BI2S105 - Veterinary Theatre Practice 01 Sep 2023 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 6

Associated Module Information

Module Code: BI2S105
Module Title: Veterinary Theatre Practice
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Biological and Forensic Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Biological Science
Module Leader: Katie Davies
Module Team: Rachel Perry, Rhiannon Stundon, Paul Jones, Theona Aristidou, Rhian Jones
First Intended Intake: SEP 2015 Final Year of Intake: 2026
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100532 - veterinary nursing
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 6
Valid From 01 Sep 2023
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

This module aims to give student veterinary nurses the ability to analyse evidence based surgical nursing techniques to provide optimal patient care before, during and after surgery.

Preparation and maintenance of the theatre environment, instruments and materials and the role of scrubbed assistant, for a range of surgical procedures is an essential part of veterinary nursing and this module aims to equip student veterinary nurses with the background knowledge to prepare them for practical work in the veterinary theatre.

Content Summary

The content of this module explores all aspects of small animal veterinary theatre practice small animal surgical nursing and includes:

Demonstration of the role of scrubbed assistant to include appropriate dress and behaviour.

Identification and preparation of surgical and dental instruments and materials to include care of hinges, working surfaces, knowledge of materials used for construction, maintenance and storage, protection of bladed, sharp, toothed, tungsten-tipped and delicate instruments; identification and knowledge of function for commonly used types of: towel clips, scalpel holders and blades, dissecting forceps, scissors, artery forceps, retractors, speculums, bowel clamps, needle holders, orthopaedic instrumentation, ophthalmic instrumentation, dental instrumentation, powered and specialist instrumentation to include: dental equipment and orthopaedic drills; safe removal and handling of mounted blades and needles.

Ability to clean instruments effectively to include lubrication, sharpening and safe storage, health and safety considerations.

Pack items for sterilisation to include: drapes and gowns, instrument and drape wrapping and packing techniques, labelling, sterilisation methods, checks and monitoring; discussion of One Health and sustainability.

Appraisal of surgical nursing techniques for the entire peri-operative period considering the following: admitting patients to include patient preparation before arrival, client care, obtaining informed consent; preparing patients for surgery; nursing during surgery to include monitoring of patient and equipment; effective hand-over to hospital staff - safe transfer of patients to and from tables and recovery areas using mechanical aids; facilitation of effective recovery; accurate record-keeping; discussion of quality improvement and the clinical audit.

Consideration of effective theatre design, use, furniture and equipment to include: adjustable tables, theatre trolley, wall mounted clock, light sources, heat sources diathermy, suction, scope racks, cryosurgery control boxes and foot pedals, drip stand, patient transport systems - winches, hoists and transfer equipment including stretchers and trolleys.

The pass mark is set using a modified Angoff Method. Pass marks will vary.

The RCVS Day One Competences and Day One Skills for Veterinary Nurses are the minimum essential requirements that all student veterinary nurses are expected to have met in order to join the RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses. Further information can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk

The content of this module will cover the following RCVS Day One Competences: 1, 4-9, 12-13, 15, 17, 19, 29-31.

The content of this module will cover the following RCVS Day One Skills for Veterinary Nurses: 1.1-1.2, 2.1-2.4, 2.9-2.11, 3.1-3.5, 4.5-4.6, 8.3-8.4, 9.1-9.12.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 50
Seminar 5
Tutorial 5
Demonstration 15
Practical classes and workshops 25
Independent Study 100
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Demonstrate the role of scrubbed nursing assistant to include identification and preparation of surgical instruments and materials
LO2 Appraise surgical nursing techniques to include the entire peri-operative period.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Onsite Practical Assessment Practical Test 1 Theatre Practice 15 N/A 30 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Assessment Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 2 Peri operative nursing practice 1: 35 MCQ and 5 SAQ 60 N/A 35 No 0
Synchronous Onsite Assessment Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 1 Peri operative nursing practice 2: 35 MCQ and 5 SAQ 60 N/A 35 No 0

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Practical Test 1
Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 2
Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 1

Reading List

Gerrard, E., 2021. BSAVA pocketbook for veterinary nurses. 2nd ed. Gloucester: BSAVA.

Bexfield, N. & Lee, K., 2014. BSAVA guide to procedures in small animal practice. 2nd ed. Gloucester : BSAVA.

Banes, S., Lipscomb, V. & Hutchinson, T., 2012. BSAVA manual of canine and feline surgical principles. Gloucester : BSAVA.

Aspinall, V., 2019. Clinical procedures in veterinary nursing. 4th ed. Oxford: Elsevier.

Ackerman, N., 2016. Aspinall's complete textbook of veterinary nursing. 3rd ed. Oxford: Elsevier.

Hotson Moore, P. & Hughes, A., 2007. BSAVA manual of practical animal care. Gloucester: BSAVA.

Jones, M. & Mullineaux, E., 2007. BSAVA Manual of Practical Veterinary Nursing. Gloucester : BSAVA.

Mullineaux, E., Turner, L. & Cooper, B., 2020. The BSAVA textbook of veterinary nursing. 6th ed. Gloucester: BSAVA.

Orpet, H. & Welsh, P., 2011. Handbook of veterinary nursing. Chichester: Blackwell.

Rudd, S. & Hotston Moore, A., 2008. BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Advanced Veterinary Nursing. 2nd ed. Gloucester: BSAVA.

Tear, M., 2017. Small animal surgical nursing. 3rd ed. St. Louis: Elsevier.

Relevant peer-reviewed journal articles will be provided as part of your expected learning in this module.