Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to train a registered veterinary nurse who can render a professional level of veterinary care to animals within the South African community and to provide further opportunities for continued personal growth and research.

Qualified learners will be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills in appropriate procedures, specific veterinary nursing skills and applied competences as required for employment as a veterinary nurse in private, welfare and state veterinary services, research and teaching facilities and industry, in terms of the Veterinary and Para-veterinary Professionals Act 19 of 1982 as amended.

The qualification consists of a planned range of learning opportunities commencing with exposure to knowledge and knowledge of the normal healthy animal. The depth of exposure is gradually increased towards a more problem-solving approach together with the gradual introduction of more applied aspects through a hands-on approach consisting of prescribed practical work and clinical exposure. An entire lecture-free year at the end of the qualification aims to equip the student with the required applied competence and skills in the clinical situation as well as in the management of the facility and interaction with owners and clients.

Rationale

The art of diagnosing and treating animal diseases developed gradually over time with training in veterinary science dating back to 1762 in Lyons, France. The need for specifically trained support staff in a clinical environment similarly developed over time has led to the recognition of the veterinary nursing profession as a key role player in a larger team of professionals devoted to the health and welfare of animals and their owners. The growing demand for these professionals has led to the introduction of qualifications for this particular category of professional.

This qualification aims to meet the need of the sector by delivering veterinary health-care professionals trained to deliver appropriate services in a wide range of veterinary endeavours ranging from private practice, academia, research, animal welfare, wildlife and rehabilitation centres, state veterinary practice and community clinics. These services are essentially aimed at providing nursing care to the patient and support services to the owner and the veterinarian whilst at the same time facilitating proper management of the clinical facility in liaison with other support staff over the full range of veterinary involvement; cats and dogs, exotic animals, horses and production animals.

Typical learners will include learners dedicated to the welfare and well-being of all animals with a keen sense of duty in alleviating suffering and educating others in the art of responsible animal ownership. Qualified veterinary nurses will find employment in the full range of veterinary practices, academia, animal welfare organisations, animal research organisations, wildlife and rehabilitation centres, state veterinary practice and others.; in fact, anywhere where animals are kept and and/or have to be cared for. Duties will include the clinical care and treatment of animals, performing diagnostic procedures, specific and general administrative duties, and patient and facility management. Knowledge and skills gained during the qualification can also be applied in related animal industries such as boarding and/or grooming establishments, the pet food industry, the pharmaceutical industry and suppliers of veterinary instruments.

The qualification is to be seen as the first tertiary qualification in the field of veterinary nursing for which the National Senior Certificate will serve as a prerequisite qualification. Completion of the qualification may then serve as entry point for further postgraduate qualifications in veterinary nursing specifically or branching into other disciplines such as management and/or economics.

Private veterinary practice is well established in South Africa as are activities related to animal welfare, animal research and veterinary academia. It is well-known that veterinary interaction is aimed at two separate but closely related areas; the care and treatment of the animal and the emotional component of the human-animal bond and the impact on the economy in the provision of safe and wholesome food of animal origin. Both have an impact on the extent to which society and the economy in general stands to gain or lose; one is measured more in terms of the societal gain and advantage, the other in terms of money at all levels of society up to and including international trade and the effect thereof on the national economy. Suffice it to say that both are important and stand to benefit from the availability of a team of optimally trained veterinary healthcare professionals.

The objectives of the NQF will be facilitated through this qualification by adding on to the scope of the already existing framework a further qualification serving the needs of a well-established profession. As such it will facilitate access to and entry of potential learners in additional career paths which will specifically serve societal needs and economic growth in general. It will enhance education in a very important field of veterinary science whilst also creating the possibility of further education and personal development. Through improved access it will facilitate redress and lead to the full development of learners as well as the social and economic development of all the people of South Africa.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

• The institution's policy on RPL will apply Diplomates' learning could be recognised for entry into the degree programme based on workplace experience, CPD points or day 1 competency exams.

Entry Requirements

• National Senior Certificate granting access to Bachelor's Degree studies and with competency in Mathematics and Physical Science.

Or

• Senior Certificate with endorsement and with competency in Mathematics and Physical Science.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 385 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 5: 130 Credits

• Anatomy, 18 Credits.
• Physiology, 18 Credits.
• Ethology, 12 Credits.
• Primary Animal Health Care, 8 Credits.
• Microbiology, 12 Credits.
• Parasitology, 12 Credits.
• Pharmacology, 14 Credits.
• Laboratory Techniques, 12 Credits.
• General Nursing, 12 Credits.
• Practice Management and Life Skills, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 6: 120 Credits

• Anaesthesiology, 16 Credits.
• Diagnostic Imaging, 12 Credits.
• Theatre Practice,12 Credits.
• Companion Animal Surgical Nursing, 18 Credits.
• Companion Animal Medical Nursing, 20 Credits.
• Reproductive Nursing, 12 Credits.
• Exotic Animal and Wildlife Nursing, 6 Credits.
• Production Animal Nursing, 12 Credits.
• Practice Management and Life Skills, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 7: 135 Credits

• Companion Animal Medical Nursing, 24 Credits.
• Companion Animal Surgical Nursing, 24 Credits.
• Theatre Practice, 6 Credits.
• Anaesthesiology, 6 Credits.
• Diagnostic Imaging, 6 Credits.
• Production Animal Nursing, 12 Credits.
• Reproductive Nursing, 12 Credits.
• Veterinary Nursing Practice, 45 Credits.

1. Demonstrate detailed and integrated knowledge and knowledge literacy of veterinary sciences, primary animal care and para-clinical studies.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of methods of inquiry in the field of veterinary nursing practice.
3. Access, process and manage information and identify and solve complex problems in a professional, ethical and accountable manner as part of a multi-disciplinary clinical team.
4. Produce and communicate information, using well-informed arguments and appropriate academic, professional and veterinary nursing discourse.
5. Recognise professional, technical and personal limitations with special reference to practice management, jurisprudence and ethics, and demonstrate the ability to identify and address learning needs in a self-directed and collaborative manner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Apply animal behaviour and ethology principles in the veterinary context.
• Apply breeding care and management on animals.
• Apply animal husbandry principles in the clinical context.
• Demonstrate knowledge of infectious diseases and parasites of animals.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Collect and process appropriate samples from animals (excluding the collection of biopsy samples).
• Examine and analyse samples from animals.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Act independently and apply emergency procedures when necessary on animal patients.
• Monitor animal patients correctly.
• Perform procedures associated with veterinary nursing on animals.
• Perform minor surgical procedures on animal patients.
• Perform peri-operative procedures on animal patients.
• Perform biomechanical rehabilitation on animals at a level appropriate to veterinary nursing.
• Administer anaesthetics and monitor anaesthetised animal patients.
• Assist with diagnostic imaging of animals.
• Infuse fluids, including blood, to the animal patient.
• Dispense and administer medicines and veterinary remedies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Promote good client relations and communication.
• Demonstrate human resource management and conflict resolution skills.
• Inform clients about disease prevention and care of healthy animals and promote primary health care activities.
• Communicates well with clients and colleagues in both written and verbal form.
• Understand and use correct veterinary terminology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Perform routine practice management procedures.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the relevant Acts and regulations regarding safety, health and the environment.
• Demonstrate knowledge of hazards associated with nursing animals.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and comply with appropriate legislation.
• Develop ethical attitudes and compassion when dealing with animals and humans.

Integrated Assessment

A range of formative and summative assessment methods are used that permit the learner to demonstrate applied competence. Integrated assessment methods include theory and practical/clinical skills evaluation. The following assessment methods, but not limited to those listed, are used to provide an opportunity for learners to demonstrate their achievement holistically in terms of the overall purpose of the qualification and across Exit-Level Outcomes:

• Written assignments, tests and/or examinations.
• Computer based tests and/or examinations.
• Practical/clinical examinations.
• Oral examinations.