing of orifices
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes

No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
Written and Oral communication
Bandages, Elizabethan collars, Bitter sprays
and/or Equine cradles, rugs bibs, cribbox
application
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes

Done

18
19
20
21
22
23a
23b
24a
24b
24c
25
26a
26b
27

prepare medicines for

administration: parenteral
Administer oral medications
Administer rectal medication or
enemata
Apply topical medications
Correctly reconstitute medicines
according to manufacturers
instructions
Draw up medicines for parenteral
administration with regard to
safety, accuracy and asepsis
Administer medications by
injection: subcutaneous
Administer medications by
injection: intramuscular
Dispose of used materials:
ampoules
Dispose of used materials:
syringes
Dispose of used materials: needles
Communicate effectively on inpatient progress
Interpret care plans and deliver
prescribed nursing care:
perioperative nursing
Interpret care plans and deliver
prescribed nursing care: medical
nursing
Complete records of clinical
nursing care clearly and
accurately

No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
Report observations of animals effectively to
colleagues to include oral and written
communication
Use a care plan to inform delivery of nursing
care for medical and surgical related
problems
Use a care plan to inform delivery of nursing
care for medical and surgical related
problems
No guidance notes

VN8- Supporting the supply of

veterinary medicines
Numbe
r
1

To Do
Interpret prescriptions and
prepare medicines for dispensing

2
3
4
5
6a
6b

6c

7
8

Handle medicines taking into

account health and safety
Dispense medications into
appropriate containers
Label medicines in accordance
with legal requirements and
practice protocols
Advise clients on safe and correct
routes of administration and
potential side effects
Demonstrate to clients suitable
techniques for administering
medicine to include:- instruction
Demonstrate to clients suitable
techniques for administering
medicine to include:demonstration
Demonstrate to clients suitable
techniques for administering
medicine to include:- written
guidance
Advise clients on storage and
disposal of medication
Maintain records of Schedule 2
medications (Controlled Drugs) in
accordance with legal
requirements and practice policy
Dispose of unused
pharmaceuticals

Guidance Note
Calculate and dispense the required dosage,
quantity and frequency of administration of
medication taking into account safe handling of
medicines.
To include appropriate use of PPE
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
To include safe handling and PPE requirements
Must include pitching level of instruction and
guidance, checking owner understanding,
appropriate follow up
Must include pitching level of instruction and
guidance, checking owner understanding,
appropriate follow up
Must include pitching level of instruction and
guidance, checking owner understanding,
appropriate follow up
No guidance notes
No guidance notes

No guidance notes

Done

VN9- Veterinary Nursing Support of

Diagnostic Imaging
Numb
er
1a

1b

1c
1d
2a
2b
2c
2d
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

To Do

Guidance Note

Maintain personal safety and that of

others when working with ionising
radiation:- wear/place film badges
appropriately
Maintain personal safety and that of
others when working with ionising
radiation:- use and observe warning
lights/signs
Maintain personal safety and that of
others when working with ionising
radiation:- use screens/safe distance
Maintain personal safety and that of
others when working with ionising
radiation:- wear PPE
Prepare diagnostic imaging
equipment for radiography to
include: X-ray machine
Prepare diagnostic imaging
equipment for radiography to
include: cassette +/- grid
Prepare diagnostic imaging
equipment for radiography to
include: positing aids
Prepare diagnostic imaging
equipment for radiography to
include: markers

No guidance notes

Care for and check individual

personal protective equipment (PPE)
Process radiography according to
practice policy
Evaluate the quality of radiography
and identify faults
Prepare and maintain ultrasound
equipment
Prepare, maintain and store
endoscopes
Clean endoscope after use
Prepare and support animals during
endoscopy or ultrasound
investigations
Record results of radiographs
according to practice procedure

11a
Position patient for the following
small animal views:- carpus
(dorsopalmar and mediolateral)
11b

Position patient for the following

small animal views:- elbow (craniocraudal and lateral)

No guidance notes

No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes

To include Dose Meters, Lead

aprons, Lead gloves, Thyroid
Protectors for equine only
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
To include scanner, probes and transducers
Care of fibre optics
Care of fibre optics, PPE
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
Mandatory for students undertaking small
animal pathway and optional for other
students. To include correct use of
positioning aids and markers along with
correct collimation and centring should
include a range of species.
Mandatory for students undertaking small
animal pathway and optional for other
students. To include correct use of
positioning aids and markers along with
correct collimation and centring should

Done

11c
Position patient for the following
small animal views:- shoulder
(cranio-craudal)
11d
Position patient for the following
small animal views:- cervical spine
(lateral)
11e
Position patient for the following
small animal views:- thorax-lumbar
spine (lateral)
11f
Position patient for the following
small animal views:- lumber-sacral
spine (lateral)
11g
Position patient for the following
small animal views:- hips/pelvis
(ventrodorsal)
11h
Position patient for the following
small animal views:- stifle (caudiocranial and mediolateral)
11i
Position patient for the following
small animal views:- hock
(dorsoplantar and mediolateral)
11j
Position patient for the following
small animal views:- Abdomen
(ventrodorsal and lateral)
11k
Position patient for the following
small animal views:-thorax
(dorsoventral or ventrodorsal and
lateral)
12a
Position patient for the following
equine views:-foot
12b
Position patient for the following
equine views:- fetlock/pastern
(dorsopalmar and lateralmedial)

include a range of species.

Mandatory for students undertaking small
animal pathway and optional for other
students. To include correct use of
positioning aids and markers along with
correct collimation and centring should
include a range of species.
Mandatory for students undertaking small
animal pathway and optional for other
students. To include correct use of
positioning aids and markers along with
correct collimation and centring should
include a range of species.
Mandatory for students undertaking small
animal pathway and optional for other
students. To include correct use of
positioning aids and markers along with
correct collimation and centring should
include a range of species.
Mandatory for students undertaking small
animal pathway and optional for other
students. To include correct use of
positioning aids and markers along with
correct collimation and centring should
include a range of species.
Mandatory for students undertaking small
animal pathway and optional for other
students. To include correct use of
positioning aids and markers along with
correct collimation and centring should
include a range of species.
Mandatory for students undertaking small
animal pathway and optional for other
students. To include correct use of
positioning aids and markers along with
correct collimation and centring should
include a range of species.
Mandatory for students undertaking small
animal pathway and optional for other
students. To include correct use of
positioning aids and markers along with
correct collimation and centring should
include a range of species.
Mandatory for students undertaking small
animal pathway and optional for other
students. To include correct use of
positioning aids and markers along with
correct collimation and centring should
include a range of species.
Mandatory for students undertaking small
animal pathway and optional for other
students. To include correct use of
positioning aids and markers along with
correct collimation and centring should
include a range of species.
Mandatory for students undertaking equine
pathway and optional for other students. To
include correct use of PPE, positioning aids
and markers along with correct collimation
and centring
Mandatory for students undertaking equine
pathway and optional for other students. To
include correct use of PPE, positioning aids
and markers along with correct collimation
and centring

12c
Position patient for the following
equine views:- splint bones
(dorsopalmar and lateromedial)
12d
Position patient for the following
equine views:-carpus (dorsopalmar
and lateralmedial)
12e
Position patient for the following
equine views:- tarsus (dorsoplantar)
12f
Position patient for the following
equine views:- stifle (lateromedial
and caudio-cranial)
12g
Position patient for the following
equine views:- sinus/teeth
(lateromedial)
12h
Assist the veterinary surgeon with
endoscopy procedures (equine)

Mandatory for students undertaking equine

pathway and optional for other students. To
include correct use of PPE, positioning aids
and markers along with correct collimation
and centring
Mandatory for students undertaking equine
pathway and optional for other students. To
include correct use of PPE, positioning aids
and markers along with correct collimation
and centring
Mandatory for students undertaking equine
pathway and optional for other students. To
include correct use of PPE, positioning aids
and markers along with correct collimation
and centring
Mandatory for students undertaking equine
pathway and optional for other students. To
include correct use of PPE, positioning aids
and markers along with correct collimation
and centring
Mandatory for students undertaking equine
pathway and optional for other students. To
include correct use of PPE, positioning aids
and markers along with correct collimation
and centring
Mandatory for students undertaking equine
pathway and optional for other students. To
include correct use of PPE, positioning aids
and markers along with correct collimation
and centring

VN10- Veterinary nursing support of

laboratory diagnostics
Numb
er
1a
1b
1c
1d

Guidance Note
Prepare animal for collection of the
following sample:- blood
Prepare animal for collection of the
following sample:- urine
Prepare animal for collection of the
following sample:- hair/skin
Prepare animal for collection of the
following sample:- tissue biopsies

1e
Prepare animal for collection of the
following sample:- joint fluid
1f
Prepare animal for collection of the
following sample:- peritoneal fluid
2a
2b
2c
2d
2e
2f
3a
3b
3c
3d
3e
3f
4a
4b

Take the following samples:- urine

Take the following samples:- faeces
Take the following samples:hair/skin
Take the following samples:- blood
Assist with the collection of:- joint
fluid
Assist with the collection of:peritoneal fluid
Prepare diagnostic test equipment
and materials for the following
sample:- blood
Prepare diagnostic test equipment
and materials for the following
sample:- urine
Prepare diagnostic test equipment
and materials for the following
sample:- hair/skin
Prepare diagnostic test equipment
and materials for the following
sample:- tissue biopsies
Prepare diagnostic test equipment
and materials for the following
sample:- joint fluid
Prepare diagnostic test equipment
and materials for the following
sample:- peritoneal
Package and label the following
sample:- blood
Package and label the following
sample:- urine

Guidance Note
To include patient checks, safe handling and
moving and appropriate positing and
restraint
To include patient checks, safe handling and
moving and appropriate positing and
restraint
To include patient checks, safe handling and
moving and appropriate positing and
restraint
To include patient checks, safe handling and
moving and appropriate positing and
restraint
Mandatory for students undertaking equine
pathway and optional for other students. To
include patient checks, safe handling and
moving and appropriate positing and
restraint. Sterile skin preparation , safe
positioning of personal.
Mandatory for students undertaking equine
pathway and optional for other students. To
include patient checks, safe handling and
moving and appropriate positing and
restraint. Sterile skin preparation , safe
positioning of personal.
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
Mandatory for students undertaking equine
pathway and optional for other students.
Mandatory for students undertaking equine
pathway and optional for other students.
To include haematology and biochemistry
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
Mandatory for students undertaking equine
pathway and optional for other students.
Mandatory for students undertaking equine
pathway and optional for other students.
No guidance notes
No guidance notes

Done

4c
4d
4e
4f
4g
5
6a
6b
7a
7b
7c
7d
7e
8a
8b
8c
8d
9a
9b
9c
10
11
12

Package and label the following

sample:- skin/hair
Package and label the following
sample:- tissue biopsies
Package and label the following
sample:- microscope slides
Package and label the following
sample:- joint fluids
Package and label the following
sample:- peritoneal fluid
Store specimens correctly prior to
despatch
Complete the following laboratory
documentation:- internal practice
records
Complete the following laboratory
documentation:- external laboratory
request forms and documentation
Prepare the following sample for
evaluation:- blood smear
Prepare the following sample for
evaluation:- skin scrape
Prepare the following sample for
evaluation:- PCV
Prepare the following sample for
evaluation:- urine sediment
Prepare the following sample for
evaluation:- total protein
Use the following laboratory
equipment:- analyser
Use the following laboratory
equipment:- refractometer
Use the following laboratory
equipment:- commercial test kit
Use the following laboratory
equipment:- centrifuge
Use a microscope:- low
magnification
Use a microscope:- high
magnification
Use a microscope:- record vernier
scale reading
Identify damage to laboratory
testing equipment and materials and
follow practice reporting protocol
Identify inconsistencies and/or
inaccuracies in test results
Record laboratory test results and
communicate accurately to the
appropriate clinician

No guidance notes
No guidance notes
Mandatory for students undertaking small
animal pathway and optional for other
students.
Mandatory for students undertaking equine
pathway and optional for other students.
Mandatory for students undertaking equine
pathway and optional for other students.
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
Mandatory for students undertaking small
animal pathway and optional for other
students.
Mandatory for students undertaking equine
pathway and optional for other students.
Analysers to include biochemistry and
haematology
No guidance notes
Commercial test kits could be snap?? Or
reagent test strips.
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes

VN11- Supporting veterinary operating

theatre practice
Numb
er
1a
1b
1c

1d
2a
2b
2c
3a
3b
4a

4b

4c
5
6

Guidance Note

Guidance Note

Behave appropriately in the

operating theatre:- personal hygiene
Behave appropriately in the
operating theatre:- theatre clothing

Personal hygiene includes general

cleanliness, jewellery, hair, nail varnish.
Theatre clothing? Use of swabs

Behave appropriately in the

operating theatre:- movement and
speech
Behave appropriately in the
operating theatre:- personal safety
and safety of others
Clean the operating theatre:- daily
damp dusting
Clean the operating theatre:periodic deep clean
Clean the operating theatre:- after
infected case
Prepare the theatre for use:equipment
Prepare the theatre for use:materials
Position animals on the operating
table and make adjustments to:
positioning aids in accordance with
the planned procedure
Position animals on the operating
table and make adjustments to:
table position in accordance with the
planned procedure
Position animals on the operating
table and make adjustments to:
lighting in accordance with the
planned procedure
Carry out final skin preparation
Assist the surgeon to don sterile
gown and gloves

7a

Open and pass sterile materials:directly to a scrubbed operator

7b

Open and pass sterile materials:onto a sterile field

8a
8b
8c
9a
9b

Assist with the use of:- diathermy

equipment
Assist with the use of:- tourniquets
Assist with the use of:- ancillary
surgical equipment
Demonstrate methodical handhygiene:- hand-washing for theatre
practice
Demonstrate methodical handhygiene:- surgical scrubbing
procedure

Movement in relation to the sterile field and

scrubbed personnel. Speech in relation to
droplet aerosol contamination and use of
masks.
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes

No guidance notes

No guidance notes

According to practice protocol

Maintain asepsis
Avoid leaning over sterile fields, dust
aerosol and sliding packs contents over
sterile edges.
Avoid leaning over sterile fields, dust
aerosol and sliding packs contents over
sterile edges.
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes

Done

10a
10b
10c
10d
11
12a
12b
12c
13a
13b
13c
13d
14a
14b
15a
15b
15c
15d

Scrub up to assist with a surgical

procedure:- wear sterile gown
Scrub up to assist with a surgical
procedure:- gloves
Scrub up to assist with a surgical
procedure:- caps and masks
Scrub up to assist with a surgical
procedure:- maintain sterility of self,
other operator(s) and materials
Place a routine instrument set
according to practice protocol
Keep track of materials during
surgery:- swab count
Keep track of materials during
surgery:- instrument count
Keep track of materials during
surgery:- blade and needle count
Handle instruments and equipment:passing items, including blades
Handle instruments and equipment:managing powered equipment
Handle instruments and equipment:mounting sutures
Handle instruments and equipment:mounting and dismounting blades
Handle tissue:- retraction technique
Handle tissue:- use of swabs and
packs
Dispose of used equipment:- sharps
Dispose of used equipment:- swabs
Dispose of used equipment:- tissue
Dispose of used equipment:- body
fluids

16

check and clean surgical instruments

17

Identify and report wear or damage

to equipment and instruments

18a
18b
18c
19

Prepare and package instruments

and materials for sterilisation:drapes and gowns
Prepare and package instruments
and materials for sterilisation:- single
instruments
Prepare and package instruments
and materials for sterilisation:instruments
Sterilise surgical equipment and
instruments

No guidance notes
Competent in both open and closed gloving
methods
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No
No
No
No

guidance
guidance
guidance
guidance

notes
notes
notes
notes

Taking into account working surfaces, care

of hinges and delicate items, to include
hand cleaning and ultrasonic cleaning
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
Operation of the autoclave to include safety,
loading monitoring of effective sterilisation.

SAVN13- Practical monitoring of small

animal anaesthesia
Numb
er
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9a
9b
9c
10a

10b

11a
11b

Guidance Note

Guidance Note

Check and prepare anaesthetic

machine and breathing system
according to practice protocol
Check and set up pollution control
system (scavenging)
Locate and select the appropriate
preparation and strength of
pharmaceuticals

To include cleaning and care

Prepare materials and equipment

needed for induction of anaesthesia
Retrain an animal and present a
suitable raised vein for cannulation
or induction agent
Prepare and present the animal for
intubation
Introduce endotracheal tubes- check
position of tube. Inflate cuff, secure
tube , attach to circuit
Transfer anaesthetised animals
safely into the operating theatre
Set up and use monitoring
equipment:- pulse oximeter
Set up and use monitoring
equipment:- ECG
Set up and use monitoring
equipment:- oesophageal
stethoscope
Monitor patients and accurately
record observations during the
course of an anaesthetic:- TPR
Monitor patients and accurately
record observations during the
course of an anaesthetic:- depth of
anaesthesia
Interpret and record observations to
the directing veterinary surgeon:routinely
Interpret and record observations to
the directing veterinary surgeon:developing

12a

Monitor equipment during

anaesthetic procedure:- circuits and
endotracheal tube

12b

Monitor equipment during

anaesthetic procedure:- gases and
volatile agents

12c

Monitor equipment during

anaesthetic procedure:- patient
monitors

13

Calculate and administer gases

anaesthesia under veterinary

No guidance notes
According to veterinary instruction to
include consumables, drugs and
intravenous fluids
To include consumables, drugs and
intravenous fluids, laryngoscope,
endotracheal tubes.
Taking into account positioning.
No guidance notes
All points to be completed to achieve the
skill
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
Use of anaesthetic monitoring charts
Use of anaesthetic monitoring charts, depth
to include palpebral reflex, eye position
muscle tone and pedal reflex.
Use of anaesthetic monitoring charts, depth
to include palpebral reflex, eye position
muscle tone and pedal reflex.
Use of anaesthetic monitoring charts, depth
to include palpebral reflex, eye position
muscle tone and pedal reflex.
Power supply and connections supply of
gases and volatile, to include agents and
correlation of equipment readouts with
condition of patient
Power supply and connections supply of
gases and volatile, to include agents and
correlation of equipment readouts with
condition of patient
Power supply and connections supply of
gases and volatile, to include agents and
correlation of equipment readouts with
condition of patient
No guidance notes

Done

14
15

16
17
18
19
20

direction
Vary gases anaesthesia under
veterinary direction
Disconnect patients from
anaesthetic equipment and
materials according to practice
protocol
Set up suitable recovery
environment for anaesthetic
recovery
Position patients for recovery
according to species and surgical
procedure undertaken
Extubate patients at appropriate of
recovery
Monitor and record animals recovery
and identify abnormalities
Communicate post-operative and/or
anaesthetic recovery progress to the
supervising veterinary surgeon

No guidance notes
No guidance notes

No guidance notes
No guidance notes
Recognition of when to Extubate
Key observations and changes
No guidance notes

SAVN15- Practical peri-operative

veterinary nursing support
Numb
er
1a
1b
1c
1d
2a
2b
3a
3b
4a
4b
4c
5a
5b
5c
6a
6b
6c
6d
7a
7b
8a
8b

Guidance Note

Guidance Note

Admit patients for surgical

procedures/investigations:- handover
from owner
Admit patients for surgical
procedures/investigations:- recording
contract details
Admit patients for surgical
procedures/investigations:-create
nursing care plan
Admit patients for surgical
procedures/investigations:-check
consent to surgery
Prepare operation sites:- care and
use of clippers, identification of sites,
initial skin scrub
Prepare operation sites:- foot
bandage
Hand patients over for anaesthesia:information
Hand patients over for anaesthesia:calming patient
Receive patients from the recovery
area:- handover information
Receive patients from the recovery
area:- observation
Receive patients from the recovery
area:- handling of patients
Prepare suitable post-operative
nursing environments, taking into
account:- species
Prepare suitable post-operative
nursing environments, taking into
account:- conditions
Prepare suitable post-operative
nursing environments, taking into
account:-procedure
Observe and monitor post-operative
patients:-vital signs
Observe and monitor post-operative
patients:- wound
appearance/drainage
Observe and monitor post-operative
patients:- pain
Observe and monitor post-operative
patients:- urine output
Maintain and record fluid intake:intravenous fluids
Maintain and record fluid intake:-oral
intake
Identify signs of pain and stress and
take appropriate action:environment
Identify signs of pain and stress and

No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes

Done

8c
9a

9b

9c

9d

10a

10b

10c

10d

10e
11a
11b
11c
11d
11e
12a
12b
13a
13b
13c

take appropriate action:- position

Identify signs of pain and stress and
take appropriate action:- analgesics
Plan, implement and evaluate
nursing care plans to address needs
if post-operative and convalescent
patient:- fluid and nutrition
Plan, implement and evaluate
nursing care plans to address needs
if post-operative and convalescent
patient:- urination and defaecation
Plan, implement and evaluate
nursing care plans to address needs
if post-operative and convalescent
patient:- mobility, exercise
Plan, implement and evaluate
nursing care plans to address needs
if post-operative and convalescent
patient:- pain relief, alleviation of
stress
Deliver species specific perioperative nursing care to patients,
including cats, dogs and exotics, to
include:- elective surgery
Deliver species specific perioperative nursing care to patients,
including cats, dogs and exotics, to
include:- emergency surgery
Deliver species specific perioperative nursing care to patients,
including cats, dogs and exotics, to
include:- minor procedures
Deliver species specific perioperative nursing care to patients,
including cats, dogs and exotics, to
include:- major procedures
Deliver species specific perioperative nursing care to patients,
including cats, dogs and exotics, to
include:- orthopaedic procedures
Care for surgical wounds:observations
Care for surgical wounds:management of drainage
Care for surgical wounds:- dressings
and bandaging
Care for surgical wounds:- removal
of drains, closures
Care for surgical wounds:preventing interference
Plan for discharge and home care,
taking into account:- condition of
patient
Plan for discharge and home care,
taking into account:- home
circumstances
Provide discharge information and
guidance to owners:- oral
Provide discharge information and
guidance to owners:- written
Provide discharge information and
guidance to owners:- teaching of
practical techniques e.g. giving
medication

No guidance notes
No guidance notes

No guidance notes

No guidance notes

No guidance notes

Immediate post-operative care to include

food and fluid intake, elimination pain
management and wound management.
Immediate post-operative care to include
food and fluid intake, elimination pain
management and wound management.
Immediate post-operative care to include
food and fluid intake, elimination pain
management and wound management.
Immediate post-operative care to include
food and fluid intake, elimination pain
management and wound management.
Immediate post-operative care to include
food and fluid intake, elimination pain
management and wound management.
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes

SAVN17- Practical veterinary nursing

support of small animal patients
Numb
er
1a

1b

1c

1d

1e

1f

1g

2a
2b
2c
2d
2e

3
4a

Guidance Note

Guidance Note

Plan, deliver and evaluate care for

animals with a range of conditions,
using an appropriate model and
framework, could include:circulatory or respiratory disorder
Plan, deliver and evaluate care for
animals with a range of conditions, u
sing an appropriate model and
framework, could include:- urinary
tract disorder
Plan, deliver and evaluate care for
animals with a range of conditions,
using an appropriate model and
framework, could include:- endocrine
disorder
Plan, deliver and evaluate care for
animals with a range of conditions,
using an appropriate model and
framework, could include:neurological disorder
Plan, deliver and evaluate care for
animals with a range of conditions,
using an appropriate model and
framework, could include:alimentary tract disorder
Plan, deliver and evaluate care for
animals with a range of conditions,
using an appropriate model and
framework, could include:reproductive tract disorder
Plan, deliver and evaluate care for
animals with a range of conditions,
using an appropriate model and
framework, could include:- disorder
of sense organs
Prepare and maintain a suitable
environment for patients taking into
account:- species
Prepare and maintain a suitable
environment for patients taking into
account:- age
Prepare and maintain a suitable
environment for patients taking into
account:- condition
Prepare and maintain a suitable
environment for patients taking into
account:- normal routines
Prepare and maintain a suitable
environment for patients taking into
account:- welfare considerations
Communicate with the veterinary
team in relation to the evaluation
and review of nursing care
Carry out effective barrier nursing to

Include a range of species, age ranges and

medical conditions to demonstrate overall
competence. A minimum of four identified
groups of pathologies would be expected.
Include a range of species, age ranges and
medical conditions to demonstrate overall
competence. A minimum of four identified
groups of pathologies would be expected
Include a range of species, age ranges and
medical conditions to demonstrate overall
competence. A minimum of four identified
groups of pathologies would be expected
Include a range of species, age ranges and
medical conditions to demonstrate overall
competence. A minimum of four identified
groups of pathologies would be expected
Include a range of species, age ranges and
medical conditions to demonstrate overall
competence. A minimum of four identified
groups of pathologies would be expected
Include a range of species, age ranges and
medical conditions to demonstrate overall
competence. A minimum of four identified
groups of pathologies would be expected
Include a range of species, age ranges and
medical conditions to demonstrate overall
competence. A minimum of four identified
groups of pathologies would be expected
Include a range of species, age ranges and
medical conditions to demonstrate overall
competence.
Include a range of species, age ranges and
medical conditions to demonstrate overall
competence.
Include a range of species, age ranges and
medical conditions to demonstrate overall
competence.
Include a range of species, age ranges and
medical conditions to demonstrate overall
competence.
Include a range of species, age ranges and
medical conditions to demonstrate overall
competence.
Written and oral

Barrier nursing and/or reverse barrier

Done

4b
4c
4d
4e
4f
5a
5b
5c
5d
5e
5f
6a
6b
7a
7b
8a
8b
9a
9b
10a
10b
10c
11a

11b

11c

12a
12b

include:- preparing accommodations

Carry out effective barrier nursing to
include:- protective clothing
Carry out effective barrier nursing to
include:- hand hygiene
Carry out effective barrier nursing to
include:- fomites
Carry out effective barrier nursing to
include:- cleaning and disinfections
Carry out effective barrier nursing to
include:- caring for isolated patients
Provide wound management to
include:- accurate assessment
Provide wound management to
include:- taking swabs
Provide wound management to
include:- irrigation
Provide wound management to
include:- selection and application of
dressing
Provide wound management to
include:- selection and application
of retaining
Provide wound management to
include:- client education
Administer complex medications to
include:- infused medications
Administer complex medications to
include:- intravenous bolus
medications
Place or assist with placement of
naso-gastric or oesophageal tubes
Manage naso-gastric or oesophageal
tubes
Manage indwelling urinary catheters
to include:- placement of urinary
catheters
Manage indwelling urinary catheters
to include:- catheter care
Manage bowel function to include:administration of laxatives
Manage bowel function to include:enemata
Provide physiotherapy to include:thoracic coupage
Provide physiotherapy to include:passive limb exercises
Provide physiotherapy to include:active exercises
Devise appropriate home-care plans
for animals with chronic illness:- in
consultation with the owner and
veterinary team
Devise appropriate home-care plans
for animals with chronic illness:including oral and written guidance
Devise appropriate home-care plans
for animals with chronic illness:providing information for emergency
contact
Provide care for terminally ill
animals:- preparing the owner for
loss
Provide care for terminally ill

nursing.
Barrier nursing and/or reverse
nursing.
Barrier nursing and/or reverse
nursing.
Barrier nursing and/or reverse
nursing.
Barrier nursing and/or reverse
nursing.
Barrier nursing and/or reverse
nursing.
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes

No guidance notes
No guidance notes

No guidance notes
No guidance notes

barrier
barrier
barrier
barrier
barrier

12c
12d
13a
13b

13c

13d
13e
13f

animals:- caring for the animal

sensitively
Provide care for terminally ill
animals:- supporting an owner
through euthanasia
Provide care for terminally ill
animals:- providing follow-up support
for a bereaved owner
Conduct effective nursing
consultations to include:- history
taking
Conduct effective nursing
consultations to include:appropriate examination
Conduct effective nursing
consultations to include:- identifying
cases for referral to a veterinary
surgeon
Conduct effective nursing
consultations to include:- conduct of
treatments
Conduct effective nursing
consultations to include:communication with clients
Conduct effective nursing
consultations to include:- record
keeping

No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes

No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes

SAVN18- Principle of small animal

nursing emergency and critical care
Numb
er

Guidance Note

1a

Demonstrate first aid treatment, to

include:- unconsciousness

1b

Demonstrate first aid treatment, to

include:- compromised airway

1c

Demonstrate first aid treatment, to

include:- haemorrhage and wounds

1d

Demonstrate first aid treatment, to

include:- fractures

2a
2b
2c
2d
3a
3b
3c
4a
4b
5a
5b
5c
6a

Triage patients to include:unconsciousness

Triage patients to include:compromised airway
Triage patients to include:haemorrhage and wounds
Triage patients to include:- fractures
Prepare for the admission of
emergency patients, to include:suitable environment
Prepare for the admission of
emergency patients, to include:equipment
Prepare for the admission of
emergency patients, to include:consumables
Introduce peripheral intravenous
catheters:- dog
Introduce peripheral intravenous
catheters:- cat
Care for animals with situ
intravenous catheter:- site
observation and care
Care for animals with situ
intravenous catheter:- maintain
patency
Care for animals with situ
intravenous catheter:- on-going fluid
therapy
Prepare accommodation for critically
ill patients, to include:- type of
accommodation

6b

Prepare accommodation for critically

ill patients, to include:- environment

6c

Prepare accommodation for critically

ill patients, to include:- access for
observation and monitoring

6d

Prepare accommodation for critically

ill patients, to include:- bedding

6e

Prepare accommodation for critically

Guidance Note

Done

Use simulation and first aid mannequins

where appropriate in the interests of animal
welfare.
Use simulation and first aid mannequins
where appropriate in the interests of animal
welfare.
Use simulation and first aid mannequins
where appropriate in the interests of animal
welfare.
Use simulation and first aid mannequins
where appropriate in the interests of animal
welfare.
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
Include a range of species, age ranges
conditions to demonstrate overall
competence.
Include a range of species, age ranges
conditions to demonstrate overall
competence.
Include a range of species, age ranges
conditions to demonstrate overall
competence.
Include a range of species, age ranges
conditions to demonstrate overall
competence.
Include a range of species, age ranges

and
and
and
and
and

7a
7b

ill patients, to include:- observation

charts
Provide care for a critically ill patient,
to include:- breathing and
cardiovascular function
Provide care for a critically ill patient,
to include:- nutrition and fluid
balance

7c

Provide care for a critically ill patient,

to include:- mobility and positioning

7d

Provide care for a critically ill patient,

to include:- hygiene

7e

Provide care for a critically ill patient,

to include:- maintaining body
temperature

7f

Provide care for a critically ill patient,

to include:- pain and stress

8a
8b
8c
9

Monitor critically ill patients, to

include:- blood pressure monitoring
Monitor critically ill patients, to
include:- pulse oximetry
Monitor critically ill patients, to
include:- neurological observations
Administer oxygen therapy

conditions to demonstrate overall

competence.
Include a range of species, age ranges
conditions to demonstrate overall
competence.
Include a range of species, age ranges
conditions to demonstrate overall
competence.
Include a range of species, age ranges
conditions to demonstrate overall
competence.
Include a range of species, age ranges
conditions to demonstrate overall
competence.
Include a range of species, age ranges
conditions to demonstrate overall
competence.
Include a range of species, age ranges
conditions to demonstrate overall
competence.
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes
No guidance notes

and
and
and
and
and
and