Week 1

Approach to the Cesarean Patient

Brief overview of parturition

Complications of parturition

Cesarean section

Learning outcomes

Explain complications that might occur in parturition

Explain the reasons for intervening in these cases in order to perform a C section

Understand nursing of the caesarean patient

Week 2

The GDV Patient

Physiology of GDV

Diagnosis

Stabilisation of the GDV

Anaesthesia considerations

Post-operative nursing

Learning outcomes

Understand the physiology of a GDV and list some of the common risk factors associated with this condition

Describe how a GDV is diagnosed and which tests can help us to identify this condition in the emergency patient

List the common stabilisation techniques in the emergency patient including management of shock and commonly used gastric decompression techniques

Discuss anaesthesia considerations and how to make the patient a safe candidate for surgery

Describe the nursing considerations for the post-operative GDV case and the factors which need to be included in the care plan of the hospitalised patient

Week 3

Nursing the Septic Abdomen

What is SIRS/Sepsis

Recognising sepsis

The use of diagnostic tools in the veterinary practice to help recognise a septic abdomen

Nursing management of a septic abdomen

Learning outcomes

Describe SIRS and Sepsis and the difference between them

Understand how to recognise sepsis in veterinary patients

List the different tests we have available in practice that can be used to help identify a septic abdomen

Explain how patients with a septic abdomen can best be nursed in practice, pre-, peri and post operatively

Week 4

Haemoabdomen

Physiology of haemoabdomen

Diagnosis

Stabilisation of the haemoabdomen

Anaesthesia considerations

Post-operative nursing

Learning outcomes

Understand the physiology of a the haemoabdomen and list some of the common causes associated with this condition

Describe how a haemoabdomen is diagnosed and which tests can help us to identify this condition in the emergency patient

List the common stabilisation techniques in the emergency patient including management of shock

Discuss anaesthesia considerations and how to make the patient a safe candidate for surgery

Describe the nursing considerations for the post-operative haemoabdomen case and the factors which need to be included in the care plan of the hospitalised patient

The course will be fully tutored by Elle Haskey and Katie Gray, and will consist of 10 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case studies, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details

Week 1
Physiotherapy Toolkit (modalities)

Electrotherapies

Therapeutic hot/cold packs

Manual therapies

Applied exercise therapies

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Understand the principles and application of electrotherapy including:

K-laser

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)

Pulsed magnetic therapy (Biomag)

Therapeutic ultrasound

Understand the use of therapeutic hot/ cold packs

Understand manual therapy and its application including:

Massage

Effleurage

Coupage

Joint mobilisations

Graded stretches

Understand applied exercise therapy including:

Strengthening and stabilising exercises

Balance and proprioceptive exercises

Functional exercises

Hydrotherapy

Week 2
Patient Assessment

Musculoskeletal patient assessment

Neurological patient assessment

Respiratory / critical care patient assessment

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Carry out a basic musculoskeletal, neurological, and respiratory physiotherapy assessment

Understand valid outcome measures to guide patient treatment

How to write SOAP (subjective, objective, analysis, plan) notes to progress patient treatment

Week 3
Physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy Treatment Techniques 

Early phase rehabilitation 0-2 weeks

Mid phase rehabilitation 2-6 weeks

Late phase rehabilitation 6-12 weeks

Patient discharge or maintenance physiotherapy programme

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Carry out early physiotherapy treatment including:

Early manual therapy techniques

Early phase hot and cold pack treatment

Early electrotherapies to improve healing, for pain relief

Mid phase gentle exercise programmes including hydrotherapy

Late phase exercise therapy to include advanced strengthening, proprioceptive, balance and
functional exercises

 Late phase electrotherapies for pain relief, soft tissue injuries, muscle strengthening

Week 4
Physiotherapy Progression Plans and Home Exercise Programmes

Patient rehabilitation plans

Discharge and maintenance programmes

Home exercise plans

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Learn how and when to progress patient plans from early to mid through to late-stage rehabilitation to optimise patient outcomes.

Understand when to discharge a patient, or to continue with a maintenance programme for chronic cases or surgical complications.

Design home exercise programmes for owners to carry out.

Week 5
Musculoskeletal Case Studies

CCL reconstruction – TPLO or lateral suture

Soft tissue injuries (tendinopathies, iliopsoas strains)

Fracture repair

Conservative management of chronic conditions, including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Consider appropriate assessment, treatment plan and progression of a musculoskeletal case study

Consider appropriate assessment, treatment plan and progression of a soft tissue case study

Consider appropriate assessment, treatment plan and progression of a fracture repair case study

Consider appropriate assessment, treatment plan and progression of a chronic condition case study

Week 6
Neurological and Respiratory (Intensive Care) Case Studies

Hemi- laminectomy (HLE)

Fibrocartilage embolism (FCE)

Pneumonia

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Consider appropriate assessment, treatment plan and progression of a surgical neurological case study

Consider appropriate assessment, treatment plan and progression of a non-surgical case study

Consider appropriate assessment, treatment plan and progression of a respiratory (critical care) case study

This course will be fully tutored by Donna Carver, and will consist of 15 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case studies, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details

Week 1
Preparation, Priorities and Checklists

Patient safety

The anaesthesia plan and patient priorities

Preparation and checklists

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Understand how preparation and use of checklists improve patient safety

Be able to prepare individual anaesthesia plans for sick patients and/or complex procedures

Understand how to prioritise important considerations

Understand how to prepare the patient and equipment to minimise harmful delays and mistakes

Be able to construct and use relevant patient safety checklists.

Week 2
Ventilation, Capnography and Neuromuscular Blockade

Physiology of spontaneous and controlled ventilation

Ventilators

Capnography

Neuromuscular blockade

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Understand in which situations it is appropriate to use controlled ventilation

Understand how to set up a ventilator and what all the buttons do!

Understand the physiology and technology of capnography

Understand how to interpret different capnograph traces

Understand how to use and monitor neuromuscular blocking drugs

Week 3
Advanced Monitoring and Cardiovascular Support

Physiology of heart rate and blood pressure

The electrocardiogram

Measuring blood pressure

Treating hypotension and arrhythmias

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Have a better understanding of ECG interpretation and when to worry

Understand how to interpret blood pressure measurements

Understand when and how to treat common arrhythmias

Understand different ways of treating hypotension

Week 4
Perioperative Analgesia

Analgesic drugs in the peri-anaesthetic period

Multimodal analgesia

Analgesic infusions

Using local anaesthetic techniques

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Have an understanding of the pharmacology of analgesic drugs

Understand which drugs are useful in which situations

Be able to select and prepare analgesic drugs for intravenous infusions

Understand and select appropriate local anaesthetic techniques for different procedures

The course will be fully tutored by Colette Jolliffe and will consist of 10 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case studies, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details

Week 1

Feline heart disease

Prevalence, aetiology and pathophysiology of feline heart disease

Classification systems used to diagnose and treat feline cardiomyopathies

Nursing care and treatment aims

Learning objectives
By the end of the week, delegates will be able to:

Explain the pathophysiology of feline heart disease

Understand the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) classification system as it applies to feline cardiomyopathies

Be familiar with the best approach to a nurse a cat with heart disease and heart failure

Week 2

Canine heart disease

Prevalence, aetiology and pathophysiology of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)

Classification systems used to diagnose and treat MMVD

Staging systems used to diagnose and treat DCM in dogs

Nursing care of dogs with heart disease and heart failure

Learning objectives
By the end of the week, delegates will be able to:

Explain the pathophysiology of MMVD and DCM

Understand the ACVIM classification system as it applies to MMVD and the staging system as it applies to canine DCM

Be familiar with the best approach to nurse a dog with either MMVD or DCM

Week 3

Electrocardiography (ECG). Part 1 – Theory

The ECG machine and settings

Achieving a good quality ECG trace

How to interpret an ECG

Learning objectives
By the end of the week, delegates will be able to:

Set up an ECG and understand the settings

Apply theory to achieve a good quality ECG trace

Understand how to interpret an ECG, using an algorithmic system.

Week 4

Electrocardiography (ECG). Part 2 – Application

Application of theory from week 1 to cases

Anaesthesia and ECGs

Life threatening arrhythmias

Learning objectives
By the end of the week, delegates will be able to:

Apply theoretical learning to practical cases

Understand the role of anaesthesia and surgery upon ECGs

Identify life threatening arrhythmias

Week 5

Heart failure

Pathophysiology of heart failure

Acute life threatening and chronic management

Management of patients with heart failure

Learning objectives
By the end of the week, delegates will be able to:

Understand how heart failure can occur

Identify patients with heart failure and nurse them appropriately

Recognise drugs used in the treatment of heart failure

Week 6

Diagnostic tests and the cardiac patient

Diagnostic tests used in cardiac patients

How to approach the test and the patient

Evaluation of diagnostic tests in cardiac patients

Learning objectives
By the end of the week, delegates will be able to:

Perform or assist with diagnostic tests with confidence

Apply best practice methods to achieve reliable and repeatable results

Understand the purpose of diagnostic tests used in cardiac medicine

The course will be fully tutored by Charlotte Pace and will consist of 15 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case scenarios, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details

This six week course is most suitable for experienced nurses, those working in referral centres, or those seeking CPD on more advanced anaesthesia techniques, including spirometry, blood gas analysis, invasive blood pressure, mechanical ventilation and ECG interpretation.

Week 1

Preparation and Monitoring of Critical Cases

Preparedness

Considerations

Invasive blood pressure monitoring

Blood gas analysis

Spirometry

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

List generalised considerations for preparing to anaesthetise emergency cases

How to setup and use invasive blood pressure monitoring and how this relates to oscillometric and doppler techniques

Interpret a basic blood gas analysis and outline how this abnormality may have occurred

Explain what spirometry is and how it differs from capnography

Week 2

Abdominal Surgical Emergencies

Haemoabdomen

Gastric dilatation and volvulus

Acute abdomen

Epidural anaesthesia

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Understand the physiological disturbances caused by gastric dilatation and volvulus

Understand the physiological disturbances caused by haemoabdomen

Understand the physiological disturbances caused by the acute abdomen

Participants should be able to suggest considerations for these surgeries and list possible complications that may arise during anaesthesia

Participants should be able to list the total and relative contraindications for epidural anaesthesia

Week 3

Thoracic Surgical Emergencies

Pyothorax

Penetrating injuries

Diaphragmatic rupture

Mechanical ventilation

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Understand the physiological disturbances caused by pyothorax

Understand the physiological disturbances caused by a penetrating injury

Understand the physiological disturbances caused by diaphragmatic rupture

Participants should be able to suggest considerations for these surgeries and list possible complications that may arise during anaesthesia

Participants should also feel able to safely choose ventilator settings for use during non-emergency surgery

Week 4

Caesareans

Physiology

ASA categorisation

Anaesthesia Protocols

Anaesthesia Infusions

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Understand the physiological considerations for caesarean section

Assign and justify the choice of an ASA category to the caesarean section patient

Suggest a safe protocol for caesarean section, with variation based on differing drug availability depending on clinical setting

Understand the basis of total intravenous anaesthesia infusions

Week 5

What’s happening? What should I do?

Hypoxia

Hypocapnia

Hypotension

ECG Abnormalities

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Participants should be able to list possible causes of, and suggest treatments for hypoxia and hypocapnia

Participants should be able to list possible causes of hypotension and discuss the physiology of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options for this.

Participants should be able to interpret the most common ECG abnormalities seen and understand how these rhythms will affect the patient, and have an understanding of possible treatment options

Week 6

CRASH!

Recover CPR guidelines

Crash box

Basic life support

Advanced life support

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

List the vital components of a crash box

Perform safe and effective chest compressions in a variety of patient sizes and conformations.Understand how to monitor the effectiveness of CPR in the clinical setting

Interpret the most common ECG rhythms seen during CPR

Know what drug treatment options are available during CPR

The course will be fully tutored by William McFadzean and will consist of 15 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case scenarios, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details

Week 1

Patient assessment and triage

The concept of triage

Preparedness

Primary survey

Secondary Survey

Emergency history

Learning objectives

After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Understand the triage process and how it can be utilised to prioritise emergency care

Describe how to make their team and environment prepared for when the emergency patient arrives

List how to carry out a primary survey during the initial assessment of the patient

Explain how to carry out a secondary survey assessment in order to list their concerns with the patient

Discuss how to communicate with the client including telephone advice, informed consent and emergency history.

Week 2

Shock

Classify shock

Emergency database

Blood pressure

Oxygen therapy

The use of multiparameter monitors

Learning objectives

After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Identify a patient with shock and classify which type of shock they have

Explain which parameters may be tested during an emergency database and how these can help to identify shock in the emergency room

Understand the physiology of perfusion and ways in which blood pressure can be monitored in the emergency patient

List the different ways that oxygen therapy can be delivered to the emergency patient

Understand the uses and limitations of multiparameter monitors and their role in monitoring perfusion trends

Week 3

Fluid Therapy

Patient assessment

Identifying a fluid deficit or change in volume

What fluids are available

Managing a change in content

Identifying a change in fluid distribution

Learning objectives

After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Explain how to assess the patient’s fluid status using clinical exam and blood work

Discuss how to create a fluid plan to treat a fluid deficit such as hypovolaemia or dehydration

List what fluid options are available and which fluid might be preferred in which situation

Understand how fluid selection or the fluid plan can be altered to account for an electrolyte abnormality

Describe how to manage the patient with fluid overload or peripheral oedema

Week 4

Neurological Emergencies 

Neurological assessment

Coma scoring

Raised intracranial pressure

Seizures

Learning objectives

After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Describe how to perform a neurological assessment of an emergency patient

Describe how to perform a coma score and understand how these may be used in neurological patients

Understand methods of identifying raised intracranial pressure and the physiology behind this

Recognise a seizuring patient and understand their management, from initial presentation and stabilisation of mild seizures through to the management of a patient in status epilepticus

Week 5

Approach to the trauma patient 

Assessment of wounds

Wound management

Management of fractures

Other injuries associated with trauma

Analgesia

Learning objectives

After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Identify different wounds based on the patient history and appearance of the wound

Understand the principles of wound management and common techniques used to flush and debride wounds

Describe how to identify and manage fractures in the trauma patient

List other common injuries associated with trauma and how these should be managed

Implement an analgesia plan for the trauma patient based on pain assessment

Week 6

Common toxicities

Common toxins seen in emergency practice

Renal toxins

Hepatotoxins

Anticoagulants

Neurotoxins

Learning objectives

After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Describe the different ways toxins can enter the body

List the most common renal toxins and understand the treatment of these patients

List the most common hepatotoxins and understand the different treatments for each of these

Understand the physiological effects of anticoagulant ingestion and the treatment of these patients

Identify the most common neurotoxins seen in practice and understand the treatment of these patients

The course will be fully tutored by Elle Haskey and Katie Gray and will consist of 15 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case studies, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details

Of the numerous cancers that affect our canine companions, lymphoma, mast cell tumours, oral melanoma and osteosarcoma are the most frequently diagnosed in the veterinary clinic.

This 4 week course dedicates a week per subject, where we explore the risk factors associated with each of these neoplasms and investigate the methods used to acquire a diagnosis. Treatment options will be discussed with particular detail placed on medical and surgical management techniques that can be applied to general practice and specialist nursing alike.

After completing this online course, participants will have a greater knowledge of these common diseases, enabling understanding of the prognosis and treatment goals; ultimately broadening communication and practical skills in the subject area.

Week 1

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes and/or lymphoid tissue, which is present in many locations within the body, hence making the presentation of these cases typical or atypical depending on location. Specialist tests have been developed to categorise this cancer and treatment is determined by these findings.

Manifestation of lymphoma and categories of disease

Diagnosis, staging and specialist tests for lymphoma

Treatment options for lymphoma

Chemotherapy protocols, client expectations and the cancer journey

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

List the common manifestations of canine lymphoma and the patient groups most affected.

Understand the value of specialist tests required to further categorise cancer

Describe the subcategories of lymphoma and the difference in treatment approaches

Explain the rationale of a multimodal chemotherapy protocol and how it may impact on prognosis

Analyse personal skill set and determine how you could support patients with lymphoma using your practice facilities

Week 2 

Osteosarcoma

Canine osteosarcoma of the weight bearing bones often manifests in pain and/or lameness in affected patients.  Once a diagnosis has been determined, the behaviour of this neoplasm is predictable,  yet still individual to the animal.

Osteosarcoma pathophysiology overview

Diagnostic and staging processes

Treatment options, radiation and surgical management

Adjuvant (post-operative) chemotherapy and restaging

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Describe the diagnostic approach to determining cancer diagnosis and tumour burden

Explain typical neoplastic behaviour of canine osteosarcoma and how it is a model for comparative medicine

List the different treatment options and their impact on survival time

Understand the fundamental reasoning for adjuvant chemotherapy and the options for post-operative care

Week 3 

Melanoma

Oral melanoma is the most common form of cancer of the mouth in dogs; there are various forms and the behaviour of this neoplasm is sometimes unpredictable. On week three we discuss the presentation, investigation and treatment options available for these patients and look at some practices which are novel to veterinary medicine.

Presentation, diagnosis and staging of oral melanoma, including lymph node mapping

Treatment options and impact on prognosis

Surgical interventions, nursing support and rehabilitation

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Describe the value of different tissue sampling and specialist imaging techniques

List treatment options and prognostic indicators for canine melanoma

Describe the surgical technique, complications and post-operative care required for oral melanoma cases

Understand the mechanism of action behind current research for canine melanoma and apply to evidence-based medicine within nursing practice

Week 4

Mast cell tumours

Mast cell tumours are a form of skin cancer in dogs, which depending on their grade and affected site, can have an impact on neoplastic behaviour and prognosis. Many patients go on to live disease-free lives, others require continuous treatment and monitoring.

Presentation and behaviour of mast cell tumours

Diagnosis, staging and specialised tests

Treatment modalities and monitoring considerations

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Explain which breeds of dogs are commonly affected by mast cell tumours and how the patient may present

List what investigative procedures may be necessary to secure a diagnosis and what safety factors should be observed when sampling masses

Describe which treatment modalities are most useful for which form of the disease

Understand the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and “metronomic chemotherapy” as a method for controlling cancer growth

The course will be fully tutored by Nicola Read, and will consist of 10 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case studies, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details

Week 1
Setting up and Running Nurse Clinics

Which clinics to run?
Charging for clinics
Standardisation of the clinics
Client compliance
How to increase client numbers
Making recommendations
Marketing and publicity
Building confidence
Reflective practice

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the week delegates will be able to:

Understand the consulting nurse’s pivotal role in practice
Appreciate the varying types of clinics nurses can offer
Learn how to increase numbers coming into clinics, and increase recommendations to the clinics
Understand how to increase client compliance in clinics
Know various ways to market and advertise the clinics on offer

Week 2
Consulting Skills

Communication in clinics
Consultation skills
Content of your clinic
Keeping to time

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the week, delegates will be able to:

Understand the process of consulting
Understand the importance of communication, the customer journey and improving outcomes
Understand the importance of protocols for clinic content and the running of these clinics

Week 3
Lifestage Clinics

Puppy and kitten clinics
Senior clinics
Other lifestage clinics
What to include
Timings of clinics

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the week, delegates will be able to:

Timings of clinics and how these will improve client education and binding to the practice
Understand the content for these clinics and what to discuss with clients at this time
Understand the elements of preventative healthcare
Understand the importance of nutritional assessments in all of the nurse clinics

Week 4
Obesity and Mobility Clinics

Content of mobility and obesity clinics
Nutritional requirements for obesity
Client motivation

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the week, delegates will be able to:

Understand the content to include for each of these clinics
Learn how to calculate feeding amounts, what treats (if any) we can feed and exercise regimes.
Understand how environmental adaptations can improve QOL for our pets with mobility issues
Understand the role of supplements in these cases
Discuss methods of how to motivate clients

The course will be fully tutored by Nicola Lakeman, and will consist of 10 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case studies, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details

After completing this 6 week online course, the participants will have a greater knowledge and understanding of the basic principles behind anaesthesia and be able to apply this to their own working practices.

This course discusses more advanced anaesthesia / analgesia concepts and research, and therefore may be more suitable for those experienced in anaesthesia and those considering undertaking further qualifications in this area.

Week 1
Pre-anaesthetic assessment and patient preparation for anaesthesia

Patient preparation

ASA status and patient assessment

Use of checklists

Breathing systems and checks

What are the aims of anaesthetic premedication

Practical considerations

What agents are available

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Will be able to correctly identify an appropriate breathing system and safe fresh gas flow rates for individual patients

Can confidently check an anaesthesia machine and breathing system to ensure they are safe to use

Will have an understanding of the ASA grading system and be able to designate and apply which status is appropriate for their individual patient

Can identify the benefits of using a peri-anaesthetic checklist and decide whether this can be advocated for their working environment

Can list the reasons for patient premedication and be able to identify practical aspects and factors within the clinic which may affect the efficacy of premedication

Will be able to identify the most common pharmacological agents used for sedation and anaesthesia

Week 2
Anaesthetic monitoring – Neurological and Respiratory System (plus other)

Basic, hands on monitoring (neurological system)

Respiratory monitoring

Other

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Will be able to recognise what are normal physiological parameters with regards to the neurological and respiratory systems for individual patients undergoing anaesthesia

Will be able to name the most common pieces of monitoring equipment for the respiratory system and be able to recognise what is a normal value/trace for each of these pieces

Will start to develop the skills to apply this knowledge to individual cases within the clinic with use of the available equipment

Week 3
Anaesthetic monitoring – Cardiovascular system

Cardiovascular monitoring

Basic, hands on

Blood pressure

Pulse oximetry

ECG

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Will be able to recognise what are normal physiological parameters with regards to the cardiovascular system for individual patients undergoing anaesthesia

Will be able to name the most common pieces of monitoring equipment for the cardiovascular system and be able to recognise what is a normal value/trace for each of these pieces

Will start to develop the skills to apply this knowledge to individual cases within the clinic with use of the available equipment

Week 4
Principles of peri-operative care including anaesthetic recovery

Anaesthetic risk

Airway management including tracheal intubation

Patient positioning

Eye care

Temperature

Fluid therapy

Patient recovery

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Will be able to identify important factors which require attention and care during a patient’s anaesthetic in order to optimise the patient’s peri-anaesthetic experience

Can accurately calculate fluid rates for individual patients and apply this to their clinical setting, whether this be with use of fluid pumps/syringe drivers or via gravity (calculating a drop rate)

Will be able to list available methods for patient warming, with recognition of the need to counter-act patient hypothermia and the potential risks associated with warming device use

Will recognise the critical importance of patient monitoring during anaesthetic recovery. Be able to describe the potential difficulties that may be encountered during the anaesthetic recovery period

Week 5
Pain assessment

Importance of pain assessment and management

Challenges of pain assessment in veterinary specie

 Pain assessment tools

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Will recognise the potential difficulties in performing pain assessment in veterinary species.

Will be able to name a number of pain assessment tools

Can advocate a pain assessment tool that would be suitable for their working environment

Will be able to recognise when patients (cats and dogs) are deemed to be painful

Week 6
Analgesia for acute peri-operative pain

A brief overview on the pain pathway with introduction to the concepts of multimodal and pre-emptive analgesia

Analgesic options, including: A brief overview of the pharmacological means

Non-pharmacological methods

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Be able to explain why provision of analgesia is important for patient welfare

Will be able to describe the concepts of multimodal and pre-emptive analgesia, with emphasis on why these are important for patient analgesia

Be able to explain why provision of analgesia is important

Can list potential analgesic options and apply this knowledge to consider appropriate therapeutic plans for individual patients

Will be have an appreciation of the important role that a veterinary nurse can play in providing non-pharmacological methods of analgesia and improving the patient experience.

This course will be fully tutored by Becky Robinson, and will consist of 15 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case studies, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details

Week 1

Common respiratory disease

Lower respiratory tract disease

Pleural disorders

Pulmonary disease

POCUS and sampling

Management

Learning outcomes

Describe lower respiratory tract physiology and the disease processes seen in practice

Understand the different causes of pleural disorders

Understand the different causes of pulmonary disease

Identify the uses of POCUS and understand which patients may benefit from thoracocentesis

Describe how to manage the patient with acute respiratory distress

Week 2

Oxygen Therapy 

How to identify a patient in need of oxygen therapy

Non-invasive methods of oxygen therapy

Invasive methods of oxygen therapy

Monitoring a response to therapy

Learning outcomes

Understand which parameters are used to identify patients are in need of oxygen therapy

Describe which methods of non-invasive oxygen therapy are available and which is the most suitable for their patient

Describe which methods of invasive oxygen therapy are available and which is the most suitable for their patient

Discuss whether a patient is responding to oxygen therapy and when a decision may be made to discontinue oxygen support

Week 3

Blood gases

Why do we use blood gas analysis?

How to take a sample for a blood gas analysis

What is Acid/Base?

Interpretation of a blood gas report

Compensation

Learning outcomes

Understand why blood gas analysis is important for managing the respiratory patient

Describe how to take a sample for blood gas analysis

Understand Acid/Base status and what this means for the patient

Interpret a blood gas report using a step by step approach so that this can be transferred to your patients in practice

Understand the physiology behind compensatory mechanisms

Week 4

BOAS – From Admit to Discharge

Admit considerations

BOAS Plan

Anaesthesia considerations

Dealing with the BOAS crisis

Other nursing considerations

Learning outcomes

List the considerations which should be discussed with the owner when the patient is admitted to the hospital

Discuss safe ways of managing these cases whilst they are hospitalised to minimise complications

Understand how to make BOAS patients anaesthesia plans safer

Explain the concerns associated with a BOAS crisis and how to manage these

Describe other nursing considerations associated with these breeds and how we can factor these into our nursing care plans for hospitalised patients

The course will be fully tutored by Elle Haskey and Katie Gray, and will consist of 10 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case studies, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details

Week 1
Making Rabbit Anaesthesia Safer

Pre-op advice for clients

ASA grading – what increases the risk

Monitoring under general anaesthesia

Post-operative care

Learning objectives

We will recap rabbit anaesthesia and how you can help build up your confidence, including pre op, intra op and post op care

Signs to be monitoring under anaesthesia – including CO₂, SPO₂, reflexes, HR, RR and BP readings

Using the ASA grading system, we will look at why rabbits may be at a higher risk, compared with dogs and cats when placed under GA

Intubation and maintaining an airway – the options

Week 2
Analgesia – Taking the Pain Away

The signs of pain

Causes of pain

Knock on effects of uncontrolled pain

Analgesia options

Learning objectives

The signs that rabbits show when in pain can be missed. As prey animals they are programmed to conceal signs – we will discuss the signs

Learn how to use with the ‘Rabbit Grimace Scale’ in conjunction with clinical signs

The secondary problems that pain can lead to, when it is not managed correctly

Know what analgesia options can be used in rabbits

Week 3
Preparing for an Emergency

Preparation at the practice

Triaging rabbits

Obtaining a capsule history

Assessment

Managing owner expectations

Learning objectives

When the phone rings it is important to be prepared for the emergency rabbit case. Know what to do and what equipment to set up to be ready

Understand how to triage rabbits and when continuing to do so may be detrimental

How to get a quick and useful history from the owner to enable treatment to commence

Assessment of the rabbit – from head to toe

Communicating with clients, managing their expectations and keeping them informed

Week 4
Critical Care – Keeping them Alive!

What is and what isn’t an emergency?

What to do when faced with a rabbit emergency

Stabilisation and oxygen therapy

Learning objectives

Rabbit emergencies are not always obvious, and knowing what is and what isn’t an emergency is important

We will discuss health conditions which are emergencies in rabbits, including gastrointestinal stasis/blockages, flystrike, liver lobe torsion and respiratory distress

Keeping stress to a minimum is important – learn how to achieve this

The signs of improvement and deterioration.

The course will be fully tutored by Claire Speight and will consist of 10 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case studies, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details

Week 1
Principles of Anaesthetising Critical Patients

Anaesthetic risk in the compromised patient

The importance of patient history and physical examination

Diagnostic tests

Patient stabilisation

Anaesthetic protocol, monitoring and recovery

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Gain an understanding as to why critical patients are at an increased anaesthesia and sedation risk

Understand that improving patient safety requires a holistic, overall management process, not simply using “the best drug protocol”.  This will include consideration of:

What pre-anaesthetic tests may be required and the benefit they offer

What pre-anaesthetic stabilisation may be required

Have an introduction into the type of patient monitoring which is required during the peri-anaesthetic period

Understand general principles for appropriate anaesthetic drug protocols for the critical patient

Week 2
General Approach to Adverse Events and Introduction to Anaesthetic Complications

Near misses and adverse events

Minimising adverse events by preparation

Checklists and non-technical skills

Common anaesthetic complications

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Be able to name the three steps necessary for approaching adverse events and discuss why they are important, including methods in which near misses and adverse events can be minimised in practice.

Understand the role of human factors in patient safety and the value of checklist use in anaesthetic practice.

Have an overview of what anaesthetist non-technical skills (ANTS) are and be able to begin using them in clinical practice.

Know what the most common anaesthetic complications are encountered in small animal practice.

Week 3
Cardiovascular Complications

Alterations in heart rate

Bradyarrhythmias

Tachyarrhythmias

Alterations in blood pressure

Hypotension

Hypertension

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Be able to recognise abnormal physiological parameters with regards to the cardiovascular system for individual patients undergoing anaesthesia.

Gain an understanding of the most common underlying causes for alterations in heart rate (bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias) during general anaesthesia.

Be able to list some main treatments for the most common arrhythmias which present under general anaesthesia.

Gain an understanding of the most common underlying causes for alterations in blood pressure (hypotension and hypertension) during general anaesthesia.

Be able to list some main treatments for the most common blood pressure alterations which present under general anaesthesia.

Begin to apply this knowledge to individual cases within the clinic with use of the available equipment

Week 4
Respiratory Complications

Alterations in ventilation

Hypoventilation

Hyperventilation (including tachypnoea)

Apnoea or respiratory arrest

Hypoxaemia

Respiratory obstruction

Upper respiratory tract

Lower respiratory tract

Restrictive pulmonary disease

Aspiration (and regurgitation)

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Be able to recognise what are abnormal physiological parameters with regards to the respiratory system for individual patients undergoing anaesthesia.

Gain an understanding of the most common underlying causes for alterations in ventilation, including hypo- and hyperventilation, apnoea and respiratory arrest.

Be able to list the main treatments for the most common changes in ventilation under anaesthesia.

Understand the difference between hypoxaemia and hypoxia, listing the potential causes for these and therefore be able to suggest methods to manage these conditions.

Be able to recognise the clinical signs of respiratory obstruction and restrictive pulmonary disease and describe what steps could be taken to alleviate the underlying problem

Have the knowledge to state why aspiration is a risk under anaesthesia and how to manage a case of gastro-oesophageal reflux in order to minimise patient risk

Begin to apply this knowledge to individual cases within the clinic with use of the available equipment

Week 5
‘Other’ Complications

Central nervous system

Emergence delirium

Post anaesthetic blindness and deafness

Thermoregulation

Hypothermia

Hyperthermia

Anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions

Embolism

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Be able to outline why cats are at particular risk for post anaesthetic blindness and deafness and describe methods which can minimise this risk.

Be able to list available methods for patient warming, with recognition of the need to counter-act patient hypothermia and the potential risks associated with warming device use.

Be able to list risk factors associated with peri-operative hyperthermia and discuss steps which can be implemented to manage the hyperthermic patient.

Have the ability to recognise if an anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reaction is occurring and be able to suggest steps to manage the situation.

Understand that embolisms are a rare, but potential complication during anaesthesia and be able to list the clinical signs associated with their occurrence.

Week 6
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Detecting cardiopulmonary arrest

Basic life support

Chest compressions

Tracheal intubation

Ventilation

Advanced life support

Drug therapy

Oxygen supplementation

Intravenous fluid therapy

Correction of electrolyte and metabolic disturbances

Defibrillation

Monitoring during CPR

Post cardiac arrest care

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Be able to explain the purpose of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and describe its two main components.

Recognise when cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be instigated

Understand the importance of regular CPR training within the practice team.

Be able to describe and demonstrate the method for effective chest compressions, tracheal intubation and ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Have the knowledge to list what steps can be taken to provide advanced life support during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Know what monitoring tools are recommended for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and be able to interpret the main waveforms that will be seen during a resuscitation event.

This course will be fully tutored by Becky Robinson, and will consist of 15 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case studies, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details

In recent years there has been a marked interest in identifying the causes of gastrointestinal disease in companion animals; the path to diagnosis has progressed with the identification of serological biomarkers and more access to endoscopy within general practice. Novel protein diets have been developed by veterinary food companies resulting in a positive effect on outcome in combination with pharmaceuticals for some animals.

The veterinary nurse plays a key role investigation, treatment and client support for these often, chronic cases. Having an enhanced level of knowledge on the pathophysiology and treatment options, together with a firm understanding of the diagnostic process is paramount to patient recovery.

After completing this 6 week online course, the participants will have a greater knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of gastrointestinal disease which they can apply regularly in practice.

Week 1
Diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract

Upper gastrointestinal tract (UGIT) anatomy refresher

UGIT hereditary and acquired abnormalities

Investigation of vomiting and regurgitation

Sedation and general anaesthesia considerations

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

List the main structures of the UGIT

Describe the normal function and processes of the UGIT

Identify the difference between vomiting and regurgitation and the common causes

Understand the diagnostic approach to patients with UGIT symptoms

Explain the reasons why patients with UGIT disease are higher risk for investigative procedures

Evaluate current methods used in practice to sedate patients with UGIT disease and analyse if modifications to practice would be beneficial.

Week 2
Diseases of the lower gastrointestinal tract

Lower gastrointestinal tract (LGIT) anatomy refresher

LGIT pathophysiology

Mechanisms and classification of diarrhoea

Investigative process for LGIT symptoms

Patient preparation for GI Endoscopy

Supportive treatment for patients with LGIT

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

List the main structures of the LGIT

Describe the normal function and processes of the LGIT

Differentiate diarrhoea types and common causes

Understand the diagnostic approach to patients with LGIT symptoms

Evaluate current care plans used in practice to prepare patients for endoscopy and analyse if modifications to practice would be beneficial.

Summarise the key therapeutic treatments for patients with LGIT

Week 3
Gastrointestinal endoscopy

Anatomy and functions of the gastroscope

Cleaning and sterilising procedure

Endoscopy sourcing, storage, and auditing

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Label the main components and list the functions of a gastroscope

Explain the bedside procedure for cleaning and then sterilising the gastroscope

Select the correct biopsy tools and materials for optimal sampling and histological value

Evaluate practice protocols to standardise in line with current best practice

Week 4
Interventional endoscopy

Foreign body removal

Balloon dilatation

Injection of steroids and antinflammatory medications

Endoscopically-placed feeding tubes

Learning objectives

After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

List the various interventional uses of gastrointestinal endoscopy

Select the correct forcep tool for foreign body retrieval

Describe the ballooning technique use for oesophageal strictures

Explain the indications, risks and technique for placing a PEG tube

Week 5
Nursing patients with gastrointestinal disease

Nursing basics and care plans

Pain and emesis management

Oesophageal tube placement

Assisted feeding methods

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

List the essential care requirements for nursing patients with GI disease

Identify symptoms of pain and nausea

Compare patient assessment tools to monitor status and benchmark interventional treatment

Calculate energy requirements and feeding volumes for tube feeds

Week 6
Enteropathy therapeutics and nutritions

Terminology of diseases

Pathways and mechanisms of enteropathies

Medications and therapies

EBVM current information

Dietary needs

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Differentiate between terms associated with chronic enteropathies

Analyse the treatments allocated to different types of enteropathy

Refer to updated resources and guidelines to further inform their knowledge and subsequently refer to it at a later date

Explain what a diet trial is

List the types of dietary allergen there are

The course will be fully tutored by Nicola Read and Gina Parkes and will consist of 15 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case scenarios, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details

Week 1

Infection Control

Aims of infection control

Risk factors

Impact of the environment

Cleaning techniques

Bacterial monitoring within the environment

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the week delegates will be able to:

Understand the aims of infection control within theatre

Identify how the layout of the operating theatre and associated rooms may affect infection control

Achieve effective maintenance and cleaning of the environment and instruments

Identify the ideal theatre design and implement this in practice

Week 2

Maintenance and Care of Instruments

Instrument cleaning

Instrument maintenance

Sterilisation methods and sterility indicators

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the second week, delegates will be able to:

Clean and care for surgical instruments

Understand the different methods of instrument cleaning

Understand the various sterilisation techniques and indicators

Recognise routine protocols for maintenance of the theatre environment and materials

Week 3

Patient Care and Theatre Organisation

Hypothermia and the effect on surgical site infections

Hand hygiene

Draping techniques

Scrubbing techniques

Theatre attire

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the third week, delegates will be able to:

Understand sterility, and how to reduce the incidence of surgical site infections

Prepare patients for surgery using best practice methods

Optimise preparation of the surgical team

Discuss skin preparation techniques

Monitor infection control in the practice

Understand hand hygiene, and its role in reducing the spread of hospital acquired infections

Define techniques to achieve high standards of patient care and organisation within theatre

Appraise the maintenance of high environmental standards within the theatre suite

Week 4

Staff Development and Organisation

Nursing roles

Methods of organisation

Staff training and development

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the fourth week, delegates will be able to:

Understand the importance of setting specific nursing roles

Examine a range of methods to increase efficiency and organisation within the theatre environment.

The course will be fully tutored by Louise Dale, and will consist of 10 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case studies, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details

Week 1

Triage assessment of the trauma patient and stabilisation of the emergency patient

Carrying out an effective triage assessment and the RVN’s role

Major body system assessment

Approach to dysfunction of the cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological systems

Practical considerations for managing the emergency patient stabilisation

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Will be able to correctly identify a patient with dysfunction of a major body system

Confidently triage and assess an emergency patient

Recognise the approach to dysfunction of different major body systems and stabilisation techniques utilised for emergency patients

Appreciate specific nursing considerations for the emergency presentation

Week 2

Urethral obstruction

Identification of the patient with urethral obstruction

Stabilisation techniques

Evidence-based discussion on emergency management, fluid types and analgesia options.

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Will have taken part in case based discussions

Be able to identify the patient’s condition and the pathophysiology alongside potential complicating factors such as co-morbidities

Understand how to correct fluid deficits and identifying the difference between hypovolemia and dehydration

Participate in acid-base and electrolyte discussions, including how to address hypo and hyperkalemia

Appreciate the specific nursing considerations for patients with urethral obstruction

Week 3

Diabetic ketoacidosis

Presentation and initial emergency management

Acid base balance and electrolyte abnormalities

Pathophysiology of diabetic ketoacidosis and complicating factors

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Will have taken part in case based discussions

Be able to identify the patient’s condition and the pathophysiology alongside potential complicating factors such as co-morbidities

Understand how to correct fluid deficits and identifying the difference between hypovolemia and dehydration

Participate in acid-base and electrolyte discussions, including how to address hypo and hyperkalemia

Appreciate the specific nursing considerations for patients with DKA

Week 4

The acute abdomen – surgical cases

Pre-anaesthesia stabilisation and assessment

Analgesia choices in the critically ill patient

Peri-operative and recovery periods

Nursing specific concerns post operatively

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Will be able to develop a pre-anesthetic plan and discuss suitable stabilisation as well as attribute an ASA score

Be able to complete with confidence a surgical checklist and identify areas of concern

Understand analgesia choices, the options we have including CRIS, local and regional techniques

Engage in cased based presentations, including abdominal foreign bodies and gastric dilatation and volvulus

Week 5

The acute abdomen – non-surgical cases

Analgesia and pain scoring

Non-surgical versus surgical patients

SIRS and DIC

Nutritional support

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Understand pain scoring and the importance of using validated methods

Understand analgesia choices, the options we have including CRIS, local and regional techniques

How to decide if a patient is surgical or non-surgical, especially in the case of traumatic haemoabdomen

Understand the pathophysiology behind systemic inflammatory response syndromes and disseminated intravascular coagulation and how to identify the early indications of development of these syndromes

Week 6

Acute gastrointestinal disease

Haemorrhagic gastroenteritis including
parvovirus

Fluid therapy

Antibiosis

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Identify appropriate approaches to fluid replacement including discussion of the use of crystalloids and colloids in the patient with AHDS.

Appreciate the importance of nutrition in the patient with acute gastro-intestinal disease and how we can provide that

Potential complications that may occur, including sepsis

Rational use of antibiotics using evidence bases

The course will be fully tutored by Kath Howie and will consist of 15 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case scenarios, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details

Week 1
The Nurse’s Role in Medical Clinics – When, Why and How?

Why set up a monitoring clinic?

How to set up a monitoring clinic

Equipment needed for a monitoring clinic

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Understand the importance of nurses being involved in the long term monitoring of cats with medical diseases

Visualise how they would be able to set up this type of clinic in their own practice

Feel ready to learn and revise common chronic feline disease and become up to date with the latest evidence

Week 2
Managing Chronic Kidney Disease

What is CKD

What effects does CKD have on the body

How to monitor CKD

Treatment aims for CKD

IRIS staging

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Understand the pathophysiology of CKD

What parameters to monitor in the CKD patient

Understand the IRIS staging scheme

Understand what treatments are appropriate at which stage of disease

Be able to use evidence based medicine to help educate your clients

Week 3
Managing Diabetes Mellitus

What is diabetes mellitus?

How to monitor diabetes mellitus

Treatment aims for diabetes mellitus

Owner support for cats with diabetes mellitus

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Understand the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus

Understand the difference between cats and dogs with diabetes mellitus

Understand how to monitor diabetes mellitus and the importance of blood glucose curves

Understand what treatments are available for diabetes mellitus

Be able to counsel owners of cats with diabetes mellitus

Week 4
Managing Degenerative Joint Disease

How prevalent is DJD in cats?

How to assess cats for DJD

Treatments for DJD

How to engage owners in the treatment and monitoring of DJD

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Understand the prevalence of DJD in cats and use that information in the nursing treatment and handling of the cat

Be able to assess cats using a variety of methods both in the clinic and at home for DJD

Understand the different treatments available for DJD

Educate owners about the treatments and how the owner can assess the cat to
improve compliance

The course will be fully tutored by Suzanne Rudd and will consist of 10 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case studies, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details

Week 1

Urinary Catheters

Indications for placing urinary catheters

Different types of urinary catheters

Placement of urinary catheters

Urinary catheter management

Complications

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the week delegates will be able to:

List the indications and contraindications for urinary catheter placement

Describe the different urinary catheter options currently for veterinary use

Explain how urinary catheters are placed

Discuss how to manage urinary catheters in practice

Describe the common complications associated with urinary catheters

Week 2

Chest Drains

When chest drains are placed

Different types of chest drain

Different placement techniques

Chest drain management

Complication

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the week delegates will be able to:

List the indications and contraindications for chest drain placement

Describe the different chest drain options currently on the veterinary market and their placement technique

Explain how to drain the chest drain and what options are available should the patient have a continuous pneumothorax

Discuss how to manage the chest drain and how to identify a drain that is ready for removal

Describe the common complications associated with chest drains and how to minimise them

Week 3

Tracheostomy Tubes

Indications for tracheostomy tube placement

Different types of tracheostomy tubes

Placement of tracheostomy tubes

Management of tracheostomy tubes

Complications

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the week delegates will be able to:

List the indications and contraindications for placing tracheostomy tubes

Understand the different types of tracheostomy tubes available for veterinary use

Describe how tracheostomy tubes are placed

Explain how to manage tracheostomy tubes in situ

Describe the common complications associated with tracheostomy tubes in practice

Week 4

Vascular Access

Indications for IV placement

Different types of IV catheter

Different placement techniques

IV catheter management

Complications

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the week delegates will be able to:

List the indications and contraindications for IV catheter placement

Understand the difference between peripheral and central venous catheterisation

Describe the different IV catheter options currently on the veterinary market and their placement technique

Discuss how to manage IV catheters – both peripheral and central

Describe the common complications associated with IV catheters and how to minimise them

The course will be fully tutored by Elle Haskey and Katie Gray, and will consist of 10 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case studies, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details

Week 1

Recumbency nursing

Common causes for recumbency

Nursing the recumbent patient

Common complications associated with recumbency

Learning outcomes:

After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

List some of the common causes for recumbency and how these conditions may be treated

Discuss the nursing considerations for the recumbent patient and how these can be implemented to help support the patient during their recovery whilst hospitalised

Describe the common complications associated with recumbency and how these can be prevent whilst the patient is hospitalised

Week 2

Nutrition in the hospitalised patient

Why is nutrition important

Who needs nutrition

When should nutrition be started

Creating a nutrition plan

Assisted feeding options

Learning outcomes:

After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Understand why nutrition is important for the recovery of hospitalised patients

Identify patients in needs of nutrition

Discuss when is the appropriate time to start nutrition in their hospitalised patient

Describe how to create a feeding plan including patient assessment, calculation of RER and implementation of the nutritional plan

List the common assisted feeding techniques and understand the indications and contraindications of each

Week 3

Sepsis

What is SIRS / sepsis?

How to recognise sepsis in dogs

How to recognise sepsis in cats

Sepsis bundles

Recent sepsis research in human medicine

Learning outcomes:

After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Know the definitions of SIRS / sepsis and the difference between them

List the patient observations used to help us be able to recognise sepsis in the dog

List the patient observations used to help us be able to recognise sepsis in the cat

Understand what a sepsis bundle is, and when they can be used in practice

Understand the recent research into sepsis in human medicine and how this impacts us in veterinary practice

Week 4

Acid Base/Electrolytes

What is acid / base?

What are electrolytes?

Electrolytes – Sodium

Electrolytes – Potassium
Electrolytes – Calcium

Glucose

Learning outcomes:

After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Explain acid / base status

Understand which electrolytes we can measure in veterinary practice and why

Identify when a patient may become hypo or hypernatraemic, and describe the treatments that may benefit them

Identify when a patient may become hypo or hyperkalaemic, and describe the treatments that may benefit them

Identify why a patient may be hypo or hypercalcaemic, and describe the treatments that may benefit them

Identify why a patient may be hypo or hyper glycaemic, and describe the treatments that may benefit them

Week 5

Infection Control

How to create an infection control plan for the clinic:

Assigning an infection control champion

Identify and develop protocols

Make an assessment

Staff education and training plan

Surveillance and compliance

Learning outcomes:

After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Identify an infection control champion in practice and understand their role in the infection control plan

Discuss the common infection control protocols required in practice to minimise the spread of pathogens

Understand how to make an assessment of the protocols already in place and identify their strengths and weaknesses

Explain the importance of staff education and training when implementing infection control protocols

List the common surveillance techniques to ensure compliance to the infection control plan

Week 6

End of Life Care / Clinical Governance

Euthanasia

Palliative care

Mental health awareness

Clinical governance in practice

Learning outcomes:

After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Understand the reasons vets and clients consider euthanasia, and learn ways to ensure the experience can be made as peaceful and calm as possible in practice for all involved

Understand the reasons that clients may choose to consider palliative care, and how we can help ensure the patients are comfortable within our role as veterinary nurses

Understand the impact euthanasia and the death of a pet can affect both the family of the patient and the veterinary staff involved

Understand the mental health implications of veterinary medicine on the team, and ways in which we can help our team and ourselves to cope

Describe what clinical governance is, what is discussed and why it may be beneficial to the practice to start holding these meetings in your practice

The course will be fully tutored by Elle Haskey and Katie Gray, and will consist of 15 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case studies, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details

This 4 week tutored course will guide the candidates through the complexities of multiparameter monitoring. After completion of the course, candidates will better understand the effects of anaesthesia on the patient and causes of abnormalities encountered while monitoring anaesthetised patients. They will be able to use hands-on techniques and the multiparameter monitor to detect problems before they become serious, and to differentiate between artefacts and real patient issues to improve the safety of their patients.

Week 1

What are we monitoring and why?

What anaesthesia does to the patient and what we can do about it

Monitoring depth of anaesthesia

Temperature monitoring

Learning outcomes

Understand why good monitoring is essential for safe anaesthesia

Understand the challenges of monitoring depth of anaesthesia

Appreciate the importance of monitoring body temperature and the consequences of hypo- and hyperthermia

Week 2

Monitoring the respiratory system

Capnography

Pulse oximetry

Learning outcomes

Understand the physiology involved in the formation of the capnograph trace

Interpret normal and abnormal capnograph traces

Understand the physiology behind pulse oximetry, and its limitations

Confidently troubleshoot abnormal capnography traces and pulse-oximetry readings

Week 3

Monitoring the cardiovascular system

Physiology of heart rate and blood pressure control

The electrocardiogram

Blood pressure monitoring

Learning outcomes

Understand the causes of heart rate and blood pressure changes during anaesthesia

Describe how the electrocardiogram is generated

Interpret the electrocardiogram

Understand the different techniques for measuring blood pressure

Interpret blood pressure readings and understand causes of inaccurate readings

Week 4

Blood gas monitoring

Glucose monitoring and other tests

Monitor-related artefacts and technical problems

Learning outcomes

Understand when blood gas analysis is useful

Interpret blood gas analyses in the light of the patient’s history and clinical problems

Decide when glucose monitoring and other tests during anaesthesia are important

Troubleshoot monitor-related issues

The course will be fully tutored by Colette Jolliffe, and will consist of 10 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case studies, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details

Week 1
Broodmares : Dystocia, Caesarean and Post-op Care

Define dystocia and recognise the stages of labour

Maternal causes of dystocia

Surgical and non-surgical interventions

Post-operative care of the mare

Post op complications and preventative measures

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Know the definition of dystocia and be able to recognise the stages of labour.

Understand the causes that can be attributed to the broodmare regarding disease status and/or anatomy

Understand when emergency treatment is required and what forms of intervention are recommended.

Understand what critical care treatment and monitoring is needed to assist the mare in recovery.

Week 2
Neonates :  Post Dystocia Resuscitation and Intensive Care Nursing

Foetal causes of dystocia

Emergency monitoring and treatment of the foetus in utero

Post dystocia neonatal resuscitation

Follow up intensive care nursing

Emerging therapies for the post dystocia neonate

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Know the foetal causes of dystocia and understand how they occur

Understand how foetal monitoring and treatments can help neonatal survival rates

Describe the resuscitation techniques used to revive foals

Become familiar with neonatal critical care techniques

Week 3
Colic: The Nurse’s Role in the Assessment Workup

Diagnostic procedures

Laboratory analysis

Differential diagnosis – surgical or medical treatment?

When colic is not an intestinal condition

Preparing the patient for an exploratory laparotomy

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Recognise the signs of colic and the reasons they occur

Understand the techniques the nurse can perform to assist in a diagnosis

Understand how to perform laboratory tests for colic patients

Understand what tasks are carried out to prepare the patient for surgery

Week 4
Colic: Emergency Surgery and Post-op Care

Preparation of the patient in theatre

Anaesthetic risks in the seriously ill colic patient

Common surgical conditions of the small and large intestine

The immediate recovery period following colic surgery

Post op critical care nursing

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Recognise how to prepare a colic patient in the theatre

List the common intestinal conditions that require surgical correction

Understand the steps required to safely recover a patient from colic surgery

Recognise how nurses provide intensive care to the post op colic patient

The course will be fully tutored by Bonny Millar and will consist of 10 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case studies, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details

This 6 week course will cover many different aspects of nursing orthopaedic patients and the role nurses can play in giving these patients the best chance of a good recovery.

Week 1

The orthopaedic trauma patient

Presentation

Triaging wounds

Initial wound management

Open fracture management

Learning objectives

Prepare equipment for initial stabilisation of the trauma patient

Select dressings and materials for initial wound management

Understand the grading system for open fractures and how this affects management of these cases

Prepare all necessary items for treatment of open fractures

Week 2

Preparing the patient for surgery

Clipping and preparing the patient

Orthopaedic theatre nursing

Theatre set up

Instrumentation

Scrub nurse role

Cleaning and sterilising

Learning objectives

Create an appropriate surgery schedule

Identify common orthopaedic surgical instruments and their use

Prepare and confidently check the theatre set up for a range of procedures, including equipment

Have a full understanding of orthopaedic equipment and how to care for it correctly

Understand the benefits a scrub nurse provides to the surgeon, the patient and the surgical procedure

Week 3

Orthopaedic procedures – so many to choose from!

 surgery

Arthroscopy

Learning objectives

Understand the options available for common orthopaedic conditions

Create a case study for a patient they have been involved in the nursing care of

Identify common surgical equipment, its use and how to prepare for surgery

Week 4

Fracture repair – Internal fixation

Fracture classification

Implants and consumables

Surgical instruments and equipment

Learning objectives

Identify common surgical implants used in fracture repair

Understand how the method of repair used will impact on the care required for the patient post-operatively

Week 5

Fracture repair – External fixation

Implants and consumables

Surgical instruments and equipment

Learning objectives

Identify common surgical implants used for external fracture repair

Understand the instructions required by owners for the ongoing care and management of patients with external fixators

Week 6

Recovery and the post-operative period

Recovery from anaesthesia

Immediate therapy

Ongoing nursing care plans

Surgical complications

Learning objectives

Create nursing care plans for post-operative surgical patients

Develop the team role for nurses in the rehabilitation orthopaedic patients

Understand the key responsibilities for client communication and post-operative care

Identify common complications and how to ensure owners understand the potential consequences

The course will be fully tutored by Alison Young and will consist of 15 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case studies, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details

Week 1
From Conception to Weaning

Parent health prior to conception and how this may affect pregnancy, parturition, and offspring

Nutritional requirements during pregnancy

Nutritional adaptations required during lactation

Neonate nutritional requirements, including how to hand feed effectively

Weaning

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Discuss how nutrition affects reproduction and key adaptations that are required

Have a clear understanding of how to promote health through nutrition during lactation

Identify the essential nutritional requirements for neonates

Understand how to hand feed neonates correctly

Week 2
Growth

Optimal growth

Effects of neutering

Nutritional considerations for large breed puppies

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Correctly use growth charts to map growth

Identity when growth is not ideal and the necessary changes that are required to maintain a healthy weight to adulthood

Have a good understanding of the nutritional adaptations that will be required at the point of neutering

Week 3
Adult Maintenance

Promoting health in adults

Maintaining a stable weight

Treat management

Recognise key aspects of feeding working dogs

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Understand nutritional requirements for adults and how these must be adapted for each pet’s circumstance

Identify points of concern and to make appropriate recommendations

Reflect on how nutritional requirement for working dog may differ from pet dogs

Week 4
Golden Oldies – Senior Pets

Defining ‘senior’ age as an individual process

Understanding age related changes and how these require nutritional adaptation

Environmental considerations for pets in their senior years

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Confidently assess the needs of a senior pet

Identify environmental changes that may be required

Understanding of the dynamic changes to nutrition that are required for seniors to better support the pet and pet owner

Week 5
Diet Choices

Examination of the pet food label

Introduction to alternative diet types and how to have conversations with pet owners

How to manage pets fed an alternative diet within a hospital environment

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Identify all key information on a pet food label and how this is used to determine a feeding amount

Have a broad understanding of the pros and cons associated with alternative diets that are now commonly fed

Appreciate methods for assessing the suitability of alternative diets and how to improve safety

How to talk to the pet owner who wish to feed an alternative diet type

Week 6
Maintaining an Ideal Weight

Assess ideal weight through body condition scoring and muscle condition scoring

Simple steps to ensure obesity does not occur, and what can help if it does

How to calculate a feeding quantity of dry, wet or mixed diet types

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Confidently be able to body condition score and muscle condition score to identify an ideal weight and good health

Understand how simple food management in the home can prevent obesity occurring

Thoroughly understand calculations for determining a feeding amount to prevent over, or under feeding

The course will be fully tutored by Georgia Woods-Lee and will consist of 15 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case studies, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details

Nurses at both general practice and referral level will commonly nurse patients with endocrine disease throughout their career. Understanding the basic concepts of endocrinology means nurses can apply knowledge to their care in order to better support their patients.

Having an understanding of the pathophysiology of common endocrine diseases, as well as the tests performed means that we can become a useful support in clinical decision making, which subsequently improves job satisfaction and allows us to nurse to our full potential.

Each week we will look at a different endocrine disease in the cat or the dog. Following the course you will have refreshed your underpinning knowledge of the endocrine system in the canine and feline patient to include the chemical messenger and feedback systems, the types of endocrine diseases commonly affecting our patients, the tests we use and how these diseases impact our nursing care.

Week 1
Canine Hypothyroidism

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Name the 3 types of cell that contribute to the endocrine function of the pancreas

Name the two main types of insulin used in cats and dogs

Describe the reason the dogs become diabetic

Describe the reason cats become diabetic

Explain some differences in the nursing considerations you would give cats compared to dogs and why

Week 2
Canine and Feline Diabetes

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Name the 3 types of cell that contribute to the endocrine function of the pancreas

Name the two main types of insulin used in cats and dogs

Describe the reason the dogs become diabetic

Describe the reason cats become diabetic

Explain some differences in the nursing considerations you would give cats compared to dogs and why

Week 3
Feline Acromegaly

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Identify 3 major hormones that are lost when you remove the anterior pituitary gland

Explain how Feline Hypersomatotropism occurs

Discuss how excess growth hormone results in Acromegaly

Explain the nursing considerations for a hypophysectomy patient

Explain the support that a client might need for a cat with FeHS

Week 4
Feline Hyperthyroidism

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Discuss the clinical signs that a hyperthyroid cat might present with

Explain the effects of too much thyroid hormone on the body

Demonstrate an understanding of the treatment options available for the disease in order to support the client with the hyperthyroid cat

Describe the most commonly used test to diagnose feline hyperthyroidism and what that test is measuring

Explain the difference between free T4 and Total T4

Week 5
Canine Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s Disease)

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Explain the reasons why canine hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) occur

Identify the clinical signs associated with a canine HAC patient

Discuss some of the common tests available for HAC and the reasons for their use

Identify 3 main forms of treatment for the canine HAC patient

Demonstrate an understanding of the nursing considerations for the patient with HAC

Week 6
Canine Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s Disease)

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Explain the causes of Canine Hypoadrenocorticism

Identify some of the clinical signs that a patient may present with and why

Discuss the treatment options available to the client with the Hypoadrenocorticism pet

Demonstrate an understanding of the nursing considerations for a canine with hypoadrenocorticism

Name some of the tests that a vet may ask you to carry out on the suspected Hypoadrenocorticism patient and discuss why they may be required

The course will be fully tutored by Gina Parkes and will consist of 15 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case scenarios, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details

Week 1
Nutrition and Husbandry at Home

Dietary requirements

Environmental needs

Incorrect feeding problems

Obesity

Tempting rabbits to eat hay

Learning objectives

We will discuss the nutritional requirements of rabbits and why these are important

Recognising problems related to incorrect or poor diet and the implications these have on health and welfare

Rabbits need large enclosures, which allow them to exhibit normal behavioural patterns.  These are important from a health and welfare perspective. We will examine what rabbits need to be happy

Obesity and how to implement a weight loss programme for rabbits

Methods to encourage picky rabbits to eat hay!

Week 2
Preventative Healthcare

Neutering – when and why

Vaccination – myxomatosis, RVHD1 and RVHD2

Endo and ectoparasites

Flea treatment

Worming treatment

Learning objectives

When is the best time to neuter rabbits – why we should be neutering all rabbits – health, welfare and behavioural benefits

Latest vaccination information and background on these fatal viruses

Which endo and ectoparasites can affect rabbits and the clinical signs

If rabbits require prophylactic flea and worm treatment and if so when

Week 3
Implementing Rabbit Clinics and Client Evenings in Practice

Setting up rabbit clinics

Running client evenings

What to discuss

Health checking

Benefits to the practice

Learning objectives

Client education is imperative but there is more than one way to deliver this

Discover the benefits of both rabbit clinics and clients evening

What should be discussed and the clinical examination to help detect problems

Why being a rabbit friendly practice is of benefit to you!

Week 4
Common Medical Diseases

Gastrointestinal stasis and blockages

Dental disease

Urinary tract disease

E. cuniculi

Myxomatosis and RVHD

Learning objectives

Common conditions that rabbits are presented to veterinary practices for and require hospitalisation

Ascertaining if a rabbit has gastrointestinal stasis or a blockage – differences and treatments

The clinical signs and causes

Treatment options

Preventative measures to help ensure rabbits remain healthy

Week 5
Rabbits in the Practice

Reducing stress

Hospitalisation

Gold standard rabbit nursing

Medicating

Fluid therapy and blood sampling

Supportive feeding

Learning objectives

Everything that we do to rabbits whilst they are hospitalised induces some degree of stress.  There are ways to reduce this, which is easily achieved in practice

Hospitalised rabbits can require in-depth care which can be daunting. Learn how to effectively nurse rabbits to ensure optimum care

Being able to medicate rabbits in an effective and safe manner is imperative, as well as how to syringe feed, deliver fluid therapy and acquire successful blood samples with minimal stress to the rabbit or nurse!

Week 6
Rabbit Anaesthesia and Analgesia

Signs of pain

Analgesia options

Making rabbit anaesthesia safer

Monitoring under general anaesthesia

Learning objectives

Anaesthetising rabbits can be overwhelming, but doesn’t need to be. We will recap rabbit anaesthesia and how you can help build up your confidence, including pre op, intra op and post op care

Rabbits do demonstrate signs of pain – although these can be missed. Learn what clinical signs rabbits show, to use with the Rabbit Grimace Scale, and the analgesics used in rabbit medicine

Signs to be monitoring under anaesthesia – including CO2, SPO, reflexes, HR, RR and BP readings

The course will be fully tutored by Claire Speight and will consist of 15 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case studies, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details

It is estimated that one in three companion animals will die of cancer, which makes understanding the disease and caring for these animals and their families common within our role. Despite this demand, there is limited space in the veterinary nurse curriculum dedicated to cancer and so here we explore the subject in more practical detail.

This course discusses how cancer manifests in the companion animal, how a cancer diagnosis is made and how chemotherapy treatments are administered. Throughout the weekly sessions there are activities and opportunities to test your learning and evaluate how you could introduce some of the practical elements into your practice.

After completing this 4 week online course, the participants will have a greater knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of veterinary oncology and be able to apply this to their own working practices.

Week 1

What is cancer

Pathophysiology of neoplasia

Common causes of cancer in animals

Classifications of cancer types

The difference between benign and malignant disease

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Understand the alterations in the cell cycle that results in neoplastic disease

List the different types of cancer based on tissue origin

Describe the different causes of cancer in small animals

Explain how benign disease is different to malignant disease and the risks associated with both conditions.

Identify higher risk categories of patients and analyse the research available in line with evidence-based-medicine

Week 2 

Diagnosis and prognosis

Fine needle aspirates

Cancer cytology

Cancer staging

Specialist tests for cancer

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

List fine needle aspirate methods to optimise cytological yield

Evaluate a cytology sample in-house to ensure sample is of diagnostic quality

Understand the commonly preferred methods for staging patients with neoplasia

Describe the types of specialist tests required to further categorise cancer

Analyse personal skill set and determine if any modifications to current practice would be beneficial

Week 3 

Common chemotherapy agents

Overview of common chemotherapy drugs

Administering chemotherapy

Chemotherapy safety

Adverse effects with administering chemotherapy

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Understand how chemotherapy agents work

Explain how to correctly administer chemotherapy agents

List what safety factors should be observed when administering chemotherapy in practice

Describe how to manage an extravasation injury and reduce risk of chemotherapy associated nausea and vomiting

Evaluate practice protocols to standardise and promote best practice in line with most current information

Week 4

Client and patient support

Introduction to oncology clinics

Nadir checks

Managing adverse-effects following chemotherapy administration

The Cancer Journey

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Describe how and why a nadir check is performed

Identify common adverse effects associated with chemotherapy

Understand preventive and interventional treatment protocols for chemotherapy associated adverse effects

Explain the causes for likely outcome of treatment failure and the physiology behind this

Reflect over professional skill-set and evaluate how you can further enhance your personal development to support clients of patients with cancer

The course will be fully tutored by Nicola Read, and will consist of 10 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case studies, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details

Week 1

Overview of the bleeding patient

What is coagulation

What is anaemia

What impacts coagulation ability in our patients

Learning outcomes:

After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Describe the physiology of coagulation

Understand regenerative and non-regenerative anaemia

Explain what might impact a patient to be able to coagulate normally (these will then
be expanded upon in weeks 3 and 4)

Week 2

Blood transfusions

When to transfuse a patient

Different blood products available

Blood typing

Blood donations

Administration of blood products

Learning outcomes:
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Describe how we identify patients in need of a blood transfusion

List the different blood products available on the veterinary market and which is the most suitable for the patient

Explain the process of blood typing and why this is necessary in cats and dogs

Describe how a blood donation is collected in a canine and feline donor – including donor selection, the donation procedure and processing of blood products

Discuss how to administer a blood transfusion and the common signs associated with a transfusion reaction

Week 3

Primary Coagulation Disorders

Platelet disorders (IMTP/DIC)

Diagnosis of primary coagulation disorders

Thrombosis

Management of these patients

Learning outcomes:
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Describe the physiology behind the most common primary platelet disorders seen in veterinary patients

Describe how diagnosis of coagulation disorders can be made in practice

Explain thrombosis and why this might occur in veterinary patients

Understand the different treatments available to patients with each of these disorders

Describe how to best nurse these patients whilst they are being cared for in the
hospital

Week 4

Secondary Coagulation Disorders

Congenital coagulation disorders

Acquired coagulation disorders

Treatment of coagulation disorders

Nursing considerations

Plasma transfusions

Learning outcomes:
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

List some of the congenital coagulation disorders and understand the physiology of each

List some of the common acquired coagulation disorders and understand the
physiology of each

Describe the treatment options for these conditions

Discuss the common nursing considerations and interventions which can be implemented in the nursing care of these hospitalised patients

Describe when and how to administer a fresh frozen plasma to support a patient with a coagulopathy

The course will be fully tutored by Elle Haskey and Katie Gray, and will consist of 10 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case studies, forum discussions and quizzes.

Click here for further details