Length: 6 weeks

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

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

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

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

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

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 3

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 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 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

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

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 3

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 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 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

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.

 

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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.

 

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This online course aims to improve your confidence in managing neurological patients. We will aim to equip you with the knowledge and skills required to apply clinical reasoning skills to important neurological problems that present in small animal practice. Not only will you develop and strengthen your problem-solving skills in nursing neurological patients, you will also become more confident in identifying abnormalities seen during hospitalisation that might benefit from a prompt action.

 

Week 1
The Neurological Exam  – What do I need to know?

Neurology pathways and anatomy

The neurological examination

Interpretation and differential diagnoses

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Understand the anatomy of the neurology system that can be applied to nursing the neurological patient.

Understand the normal function of the different pathways that are tested during the neurological examination

Know the names of the different tests that are performed during the neurological examination, even under stressful situations and what they mean

Prioritise the different parts of the neurological examination according to the type of emergency

Recognise normal and abnormal findings during the neurological examination

Know how to neurolocalise, demonstrated with clinical cases

Understand how to list the most likely differential diagnoses based on clinical reasoning

 

Week 2
Seizures – Hospitalised Patients and Phone Consultations

Seizure recognition and common causes

Treatment and nursing care

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Recognise an epileptic event

Review the classification of epileptic seizures

Review the common causes of epileptic seizures

Understand the emergency treatment during hospitalisation

How to best nursing the epileptic patient

 

Week 3
Vestibular syndrome

Clinical signs and common causes

Monitoring, treatment and nursing care

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Understand which structures are involved in the function of the vestibular system

Learn to recognise clinical signs suggestive of vestibular syndrome and what to monitor during hospitalisation

Understand which clinical signs can be used to differentiate between central and
peripheral vestibular disease and clinical signs that indicate clinical deterioration

Learn about the most common causes of vestibular dysfunction in dogs and cats

 

Week 4
The Neuromuscular System – from Function to Dysfunction

Function and anatomy of the neuromuscular system

Neuromuscular diseases

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Understand the anatomy and function of the neuromuscular system

Learn to recognise clinical signs suggestive of dysfunction of the neuromuscular system

Understand which clinical signs indicate clinical deterioration

Learn about the most common causes of neuromuscular diseases in dogs and cats

 

Week 5
Intervertebral Disc Herniations

Classification of disc herniation types

Clinical signs, treatment and nursing care

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Understand the different types of intervertebral disc herniation and the different treatment and nursing approaches

Learn to recognise clinical signs suggestive for each type of intervertebral disc herniation

Understand which clinical signs indicate clinical deterioration in dogs with intervertebral disc herniation

 

Week 6
Clinical Cases – from Peripheral Nerves to the Brain!

Case studies

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants:

Apply all the knowledge acquired on the previous weeks to clinical cases

Be able to discuss the most indicated nursing approach to provide the best care for individual patients.

 

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

 

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