Assist the veterinary surgeon as a general theatre assistant during surgical procedures
URN: LANRVN17
Business Sectors (Suites): Veterinary nursing and auxiliary services
Developed by: Lantra
Approved on:
28 Feb 2019
Overview
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.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- assess the risks to the health and safety of yourself and colleagues when acting as a general theatre assistant during veterinary surgical procedures
- wear the required clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) when providing assistance as a general theatre assistant during veterinary surgical procedures
- use the required hand hygiene technique as appropriate when acting as a general theatre assistant during veterinary surgical procedures
- select and implement the required veterinary practice infection control procedures relevant to the area of the veterinary practice you are working
- provide the veterinary surgeon with equipment and materials for performing veterinary surgical procedures on the veterinary patient
position surgical instruments in the correct orientation for immediate use by the veterinary surgeon
maintain the sterility of veterinary surgical equipment and materials when supporting the veterinary surgeon during surgical procedures
- dispose of surplus and waste material according to relevant legal requirements and the veterinary practice procedures
- comply with relevant animal health and welfare legislation and codes of practice
- carry out your work in accordance with the relevant environmental and health and safety legislations, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and business policies
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- how to assess the risks to the health and safety of yourself and colleagues when assisting as a general theatre assistant during surgical procedures
- the required clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) for working in a veterinary surgical theatre
- the required veterinary practice infection control procedures relevant to the area of the veterinary practice you are working in
- the required hand hygiene techniques when assisting as a general theatre assistant
- the types of conditions for which surgery is required on veterinary patients
- the veterinary surgical equipment and materials needed for veterinary surgical procedures
- why it is important to identify and provide the required veterinary surgical equipment and to provide extra equipment when requested by the veterinary surgeon
- why it is important to count the veterinary surgical equipment and materials before, during and after surgery
- when suction equipment may be required and how to use it
- how to position different types of veterinary surgical instruments for ease of access and use by the veterinary surgeon
- how to maintain sterility in veterinary surgical equipment and materials and why this is important
- the surplus and waste materials and gases from the surgical environment and how to deal with each of these
- your responsibilities for the health and welfare of animals under the relevant legislation and codes of practice
- your professional responsibilities as a registered veterinary nurse
- your responsibility under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislations, codes of practice and business policies
Scope/range
Scope Performance
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
Skills
Glossary
Links To Other NOS
External Links
Version Number
2
Indicative Review Date
28 Feb 2024
Validity
Current
Status
Original
Originating Organisation
Lantra
Original URN
LANRVN23
Relevant Occupations
Veterinary Nurse
SOC Code
3240
Keywords
animal care; veterinary nurse; surgical