Assist the veterinary surgeon as a general theatre assistant during surgical procedures

This standard is about assisting the veterinary surgeon as a general theatre assistant during surgical procedures. It covers the provision of equipment and materials during surgical procedures.

This standard is suitable for registered veterinary nurses.

1. assess the risks to the health and safety of yourself and colleagues when acting as a general theatre assistant during veterinary surgical procedures
2. wear the required clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) when providing assistance as a general theatre assistant during veterinary surgical procedures
3. use the required hand hygiene technique as appropriate when acting as a general theatre assistant during veterinary surgical procedures
4. select and implement the required veterinary practice infection control procedures relevant to the area of the veterinary practice you are working
5. provide the veterinary surgeon with equipment and materials for performing veterinary surgical procedures on the veterinary patient

6. position surgical instruments in the correct orientation for immediate use by the veterinary surgeon

7. maintain the sterility of veterinary surgical equipment and materials when supporting the veterinary surgeon during surgical procedures

8. dispose of surplus and waste material according to relevant legal requirements and the veterinary practice procedures
9. comply with relevant animal health and welfare legislation and codes of practice
10. carry out your work in accordance with the relevant environmental and health and   safety legislations, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and business policies

1. how to assess the risks to the health and safety of yourself and colleagues when assisting as a general theatre assistant during surgical procedures
2. the required clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) for working in a veterinary surgical theatre
3. the required veterinary practice infection control procedures relevant to the area of the veterinary practice you are working in
4. the required hand hygiene techniques when assisting as a general theatre assistant
5. the types of conditions for which surgery is required on veterinary patients
6. the veterinary surgical equipment and materials needed for veterinary surgical procedures
7. why it is important to identify and provide the required veterinary surgical equipment and to provide extra equipment when requested by the veterinary surgeon
8. why it is important to count the veterinary surgical equipment and materials before, during and after surgery
9. when suction equipment may be required and how to use it
10. how to position different types of veterinary surgical instruments for ease of access and use by the veterinary surgeon
11. how to maintain sterility in veterinary surgical equipment and materials and why this is important
12. the surplus and waste materials and gases from the surgical environment and how to deal with each of these
13. your responsibilities for the health and welfare of animals under the relevant legislation and codes of practice
14. your professional responsibilities as a registered veterinary nurse
15. your responsibility under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislations, codes of practice and business policies