Description
SAVC and AVNAT Approved Course
This flexi CPD course is aimed at vet nurses and vet technicians in general practice and is available on-demand with unlimited lifetime access. Each module consists of a tutorial, quiz and further reading articles
This six module course will cover many different aspects of nursing orthopaedic patients and the role nurses can play in giving these patients the best chance of an optimal recovery. Aimed at veterinary nurses in practice, this course does not cover orthopaedic surgical techniques, or procedures which are undertaken by veterinary surgeons.
Module 1
The Orthopaedic Trauma Patient
- Presentation
- Triaging wounds
- Initial wound management
- Open fracture management
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- 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
Module 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
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- 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
Module 3
Orthopaedic Procedures – So Many to Choose From!
- Surgery
- Arthroscopy
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- 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
Module 4
Fracture Repair – Internal Fixation
- Fracture classification
- Implants and consumables
- Surgical instruments and equipment
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- 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
Module 5
Fracture Repair – External Fixation
- Implants and consumables
- Surgical instruments and equipment
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- 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
Module 6
Recovery and the Post-Operative Period
- Recovery from anaesthesia
- Immediate therapy
- Ongoing nursing care plans
- Surgical complications
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- Create nursing care plans for post-operative surgical patients
- Develop the team role for nurses in the rehabilitation of 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 available immediately following purchase, with unlimited lifetime access and will provide a total of:
10 hours of CPD (UK)
10 points (Australia – AVNAT approved)
10 points (New Zealand – AVNAT / NZVNA approved)
10 points (South Africa – SAVC Accreditation Number AC/2304/25)
Release date: Jan 2025






Billie W –
Very interesting and informative
Rated: Introduction level
Michaela W –
Good content, very useful
Rated: Intermediate level
Amber D –
This is a very informative and easy-to-follow course. The articles included for further reading are very helpful and useful resources.
Rated: Introduction level
Verity B –
Great!
Rated: Intermediate level
Hannah H –
I found this course very interactive and it has definitely enhanced my knowledge in all areas of orthopaedic nursing.
Megan W –
Excellent
Lisanne M –
Learnt lots, brilliant reminder for me
Gemma L –
I found this course very helpful and managed to pick up loads of useful hints and tips to take back to practice.
I feel there is a lot of small improvements that we can make to help our patients throughout their orthopaedic procedures
Brynley C –
Found this course very helpful, gave clear and detailed information about all areas of orthopaedics
Rebecca S –
Very good