HomeMy WebLinkAboutVET-203Bergen Community College
Veterinary Technology Program
Course Title: Veterinary Nursing I
Course Number: Vet 203
Division: Health Professions
Department: Veterinary Technology
Credits: 3
Classroom Hours: 2
Laboratory Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Admission into the professional segment of the Veterinary
Technology Program along with successful completion of Vet 102,
Vet 103, Vet 110, Vet 112, Bio 215.
Course Description:
This course will furnish foundation skills and considerations necessary for the routine nursing
duties of the veterinary technician. Topics include general animal care, handling and restraint,
sample collection, administration of medications, wound healing and bandaging techniques, and
a survey of infectious diseases. Special emphasis will be placed on safety of the patient and the
handler. The laboratory component will include laboratory demonstrations, practice on models,
and practical experience with live animals.
Course Goals:
Upon completion of this course, the student should receive a foundation in:
Routine animal nursing procedures for dogs and cats
Routine nursing care for dogs and cats kept in a hospital setting
Effective patient history-taking
Techniques of canine and feline physical examination
Restraining dogs and cats for diagnostic, therapeutic, and prophylactic procedures
Use of appropriate routes and methods of drug administration
Common infectious diseases of dogs and cats and measures taken for their prevention and
treatment
The role of the veterinary technician regarding zoonotic diseases
Dynamics of wound healing
Various bandaging techniques
Proper care and maintenance of hospital equipment
Student Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
Perform husbandry routines necessary to maintain dogs and cats in a hospital or shelter
setting
Prepare feed and prescription diets for hospitalized patients
Clean and disinfect cages, kennels, and runs
Examine animals systematically for the detection of abnormal signs
Properly use the clinical thermometer, stethoscope, ophthalmoscope, and otoscope
Accurately determine a patient’s vital signs and know the normal values for small animal
species
Recognize the danger potential of each species, so that safety is a priority when
restraining animals
Predict the common behavioral characteristics so that the most successful method of
restraint will be chosen
Restrain selected domestic animals safely and humanely for all procedures commonly
performed in veterinary hospitals, including the use of safety muzzles and restraint poles
Administer oral medications
Administer subcutaneous and intramuscular parenteral injections
Perform venipuncture from the cephalic, saphenous and jugular veins
Place intravenous catheters in the cephalic and saphenous veins
Explain and identify the signs and degrees of dehydration and calculate dehydration
deficits
Maintain an intravenous catheter and deliver fluid therapy, while determining and
maintaining the correct rate
Perform routine record-keeping, care, and observation of hospitalized patients
Collect urine samples by various methods (free-catch, catheterization, cystocentesis)
Perform therapeutic bathing, grooming and dipping of dogs and cats
Administer enemas to small animals
Apply topical medication to the eyes and ears
Trim nails and cauterize as needed
Express and infuse anal glands
Compare and contrast first and second intention healing
Demonstrate the basic techniques used in bandage, splint and cast application and
removal
Demonstrate the proper construction and application of Elizabethan collars
Perform client education under supervision, and when appropriate, use grief management
skills with bereaved pet owners
Discuss the indications for and administration of vaccinations
Describe the various infectious diseases of dogs and cats, including the signs, diagnosis,
treatment, and nursing care
Identify and discuss the role of the veterinary technician in relation to common zoonoses
Distinguish the normal reproductive physiology of dogs and cats in order to differentiate
normal vs. abnormal
Describe fundamental nursing care for neonates, orphans and geriatrics, while
understanding their individual requirements
Provide proper care and maintenance of hospital equipment
Course Materials:
Primary (required):
Bassert, JM & Thomas, JA: Clinical Textbook for Veterinary
Technicians, 8th edition, St. Louis, Missouri, 2014,
Saunders-Elsevier
Crow, SE & Walshaw, SO, Boyle, JE: Manual of Clinical Procedures in
Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, & Rodents, 3rd edition, Ames, Iowa, 2009,
Wiley-Blackwell
Course Website:
Vet-203 is a "web-enhanced" class. The class has its own website, and each member of the class
has an account for the website. The BCC online course management system is known as
"Moodle."
To access your course in Moodle open a browser and go to the Portal site http://my.bergen.edu.
You can find instructions on how to login to the Portal and connect to Moodle via Portal listed
on the Portal Help Site (http://www.bergen.edu/portalhelp/Pages/StudentHelp.aspx).
1) Your user name is the same as your WebAdvisor username.
2) For your initial password, users logging into http://my.bergen.edu (the Portal) for the first
time will use the first 2 letters of their last name with the first letter capitalized, plus the
last 6 digits of your Bergen Community College Identification number. For
example,
Name = Pat O’Shaunessy BCC ID = 354210 Initial Password = Os354210
Name = Nancy McDouglas BCC ID = 0054532 Initial Password: Mc054532
Please note that after logging in, you will be forced to change your password. Your
password must be at least 8 characters long. It must contain a number, and an UPPER
case letter and a Lower case letter. Your password cannot be any of your previous 6
passwords.
After you login to the portal site, you will find your Moodle course listed under MyClass
sites. If you are logging in for the first time, you will be prompted to enter your username
and password again. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete onetime setup of your
password.
Unless you are on campus, you are responsible for supporting your own Internet access and
email account throughout the course.
If you still have difficulty logging in, please call the help desk at 1-877-612-5381.
Teaching Methodologies:
The teaching methodologies employed in this course include a power point lecture presentation,
small and large group discussions, practical “hands-on” laboratories, clinical site visits,
audiovisual presentations, the review of case studies, and student participation through
brainstorming and critical thinking. Laboratory sessions will be held at Bergen Community
College Veterinary Technology facility and will include sites off-campus.
Grading Policy Lecture*:
The lecture grades will be averaged as follows for 50% of the final course grade:
Online & clinical case assignments 10%
Discussion forums 5%
Exam #1 10%
Exam #2 10%
Comprehensive final examination 15%
*IMPORTANT NOTE: Student must obtain an overall minimum final grade of 76% in the
lecture to successfully pass the course (independent of the laboratory grade).
Lecture Exam Content:
There will be two written unit exams given at times selected and announced in advance by the
instructor, and a comprehensive final examination. Exams will cover lecture material, resource
material located on Moodle site, as well as textbook material. Each unit exam will be given in a
combination multiple choice and clinical case format (bring a black or blue pen & a basic
function calculator). The final exam will be completely multiple choice—you will need to
provide a number 2 pencil for the scantron form & a basic function calculator.
Students are expected to take exams as scheduled by the instructor. Failure to attend an
examination requires the student to contact the instructor within 3 days of the scheduled exam
date and provide a written bona fide excuse for the absence. In the case of a verifiable excused
absence, the instructor will provide a make-up exam which will be given in a format of the
instructor’s choice—oral, essay, fill-in, short answer, etc. The exam will be administered on a
day and in a location designated by the instructor. Failure to contact the instructor within this
given time frame will result in a grade of 0 for that exam.
Online & Clinical Case Assignments:
Online assignments related to the learning objectives will be posted on Moodle—with start and
end dates. It is your responsibility to check the web site frequently, as assignments will NOT be
available after the closing date and time. No assignments will be dropped from your final lecture
grade, so it behooves you to check due dates frequently to avoid a zero grade.
The clinical case assignments are designed for enhanced classroom participation, and large group
discussion that are related to the lecture topic. Students will be called upon randomly to
participate in classroom activities, and you may be asked to prepare an oral presentation on a
topic. Any written assignments that may be added should be typewritten in black ink, 12 font,
Arial or Calibri type. Handwritten or late assignments will not be accepted. This grade will be
based on the following criteria: topic preparedness as evidenced by active participation (25%),
providing accurate (25%) and relevant information (25%), and relating information in a
comprehensive, coherent and organized manner (25%).
Discussion Forums:
You will be required to participate in discussion forums on related topics applicable to the
veterinary technician. It will be your responsibility to make one original post and to respond to a
colleague’s posting for each forum set up. Therefore, the grade will be two-fold ( ½ credit given
for an original post and ½ credit for a response to a posting). The discussion policies are as
follows:
Be courteous. If you disagree with someone, that's fine. Just do so politely.
There is no right or wrong answer on some of the issues, just opinions. What counts is
how well you back up an opinion.
Some topics may require research. You should provide the resource material you
have used in your discussion.
This is a public forum. You should not use any language here that you would not use
aloud in a traditional classroom.
This is an academic forum, not an online chat room or multipurpose bulletin board.
Abbreviations, shorthand, loose grammar, etc. which may be standard use in these
informal arenas is not acceptable. Use the same care with your writing on the
discussion forum as you would for any written assignment.
If you use the HTML editor on the discussion forum there is a built in spell checker.
If not, and if your keyboarding skills are as poor as mine you should probably word
process your posting and then copy and paste it into the message. At least, proof read
your posting before hitting the send button.
It is possible that someone may post something that is offensive to others. We should
understand that the class represents a very diverse population and we will not all
agree on everything.
Grading Policy Laboratory:
The laboratory portion of the course will count for 50% of the final course grade. Laboratory
instructor will provide laboratory polices.
Clinical Competency Evaluations
In addition to the regular coursework required, students will complete a list of clinical
competencies associated with the course topic, as dictated by the AVMA accrediting body.
Areas of nursing include patient assessment, patient care, and therapeutics.. Students will work
individually (or in groups where indicated) to achieve a satisfactory competence level necessary
for each required skill. A list of skill sets will be available (by appointment) in the Veterinary
Technology building for ongoing review.
Students must perform ALL the essential skills required in this course. The student will be given
the opportunity to complete these skills during regular class time. All skills performed during
the semester will be evaluated by the instructor, who will provide a signature after the successful
completion of a task. If any essential skill is not completed successfully after the first scheduled
attempt, the student and instructor will meet to discuss and make arrangements for a second
opportunity. If clinical competency remains unsatisfactory after two attempts, the student,
instructor, and program director will meet to discuss further options for successful completion of
the course.
Lecture Outlines:
Outlines are designed to supplement the reading assignments and lecture series (their use is
optional) and are not meant to serve as a replacement for attending class.
ACT Training Videos:
There are optional training videos available in the Sidney Silverman Library, which the student
should view to increase their understanding of topics covered in lecture, lab, and readings. You
may inquire about a video at the reference desk. Videos must be viewed in the library—they will
not be available for home use. Inquire with the lecturer if you have any questions about the
videos.
Lecture Attendance Policy:
Attendance and classroom participation are of utmost importance. Students are expected to be
present and on time for all classes. Attendance will be recorded each session—it is your
responsibility to sign in during the lecture time to receive credit for attendance. Whether you are
late or absent for a particular class, you are responsible for all material covered in your
absence—this material may be obtained from a classmate. Missing >3 lecture sessions (lateness
> 20 minutes will count as ½ absence) for any reason will result in a failure for the course. You
will be referred to the program director in the event this should happen. If you are late for a
lecture session, please enter the classroom quietly and without interruptions. You can contact the
lecturer at the break or after lecture for sign in, any handouts or announcements you may hav e
missed.
Laboratory Attendance Policy:
See Laboratory Information Sheet
Student Accommodations:
Students who require accommodations by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can
request support services from the Office of Specialized Services of Bergen Community College,
Room L116, Pitkin Education Center, 201-612-5270 or go to the following website:
ossinfo@bergen.edu.
Rules and Regulations Governing Conduct:
Each student is expected to obtain a copy of the Bergen Community Student Handbook and is
responsible for knowing the information included in the Handbook. Copies are available in the
Office of Student Life, the Welcome Center, evening office, and on the Bergen Web site.
In addition, each student accepted in the Veterinary Technology Program is expected to obtain a
copy of the Veterinary Technology Student Handbook and is responsible for knowing the
information included in this Handbook. Copies are available through the program director.
All students and faculty are governed by college rules and regulations. Please refer to the
Student Handbook for information regarding codes of conduct.
Academic Integrity:
Bergen Community College is committed to academic integrity. Please refer to the current
Student Handbooks for details related to academic integrity/discipline.
Vet 203 Topical Outline:
Animal Behavior
Handling and Physical Restraint
Patient History and Physical Exam
Sample collection methods—including phlebotomy, urine, feces
Medication administration by various routes
Nursing care and general husbandry
Patient monitoring, including patient interaction, weight, attitude, vital signs, urine
production, GI monitoring, and pain control
IV catheter placement and fluid therapy
Vaccinations and preventive health programs
Infectious diseases
Zoonoses
Wound healing and bandage care
Pediatrics & geriatrics
Client education and grief counseling
Lecture Outline & Schedule*
Semester Offered: Fall 2013
9/5 Animal Behavior
Required reading:
Bassert & Thomas text: Chapter 5 (pp. 135-164)
Training videos:
ACT—Vet Assistant I: Introduction to Animal Behavior (Tape 6)
ACT—Vet Assistant II: Canine Behavior—Body Postures (Tape 5)
ACT—Vet Assistant II: Behaviorally Healthy Dogs (Tape 6)
ACT—Veterinary Foundations: Breed Identification (Tape 6)
Waltham Vol. 8 #1: Introducing a New Cat to a Household
Waltham Vol. 8 #3: Interdog Aggression
Moodle online assignment! Opens 9/5; Closes 9/19
Discussion Forum (Behavior) Opens 9/5; Closes 9/19
9/12 Animal Handling & Restraint
Required reading:
Bassert & Thomas text: Chapter 6 (pp. 178-189)
Crow, Walshaw & Boyle: Chapter 1, 35
Training videos:
ACT—Kennel Asst: Animal Handling (Tape 3)
ACT—Veterinary Foundations: Safety in the Hospital (Tape 1)
Restraint & Handling of the Cat, Murray Fowler; 5/77
9/19 History Taking & Physical Exam
Required reading:
Bassert & Thomas: Chapter 7 (pp. 223-245)
Crow, Walshaw & Boyle: Chapter 9, 10, 13
Training videos:
ACT—Kennel Asst: Basic Animal Care (Tape 5)
ACT—Veterinary Foundations Seven Strategies Practiced by Successful Staff
Members (Tape 2)
ACT—Kennel Asst: Bathing & Grooming (Tape 2)
Moodle online assignment! Opens 9/19; Closes 10/3
9/26 History Taking & Physical Exam continued
10/3 Sample Collection; Medications & Administration
Required reading:
Bassert & Thomas: Chapter 18 (pp. 586-619)
Crow & Walshaw: Chapter 2, 3, 5, 12, 14, 15
Training videos:
ACT Technician Skills: Blood Collection
ACT Technician Skills: Male & Female Urinary Catheterization
ACT—Vet Assistant I: Laboratory Skills (Tape 1)
ACT—Vet Assistant II: Laboratory Skills (Tape 1)
ACT—Veterinary Foundations: Practical Pharmacy Skills
AAHA: Administering Medication
Moodle online assignment! Opens 10/3; Closes 10/10
Discussion Forum Opens 10/3; Closes 10/24
10/10 Hospitalization: Nursing Care & Fluid Therapy
Required reading:
Bassert & Thomas: Chapters 19 & 24 (pp. 883-894)
Crow, Walshaw & Boyle: Chapter 4
Training videos:
ACT—Technician Skills: IV Fluid Administration
ACT—Technician Skills: Subcutaneous Fluid Administration
ACT—Kennel Asst: Caring for the Hospitalized Patient (Tape 6)
ACT—Technician Skills: IV Catheter Placement
Moodle online assignment! Opens 10/10; Closes 10/24
10/17 Exam #1 1st hour (material covered 9/5 through 10/3)
10/24 Infectious Diseases—Canine; Vaccines & Preventive Health Programs
Required reading:
Bassert & Thomas: Chapter 8 (pp. 260-274)
Training videos:
ACT—Veterinary Foundations: Vaccines & Preventive Health Programs
(Tape 3)
ACT—Kennel Asst Training: Kennel Maintenance Skills (Tape 1)
Moodle online assignment! Opens 10/24; Closes 11/14
Discussion Forum (Infectious Diseases) Opens 10/24; Closes 11/14
10/31 Infectious Diseases—Feline; Vaccines & Preventive Health Programs
11/7 Zoonotic Diseases
Required reading:
Bassert & Thomas: Chapter 4 (pp. 124-125)
Discussion Forum (Zoonoses) Opens 11/7; Closes 11/20
11/14 Wound Healing; Bandaging & Wound Care
Required reading:
Bassert & Thomas: Chapter 26 (pp. 973-993)
Training videos:
ACT—Vet Assistant II: Wound Care: Bandaging
Small Animal Bandaging Techniques: UC Davis; Jan 04
Moodle online assignment! Opens 11/7; Closes 11/20
11/21 Exam #2 1st hour (material from 10/10 through 11/14)
12/5 Pediatric & Geriatric Care
Required reading: Bassert & Thomas: Chapters 21, 35, 36
Moodle online assignment! Opens 11/21; Closes 12/10
12/12 Euthanasia & Other Topics—Large Group Discussion
Required reading: Bassert & Thomas: Chapters 37 & 38
12/19 Final Comprehensive Exam
*Lecture schedule is subject to change
Note: Related journal articles and any additional assignments will be posted on the web site throughout semester
Laboratory Outline & Schedule:
Information will be provided by laboratory instructor
Lecture Contact Information:
Dr. Cynthia Rockafellow
Associate Professor
Program Veterinarian
Office #S-336 A
Phone: 201-493-5016
E-mail: crockafellow@bergen.edu
Office hours: Room #S-336A
Monday: 12:30-1:30pm
Tuesday: 12:30-1:30pm
Thursday: 12:30-1:30pm
Or by appointment (please contact me by phone or e-mail at
least 72 hours in advance)
Laboratory Contact Information:
Lisa Picht, Instructor
Office Veterinary Technology Building
Phone: 201-493-3765
E-mail: lpicht@bergen.edu
Relevant addresses and additional contact information:
Division of Health Professions
Veterinary Technology Department
400 Paramus Road
Paramus, NJ 07652-1595
Health Professions Fax # 201-612-3876
Veterinary Technology office (program director): 201-612-5389
Last revised 7/13