Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assess and respond to animal behaviour in general veterinary practice. It requires a holistic application of veterinary nursing, distinguishing normal and abnormal behaviours, acceptable and unacceptable behaviours, current behavioural therapies, animal legislation and effective client communication.
This unit applies to veterinary nurses with extensive vocational expertise who are responsible for providing advanced nursing skills and support for veterinarians with a special interest in animal behaviour. It is assumed that such nurses will have a leadership role in their practice and apply specialised knowledge of animal behaviour to promote responsible pet ownership within the veterinary practice and with animal owners.
This unit applies to veterinary nurses who work in a veterinary practice under the supervision of a registered veterinarian.
Legislative and regulatory requirements apply to veterinary nurses but vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.
NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Promote responsible pet ownership | 1.1 Identify basic animal needs and relate to behavioural patterns 1.2 Advise clients on the benefits of socialisation and humane training methods 1.3 Advise clients on behavioural issues and legal responsibilities of pet ownership |
2. Interpret animal behaviour | 2.1 Identify anatomy and physiology as it relates to the stress response and behaviour management in animals 2.2 Review animal learning theory and identify current techniques in behavioural management 2.3 Provide appropriate environment and enrichment to promote and support normal behaviour in species 2.4 Investigate socialising, environmental and activity behaviours in different species 2.5 Determine a range of acceptable and unacceptable animal behaviours in different species 2.6 Collect patient histories and identify a range of normal and abnormal behaviours in different species 2.7 Assess the physical and social environment of the patient 2.8 Assess risks or hazards to patient, other animals, self, owner, staff and public 2.9 Inform the veterinarian of identified behavioural issues |
3. Facilitate behavioural consults | 3.1 Coordinate appropriate actions to reduce risk according to WHS requirements and practice policies as directed by veterinarian 3.2 Assist in providing an appropriate environment for each behaviour consultation to occur 3.3 Provide nursing support for behavioural consultations 3.4 Provide appropriate behavioural advice as directed by veterinarian 3.5 Prepare behavioural medications according to legislative requirements and as prescribed or directed by the veterinarian |
4. Provide after care for behavioural cases | 4.1 Design behaviour modification plan for patients using current humane methods that complies with legislative requirements 4.2 Educate clients on behaviour management and implementation of behaviour modification plans 4.3 Follow up and review behaviour modification plans in response to patient outcomes and progress with veterinarian 4.4 Provide grief support to clients as required |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Reading | Read and analyse a variety of research texts in relation to animal behaviour and animal learning theory, and apply outcomes to client education programs |
Oral communication | Presentation skills to conduct client education programs |
Get the work done | Apply problem-solving skills to use available resources and anticipate veterinarians’ requirements Address irregularities and contingencies in the context of the work role |
Sectors
Veterinary Nursing (VET)