Module Information

Module Identifier
VN11000
Module Title
Principles of Veterinary Nursing
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Reading List
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Case study  1500 Words  50%
Semester Exam 2 Hours   Written exam  50%
Supplementary Assessment Case study  1500 Words  50%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   Written exam  50%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Examine the principles of biosecurity and explain the concept of barrier nursing.

Identify a range of wounds and compare and contrast common dressings and bandaging techniques.

Examine examples of fluid therapy and explain methods of administering these safely.

Identify common conditions requiring first aid and appraise the role of the veterinary nurse in triage and administering first aid safely and legally.

Explain methods of providing physical therapy and identify common conditions requiring it.

Identify the requirements of a clinical examination and explain the nursing process in relation to holistic nursing and the use of care plans.

Brief description

The aim of this module is to introduce the important clinical participation of the veterinary nurse through the nursing process. The module will explore the diverse role of the veterinary nurse in hospitalisation, patient management, patient care and nursing interventions. An introduction to wounds, fluid therapy, physical therapy and common practical procedures around these topics will provide initial information that will be further developed in the year 2 clinical modules.

Content

1. Patient requirements, assessment, care, treatment and management during hospitalisation
2. Introduction to nursing care plans
3. Biosecurity and practice hygiene including barrier nursing
4. Introduction to wounds, dressings and bandages
5. Introduction to fluid therapy
6. Introduction to physical therapy
7. First aid
8. Common practical procedures and nursing skills

The following RCVS Day One Skills (DOS) are covered within the content of this module:
3.1, 4.1, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4.12, 4.14, 4.15, 4.16, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 9.2
The following RCVS Day One Competences (DOC) are covered within the content of this module:
1, 12, 18, 19, 20, 29

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Creative Problem Solving Identification of potential challenges relating to the veterinary-veterinary nurse-client-patient interaction and clinical veterinary practice.
Professional communication First aid simulations will require communication to ensure successful outcomes
Subject Specific Skills Knowledge of relevant literature on veterinary nursing and the ability to perform clinical skills and nursing interventions.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4