Assist qualified veterinary staff during medical procedures and diagnostic investigations

This standard is about assisting qualified veterinary staff during medical procedures and diagnostic investigations.  This could include assisting the qualified veterinary staff by monitoring the veterinary patient, providing equipment and materials, and recording in the correct documentation.

The types of veterinary medical procedures and diagnostic investigations may include, veterinary patient examination, sample collection, fluid therapy, supplying dispensed medication, applying dressings and bandages or assisting with diagnostic procedures.

This standard is suitable for Auxiliary care assistants and enrolled student veterinary nurses.

1. establish from the qualified veterinary staff the assistance that is required during medical procedures and diagnostic investigations
2. select and wear the required clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) when assisting the qualified veterinary staff during medical procedures and diagnostic investigations
3. use the required veterinary practice infection control procedures when assisting veterinary staff during medical procedures and diagnostic investigations
4. provide equipment and materials as directed by the qualified veterinary staff
5. provide assistance in accordance with the requirements of the qualified veterinary staff and the condition of the veterinary patient
6. follow the handling and welfare needs of the veterinary patient and notify the qualified veterinary staff as required
7. check that there is access to the veterinary patient to allow the medical procedure or diagnostic investigation to be performed
8. monitor the veterinary patient during the medical procedure or diagnostic investigation
9. assist with maintaining records of the medical procedure or diagnostic investigation correctly
10. carry out any necessary instructions after the medical procedure or diagnostic investigation is complete, as instructed by the qualified veterinary staff
11. comply with relevant animal health and welfare legislation and codes of practice
12. 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. the assistance that is required by the qualified veterinary staff during medical procedures and diagnostic investigations
2. the importance of selecting the clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) required for use during assisting with medical procedures and diagnostic investigations
3. the required veterinary practice infection control procedures for assisting with veterinary medical procedures and diagnostic investigations
4. animal management, including handling and restraint, for different types of medical procedures, diagnostic investigations and animal behaviours
5. the types of problems that can arise during medical procedures and diagnostic investigations and why it is important to bring them to the attention of the qualified veterinary staff
6. how to recognise the signs of physical distress, pain and clinical deterioration in the veterinary patient and why it is important to bring them to the attention of the qualified veterinary staff
7. the information required on veterinary patients in order to carry out medical procedures and diagnostic investigations
8. the type of equipment and materials required by the qualified veterinary staff to perform veterinary medical procedures and diagnostic investigations
9. the importance of maintaining records for veterinary medical procedures and diagnostic investigations
10. your responsibilities for the health and welfare of animals under relevant legislation and codes of practice
11. your professional responsibilities as a registered veterinary nurse
12. your responsibility under the relevant environment and health and safety legislations, codes of practice and business policies