Module Information

Module Identifier
VN21120
Module Title
Surgical nursing
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Reading List
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Presentation and SOP  Presentation (15mins) and Standard Operating Procedure (1000 words)  50%
Semester Exam 2 Hours   Written exam  50%
Supplementary Assessment Presentation and SOP  Presentation (15mins) and Standard Operating Procedure (1000 words)  50%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   Written exam  50%

Learning Outcomes

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

Discuss the preparation and maintenance of the environment, equipment, materials and patient for surgery for a variety of procedures.

Critique the role of the veterinary nurse in assisting the veterinary surgeons as a scrubbed and circulating nurse.

Discuss the needs of the patient pre-, intra and post-operatively.

Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Schedule 3 procedures.

Discuss the use of evidence-based nursing in developing and implementing new surgical techniques.

Critique recognised methods of alternative and holistic therapies and justify their use in post-operative care of surgical cases.

Brief description

The aim of this module is to present essential aspects of management of the operating theatre from the aspect of both a scrub and circulating nurse. The role of the veterinary nurse in surgical assistance, nursing interventions and peri-operative management and care of dogs, cats, small mammals and equids in the surgical environment will be discussed. Management, care and nursing interventions of patients with specific surgical conditions will be included. Veterinary physiotherapy techniques and modalities applied in successful rehabilitation and treatment of common medical conditions of dog, cat and small mammal patients will be included. The application of Schedule 3 and relevant Standard Operating Procedures will be integrated into the topics, with emphasis on evidence-based nursing. Consideration of advances in surgical techniques will provide an advanced element to the module.

Content

1. Identify risks, maintain biosecurity, hygiene, aseptic environment and asepsis
2. Theatre design
3. Schedule 3 procedures
4. Common surgical procedures and the role of the nurse in assisting with these (as scrub and circulating nurse)
5. Use, maintenance, sterilization, storage and precautions with use of instruments, materials and surgical equipment
6. Suture needles and materials and basic suture patterns
7. Management of clinical records and use of SOPs
8. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation for specific surgical conditions
9. Advanced/new surgical techniques and the application of evidence based nursing
10. RCVS CoPC for veterinary nurses

The following RCVS Day One Skills (DOS) are covered within the content of this module:
4.1, 4.2, 4.12, 4.14, 4.16
The following RCVS Day One Competences (DOC) are covered within the content of this module:
1, 12, 18, 19, 28

All content will be covered via a combination of lectures, seminars and practical sessions. There will also be an expectation for students to undertake 155 hours of independent or directed study.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Creative Problem Solving Identification of potential patient complications and providing correct interventions
Digital capability Design of presentation material
Professional communication Presentation of information
Subject Specific Skills Knowledge and practical skills relevant to the care and management of the surgical patient.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5