RUV40404 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

RUV40404 Certificate IV
in Veterinary Nursing
National Code: RUV40404

State Code: S445
Last Edited January 2010
Date:
RUV40404 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
Student
Name:
Group Name:
Contact
Telephone:
Acknowledgments
This document has been developed by the lecturing staff at the

Centre for Animal Studies
with the support of the resources developed through the
Department of Employment, Training & Youth Affairs:
‘The Training Package Assessment Materials Project’
and the
Western Australian Department of Training document:
‘Guidelines for Competency Based Assessment in
Vocational Education and Training in Western Australia’
Edited by Dr Beverley Taylor (Lecturer),

Dr Kay Jansen (Lecturer) Tenille Petrilli (Lecturer)
Terry George (Lecturer) Emma Dunn (Lecturer)
January 2010 Version 2.1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................................5
HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?............................................................................................................................5
UNITS OF COMPETENCY.........................................................................................................................................7
UNDERSTANDING ASSESSMENT................................................................................................................8
WHAT IS ASSESSMENT?..........................................................................................................................................8
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE COMPETENT?.................................................................................................................8
..........................................................................................................................................................................9
..............................................................................................................................................................9
WHAT ARE KEY COMPETENCIES?............................................................................................................................10
WHAT ARE COMPETENCY STANDARDS?...................................................................................................................11
WHAT IF THERE ARE SOME THINGS I DON’T KNOW OR CAN’T DO?...............................................................................12
WHAT IF THERE ARE PARTS OF THE TRAINING THAT I CAN DO ALREADY?.....................................................................13
NOT HAPPY WITH HOW THINGS ARE GOING?.............................................................................................................13
PLANNING FOR YOUR ASSESSMENT..........................................................................................................................13
WHAT IS AN ‘ASSESSMENT PLAN’?.......................................................................................................................14
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN I AM READY FOR ASSESSMENT?............................................................................................15
WHERE WILL I BE ASSESSED?................................................................................................................................15
WHO WILL ASSESS ME?........................................................................................................................................16
BEING ASSESSED.................................................................................................................................................16
HOW MUCH EVIDENCE IS ENOUGH?.........................................................................................................................16
ARE YOU COMPETENT?.........................................................................................................................................17
CAN EVIDENCE BE USED MORE THAN ONCE?............................................................................................................17
HOW ARE THE TYPES OF EVIDENCE DECIDED UPON?..................................................................................................20
GETTING FEEDBACK.............................................................................................................................................20
POLICY INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS...............................................................................................22
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE FOR EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION..................................................22
DISABILITY SERVICES...........................................................................................................................................22
SKILLS RECOGNITION............................................................................................................................................22
COMPETENCY BASED ASSESSMENT..........................................................................................................................24
STUDENT RESULTS POLICY AT POLYTECHNIC WEST.................................................................................................24
APPEALS POLICY.................................................................................................................................................25
STUDENT ACADEMIC RECORDS...............................................................................................................................26
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SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION TO
ASSESSMENT
AND GAINING
COMPETENCY
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INTRODUCTION
Welcome, and thankyou for choosing to study at the Centre for Animal
Studies, a business unit of Polytechnic West, located at Bentley Campus.
As either a full-time or part-time student, you have enrolled in training
that will lead to a qualification recognised around Australia.
Getting your qualification is an important start to your career. It will

involve learning new skills and gaining knowledge that will allow you to
gain employment as a veterinary nurse, locally or interstate. It is our
commitment that when you obtain your qualification that you are
confident in your ability, and that you will be able to make a positive
contribution as an employee.
Your qualification will show that you can do a job according to standards
expected in veterinary nursing, and also provides your employer with
confidence in your ability.
To gain the qualification, you have to show that you have certain skills
and knowledge. In other words, you have to firstly be trained, then
assessed.
This comprehensive assessment plan, tool and record book, outlines all
aspects of your training and assessment program and endeavours to
provide a clear explanation of all that is required during your course of
study.
Some people feel anxious about starting a new course and coping with
assessment because they are not sure what it involves. However
training and assessment does not have to be frightening. At Polytechnic
West, Bentley, we promote a partnership approach to training and
assessment as much as practicable, within the confines of a set program
delivery. When you take a committed and active role you will have more
control over the experience and its outcomes and ultimately, it will be
more rewarding.
How does the program work?

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Your program, or course of study, is presented to you in a set, timetabled

format over one year full-time or 2 years part-time. This timetable has
been carefully created to ensure that you get the most out of the
facilities, resources and expertise we provide.
Your qualification is one issued from the Animal Care and Management
Training Package, specifically Veterinary Nursing. A Training Package is
developed by industry to meet certain training needs. It contains various
units of competency or competency standards*. The competency
standards required to gain a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing are
listed in the following table (page 5). There are twenty (20)
competencies in total. Each competency has a set number of hours
allocated to deliver both training and assessment. Most of the
competencies have been broken into sections. Within some of these
sections, topics have been allocated to address the relevant
underpinning knowledge that you will be required to have, and that will
set up a pathway to successfully gain competence.
*competency standards are explained on page 9
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Units of Competency
RUV2101A Work in the Animal Care Industry

RUV2103A Assist with General Animal Care
RUV2104A Provide Food and Water for Animals
RUV2102A Follow OHS Procedures in an Animal Care Environment
RUV2105A Participate in Workplace Communications
RUV2602A Carry Out Daily Clinic Routines

RUV2603A Assist with Surgery Preparation
RUV2601A Carry Out Veterinary Reception Duties

RUV4203A Identify and Respond to Animal Behaviour
RUV4601A Coordinate Patient Admission and Discharge
RUV4510A Provide Companion Animal Hydro-Bathing Services
RUV4602A Apply Radiographic Routines
RUV4603A Perform Clinical Pathology Procedures
RUV4606A Nurse Animals
RUV4604A Perform Clinic Office Procedures

BSBCMN Produce Business Documents
RUV4605A Carry Out Surgical Nursing Routines

RUV4608A Coordinate and Perform Theatre Nursing Routines
RUV4607A Carry Out Medical Nursing Routines
RUV4609A Provide Specific Animal Care Advice (Part 1)

RUV4609A Provide Specific Animal Care Advice (Part 2)
RUV4610A Carry Out Veterinary Dental Nursing Procedures
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UNDERSTANDING ASSESSMENT
What is assessment?
Assessment means collecting evidence about your skills and
knowledge, comparing it to a set of competency standards and
judging whether you are competent. Your lecturer will carry out
your assessment. This will mean judging whether you are
‘competent’ or ‘not yet competent’. If you are ‘not yet competent’
your lecturer will talk to you and discuss what you can do about it.
You may need to undertake additional assessment tasks, do some
more training or gain some more experience before being assessed
again.
The key point is that you cannot fail. You can try again. This means
sitting a second assessment within the enrolled period or re-
enrolling in that competency.
The assessment policy is explained in detail on pages 18 & 19.
What does it mean to be

competent?
Being competent means:
1. Knowing how to do a job

2. Understanding why it should be done that way
3. Being able to do different tasks at the same time
4. Dealing with everyday problems that may occur
5. Understanding workplace policies and procedures
6. Fitting in with others in the workplace (in a college context, this
can mean working within groups in your class)
Your lecturer needs to be convinced that you can do these things

not just once, but all the time – even when things are not going
smoothly.
6 An everyday example of an
assessment:
Sue is being assessed in her surgical practical. Her 1
lecturer has explained what she has to be able to do.
2 She feels comfortable because she knows what she is
being assessed against and she realises that she will
have a second chance if she is not able to do some 3
things.
To demonstrate her ability to prepare an animal for
surgery, Sue has to clip and perform a surgical prep
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5 4
The dimensions of competency

People are considered to be competent when they are able to apply
their knowledge and skills to successfully complete work activities in
a range of situations and environments in accordance with the
standard of performance expected in the workplace.
Competency involves successful work performance. It is usually

seen to comprise of four dimensions:
1. Task skills – undertaking specific workplace task(s)
2. Task management skills – managing a number of different

tasks to complete a whole work activity
3. Contingency management skills – responding to problems and

irregularities when undertaking a work activity, such as:
• breakdowns
• change in routine
• unexpected or atypical results or outcomes
• difficult or dissatisfied clients
4. Job / role environment skills – dealing with the responsibilities

and expectations of the work environment when undertaking
a work activity, such as:
• working with others
An example
• interacting ofwith
anclients
assessment
and suppliersrelating to the
• complying with
4 dimensions of competency:
the standard operating procedures
• observing
Your task enterprise
is to admit a patientpolicy and procedures
for surgery. How your lecturer will
assess you in admission procedure may address the following:
TASK:
To admit a patient for surgery according to practice protocol
TASK MANAGEMENT:
To manage the variety of different tasks to achieve the outcome
and arrange the sequence of work efficiently.
CONTINGENCY MANAGEMENT:
To assess and deal with ‘difficult’ clients;
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To identify and make changes to improve efficiency
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JOB / ROLE ENVIRONMENT SKILLS:

To apply workplace procedures and standards to admit the patient
Your lecturer will discuss with you before hand the requirements of
the task. They will assess you during the completion of the task by
observing you, and afterwards, when assessing your performance
and understanding, ask you questions related to the task and assess
whether you can answer them with confidence.
What are key competencies?

A number of processes learnt throughout life are required in all jobs.
They are fundamental processes and are transferable to other work
functions. These are called the key competencies and cover the
following aspects of work:
• Collecting, analysing and organising ideas

• Communicating ideas and information
• Planning and organising activities
• Working with others and in teams
• Using mathematical ideas and techniques
• Solving problems
• Using technology
There are three levels of performance that these competencies are
identified. Level 1 is the level of generic skills needed to perform the
task up to level 3, which involves the ability to evaluate and
redesign tasks. Your lecturer will take these key competencies and
the performance level into account when making a decision about
your competence.
A competent worker:
Sally works at a small animal clinic in Perth.
Sally is regarded as a competent veterinary nurse by
her supervisor. This is because she is always friendly
and helpful to co workers – not just when things are
quiet, but also during busy periods.
Even in difficult situations, she stays calm and polite.
She can handle most decisions herself, but she knows
when to refer a more difficult decision to her
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Sue has mainly worked in the surgery, but because she
understands the computing system and has excellent
What are competency standards?

Competency standards are used around Australia. They describe
what your industry accepts as effective performance in the
workplace. This includes the skills and knowledge you need to do a
job.
These standards are divided into Units of Competency. They match

particular activities that people carry out at work, such as reception
duties, surgical assistance and radiography. You could say a job is
made up of several units of competency. Units of competency are
found in a document called a Training Package. Most industries
have a Training Package.
Each unit of competency is broken down into smaller parts, called

elements and performance criteria.
These are what your lecturer will use when assessing you and
judging whether or not you are competent. Look at the example
below:
John works in a small animal practice. One of his main

duties is to assist with and monitor anaesthesia of
animals undergoing surgery. To do his job John needs to
be able to understand vital signs and follow occupational
health and safety rules. The skills involved are
described in a unit of competency that is part of the
Carry out Surgical Nursing Procedures
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Elements Performance Criteria

(Part of John’s job is to…….) (John knows he can do it when….)
3. Monitor patients and anaesthesia 3.1 Anaesthesia induction and maintenance is

continuously monitored under veterinary
supervision
3.2 Endotracheal intubation is completed according
to clinic policy
3.3 Pain and vital signs are monitored and recorded
as instructed from premedication to anaesthesia
through to recovery
3.4 Anaesthetic depth is assessed and response is
initiated in accordance with clinic policies and
procedures
3.5 Emergency procedures are followed in
accordance with clinic policy
3.6 Postoperative anaesthesia procedures are
completed in accordance
with clinic policy
Units of competency can seem confusing when you first look at

them. But it is important for you to understand what you are being
assessed against. Get your lecturer to explain the structure of the
unit of competency. Also ask how the underpinning knowledge
skills and tasks relate to achieving competency. Most underpinning
knowledge will be delivered within the topics under the unit of
competency.
What if there are some things I

don’t know or can’t do?
Sometimes assessment can highlight things you don’t know, or
cannot do as well as you thought you could. For example, you may
be able to fold a drape correctly, but are not able to wrap it tot the
required standard.
This is called a ‘skill gap’. It simply means that you need to learn
that part of the procedure or job. You then need to organise an
extra assessment when you are ready, but within the enrolled
period. In general, as long as the other parts of the assessment
have been satisfactory, you will not need to repeat the whole
procedure. You and your lecturer will work out how to fill these
gaps.
Before your next assessment, you must arrange with someone to

show you how to do the skill you are ‘not yet competent’ in, and
also organise some opportunities to practise.
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What if there are parts of the

training that I can do already?
You may have noticed that there are some units of competency that
you can do already, usually because of previous work experience or
training. So, one of the first things you will do is let your lecturer
know and they will assist you by giving you the relevant documents
and briefly explain the procedure. This kind of assessment is called
‘Skills Recognition’. Recognition is something that your lecturer is
required to offer you.
The benefit of using Recognition is that you do not need to do any

unnecessary training or assessment. By getting recognition for the
skills and knowledge you already have, you can put more effort into
the units of competency you actually need to learn.
Not happy with how things are

going?
It is advisable to contact your lecturer directly if you are not
satisfied with any or all of your training and assessment. If this is
difficult for whatever reason, please refer to the college Grievance
and/or Appeals Policy outlined in your student handbook, provided
to you at enrolment.
Remember, you are our customer. If you are not getting the service
you were promised, then you are entitled to raise issues and get the
problem sorted out. The sooner we know something is not right the
sooner we can get it fixed!
Planning for your assessment

You will need to plan (with your lecturer) when your assessment will
take place. Generally this is produced by your lecturer and
presented as a topic outline to which you mutually agree. This will
involve training and you will receive a weekly or sessional schedule.
Although this will be set out for you and your class, it is a good idea
to take an active part in this process. It gives you a chance to
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contribute important information. For example, you may like to

negotiate things like:
• When would be the appropriate times for you to demonstrate

particular skills?
• When would be best to discuss your work?
• What other evidence might be relevant, such as homework
practise pieces or other work you may have previously
completed?
What is an ‘Assessment Plan’?

Making a plan means agreeing with your assessor about things like:
• What is competent performance?

• What evidence is needed?
• How will evidence be gathered?
• Who will gather it?
This book is in fact an assessment plan. It contains all relevant

information for each competency and the various requirements to
fulfil to become competent. Using the details in this book, together
with your lecturer, you agree to the plan and schedule of the
required assessments so that they happen in the rights order and at
the best time. It means you should always know when you are
being assessed. At the same time, your plan should be flexible
enough to take advantage of any unexpected opportunities for
assessment. This can sometimes mean that you can be assessed
earlier than previously planned.
Some units of competency need to be assessed in a particular order,

while others can be assessed together. This is referred to as
‘clustering’ assessment.
For example, Unit RUV4605A Carry out Surgical Nursing

Routines and RUV4608A Co-ordinate and Perform
Theatre Routines are clustered for the purpose of assessment
because together they describe all the skills and knowledge
required to prepare for and assist with anaesthesia and surgery.
*Please note: You may have particular needs that could relate to
any personal concerns. For example you may have diagnosed
learning difficulties, or need assistance in areas of literacy or
numeracy. Alternative assessments can be offered and will be dealt
with on a case by case basis. Please speak to your lecturer to make
these arrangements.
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How do I know when I am ready for

assessment?
When you understand everything in a unit of competency and feel
confident about applying it, you will know that you are ready to be
assessed. Use a checklist like this one:
• Can I do the tasks set out in the unit of competency?

• Have I done the tasks over different conditions?
• Can I explain the reasons why some things have to be done
in a certain way?
• Have I read all the set reading material, e.g. specific pages
in text books?
• Have I discussed the competency standards with my
lecturer?
• Does my lecturer think I’m ready?
• Are the records and evidence I need ready, e.g. out of class
work, set class exercises?
If you can answer ‘yes’ to all these, do not put it off, ask your
lecturer. Remember that you do not have to be assessed until you
feel you are competent. However, programs are designed to be
successfully completed within the enrolled period. If you have been
absent without a medical certificate, extra charges may apply if
time runs out and you need to be assessed outside the enrolled
period. (See ‘Students Assessment’ policy, page 18) You are also
entitled to have time to practise before being assessed and to have
plenty of notice of when you will be assessed.
Where will I be assessed?

Most of your assessment will take place during class time, when
resources or specialist equipment is available. In some instances,
appointment times will be agreed and made for your lecturer to
assess you individually. Assessment may also mean gathering
evidence as you go about your normal class work.
Therefore, it is very important that all students make a firm

commitment to attend every class session for the full duration as
timetabled. This means, arriving and leaving on time. Unless your
lecturer has the opportunity to observe you over a period of time,
they may not be able to make a confident decision regarding your
competence, and therefore result in a ‘hold’ being recorded.
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Who will assess me?

A number of different people could be involved in your assessment
during your training, including lecturers taking you for other subject
areas, people from your work experience placement or experts in
the area being assessed. You are entitled to know who is involved in
your assessment and what they have said about your competence.
All of these people will be experienced in the work area they are
assessing. At least one of them will be a trained assessor and will
know your industry. However, it is your lecturer who finally judges
that your evidence meets the competency standards and will be
responsible for the sign-off on your assessment.
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Do not forget your own role. As you will see, ‘assessment’ means
comparing evidence about your performance to ‘set standards’,
using checklists against quality industry practices. Much of that
evidence can be gathered and organised by you. Make sure you use
these checklists when they are provided. Your lecturer uses these
checklists to assist them make a decision, and if you are aware of
what the standards are, it will give you more control over reaching
the required standard.
Being assessed
Assessment is basically about gathering evidence of your skills and
knowledge. ‘Evidence’ means proof that you are competent. Once
you prove to your lecturers that you are competent against each
element in all the units of competency required, you may apply for,
and will receive, the qualification.
Evidence can come from a previous job or training you did. It might
be gathered from the things you currently do or from things you do
as part of your assessment plan. You can have a say in what
evidence will be collected and how it will be collected.
How much evidence is enough?

Discuss with your lecturer the amount of evidence that should be
collected. As a general rule, it is unlikely that one piece of evidence
will be enough to prove your competence for a particular unit.
For example, answering questions or doing a written test might

show that you know how to install a computer operating system, but
it does not prove that you can actually do it. Watching you deal with
a client might show that you are competent, but it does not show
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whether you could deal with a complicated request or a complaint.

This is why assessors prefer to combine different forms of evidence.
Are you competent?

To say you are competent at preparing an animal for surgery, an
assessor might want to:
• Observe you clipping and preparing the surgical site

• Ask you some questions about safety, and how you would deal
with preparing for non-routine surgery
• Review related tasks previously completed
• Assess your understanding of the reasons for preparing the
animal in this way
Your lecturer will then judge whether these separate pieces of

evidence give a consistent picture. For example, it may be that your
answers to questions show you are safety-conscious, but your
practical assessment shows that you have made a few errors with
your technique.
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Can I gather evidence myself?

When you agree with your assessment plan, you can arrange to
collect some of the evidence yourself. You may be doing some part-
time work in industry so doing things like gathering samples of your
work, taking photos, organising testimonials or keeping a work diary
can speed up progress towards your qualification. It is important
that any evidence you gather should be verified by someone who
has witnessed your work and who is considered competent, a
veterinarian or qualified veterinary nurse. It is important that any
evidence that you gather is matched to the unit of competency
being assessed.
Can evidence be used more than

once?
Because there are overlaps between units of competency, one piece
of evidence may be relevant to more than one unit of competency.
For example, if a lecturer observes you admitting an animal for

surgery, they would be able to assess your communication skills at
the same time as watching your computer skills. Using evidence
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more than once makes assessment much more efficient. If you can
see ways of doing this, let your assessor know.
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So what can be used as evidence?
The following table lists the most common types of evidence. Your
lecturer will ask questions for a number of reasons, like getting to
know you and understanding your level of ability. When questions
are used to gather evidence, your lecturer should tell you that you
are being assessed and what topics you will cover.
Remember:
• Ask your lecturer for some practice questions

• Ask a friend to question you in similar ways to practise
what you are learning
• Do not worry too much if you cannot answer all
questions.
Remember:
• Training you have done will contribute to evidence.

• You may not need to be assessed again if you have
successfully completed an equivalent unit or program.
Type of evidence Tips

Answering questions Your assessor will ask questions for a number of
reasons, like getting to know you and
understanding your workplace. When questions
are used to gather evidence, your assessor should
tell you that you are being assessed and what
topics you will cover.
Remember:
• Ask your assessor for some practice questions
• Ask a friend to question you in similar ways to
practise what
you are learning
• Do not worry too much if you cannot answer all
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questions.
Training records Training you have done may be useful evidence.
Remember:
• Get copies of your certificates and relevant
licences
• You may not need to be assessed again if you
have successfully completed an equivalent unit
or program.
These skills will be assessed by your supervisor in
Work Practice records
veterinary practice.
Industry Log Book • They will ensure that you can work competently
in “real” practice situations
• Your lecturer will be in regular contact with your
practice supervisor to ensure that your
progress is satisfactory
Being observed in practical Your lecturer will use the classes/sessions as an
opportunity to observe you performing practical
sessions
skills as well as your attitude, underpinning
Clinic / Surgery Log knowledge, and other areas of competence such
Book as key competencies and dimensions of
competency.
Try to attend all your sessions/classes so that you
have the opportunity to ‘prove’ your competence
outside a formal assessment situation.
Ensure your lecturer does spend time observing
you personally. If you feel you are not being
observed – ask to check their records of your
progress.
Ask for feedback.
Demonstrating particular By asking you to demonstrate a particular task,
your lecturer can focus on skills that might not
tasks
occur during regular sessions/classes.
If it is an uncommon task you might want to
practise it first.
You may have to answer questions during the
demonstration.
If you make a mistake, you can usually ask to start
again.
These are often used so your lecturer can see how
Simulations or role play
you manage unplanned tasks like emergencies or
angry customers.
Role-plays make some people nervous, so it can
be helpful to practise before the assessment
A portfolio usually includes items produced over a
Portfolio
period of time. Portfolios may be organised and
presented in a variety of forms:
A recognition portfolio – is usually a portfolio of
documents relating to management such as
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reports, letters and policies, meeting agendas and

minutes as well as copies of qualifications and
references
A learning activity portfolio – this will include
activity sheets, work sheets and related
documentation.
Your lecturer will normally give you an indication
of what they expect you to include in a portfolio.
How are the types of evidence
decided upon?
There is no such thing as the ‘right mix’ of evidence. Whether you
are asked to demonstrate a task, answer a worksheet or to sit a
written test, will vary between your units of competency and
different lecturers. What is important is that there must be at least
two types of evidence collected per competency. Included in the
following pages is an Assessment Matrix for each unit of
competency and the related topic/s. It will show what type of
evidence is required to reach competency and how that evidence
(assessment tool) relates to each element and performance
criterion within the competency. Further information on specific
evidence will be provided by your lecturer.
Getting feedback
What feedback will I get?
You should receive feedback regarding your progress during your

class sessions. Ideally, this should be a two-way communication
activity that occurs frequently. You should ask, and your lecturer
should provide you with feedback on how he/she views your
progress towards becoming competent. This feedback should be
recorded onto a student progress record which should be available
for you to view at any time. Do not wait until assessment time to
find out whether your lecturer is confident you are ready. Make sure
you are satisfied with the feedback given and that is clear and
constructive. It should also include guidance on overcoming any
skills gaps.
After an assessment you should not have to wait long to learn how
you went. Ask your assessor when the feedback will be provided. If
there are delays, talk to your lecturer.
As well as the final assessment decision, you are also entitled to

receive clear and detailed feedback about how you performed.
The kind of questions you could ask include:

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• Where did I do well and where could I have done better?

• Where can I get extra help or advice?
• Which parts of the unit of competency need to be reassessed
(if necessary)?
• What other evidence do I need?
Make sure you also find out:
• If anyone else will see the feedback from the assessment.

• Where the result will be recorded.
• Whether you will get a written copy of the feedback.
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TAFE WA - SWAN
POLICY INFORMATION FOR
STUDENTS
Grievance procedure for equal
opportunity, harassment and
discrimination
To ensure that the college has a working and learning environment
free from harassment, all students and the college employees must
comply with the Equal Opportunity (EO) legislative requirements.
Officers within the college are trained to help with any problems
that arise. For help in this area-
• Contact officers through the Customer Service. A list of the
officers can be found on student notice boards, or through the
office.
• Make an appointment with Client Services through the
Customer Service Centre.
• Discuss your problem with your lecturer.
Disability services
Polytechnic West, employs a disabilities officer. Karen Huberman is
located at the Thornlie Campus and will assist in minimising any
barriers people with disabilities or medical conditions may
experience while studying. Other concerns may be discussed with
client services, and confidentiality is ensured.
• For more information, make an appointment to see Client
Services or the Disability Services through the Customer
Service Centre.
• More information on services available can be found in the
Polytechnic West Student Handbook.
• Contact the Centre for Animal Studies Office for advice if you
are unsure of whom to discuss your problems with.
Skills recognition
Polytechnic West, recognises that skills may be gained through a
variety of processes- experiences in the workplace, life experiences
or training from other institutions. These skills can be recognised
through a process of skills recognition.
• If you are not yet enrolled in the unit, you will be required to
pay (the equivalent of enrolling in the unit) when you apply.
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• If you are enrolled in the unit you can withdraw, obtain a

refund if it is available, and seek skills recognition (paying the
same fee as if you were enrolling). A good alternative to this is
to ask your lecturer to examine the evidence you have to
show competence early on in the delivery of the unit. If any
“gaps” are identified in the evidence you provide you can
continue with the training as required.
• More information and application forms are available from the
Centre for Animal Studies Office. Ask for the Skills
Recognition Information Package and Application Form.
• Lecturers will also be able to give you advice on whether your
application for skills recognition will be successful.
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Mutual recognition
Recognition of academic results achieved at other registered
training organisations
Polytechnic West recognises any result a student achieves at any

other Registered Training Organisation in Australia. Students need
to be careful to check that the name and the identifying number for
the unit are exactly the same as the one required for the course
they are enrolled in. Original documentation needs to be sighted by
the Centre for Animal Studies office, and a convenient time for this
is when you complete an Application for Award form.
Polytechnic West, will not transfer that credit (that academic result)
to a Polytechnic West, Academic Statement and an exemption does
not need to be applied for.
Competency based assessment

Competency based training and assessment focuses on assisting
learners to develop and demonstrate skills that are to the
performance level required by industry. Industry has developed the
competency standards to form the current qualifications specified in
the Training Packages which Polytechnic West, is registered to
deliver. Training programs are developed to ensure that at the end
of the training program, learners can demonstrate that they are
either competent against the standards or have not yet achieved
competency. Percentage marks or grades are not given, because a
learner is considered competent or not competent.
• Your lecturer will be happy to discuss Competency Based

Assessment with you.
Student Results Policy at

Polytechnic West
A student is entitled to sufficient opportunities to demonstrate
competency. If at the end of the enrolled period a student is judged
not competent, they will be given one of two results.
• An R result (Re-enrol) indicates that a student needs to re-

enrol in that unit and to re-do some, or all, of the unit to
demonstrate competency. Previous achievements
(competency in some assessments for example) can be used
to help demonstrate competency when you re-enrol
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• A DC result indicates that you have not attempted an

assessment and have discontinued your studies.
• A Hold is not a result but a period of time to allow the student

to demonstrate competency after further practice within the
enrolled period.
• A CO result indicates that the student is competent in that

particular assessment, therefore has passed.
At the end of the enrolment period after results have been entered,
only students who, for medical or other exceptional reasons, have
not had a second attempt to demonstrate competence will be given
a ‘H’ (Hold). The Hold is not an official result, it is between the
lecturer and the student. The second attempt has been replaced
with sufficient evidence to deem someone competent. The number
of times or pieces of evidence required is the lecturers professional
decision.
• If you have not paid all fees at Polytechnic West, you may not
receive an academic statement advising you that you have a
Hold result- so make sure you discuss this with your lecturer.
• Ensure you submit all work by the due date. Discuss your
assessment with your lecturer and ensure you are clear on all
deadlines for assessment. Queries regarding reassessment
times can be directed to the Animal Studies Office.
An Appeal Application form must be lodged through the

administration office. A list of reassessment times will be posted on
notice boards.
Appeals policy
There are circumstances under which you can appeal an
assessment decision.
1. The judgement was not made in accordance with the

Assessment Plan
2. The judgment as to whether competence has been achieved
was made incorrectly
• An Appeal Application form must be lodged through the

Centre for Animal Studies office.
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• You must lodge an appeal with the Centre for Animal Studies
office within four weeks of the issue date of the result.
• There are costs associated with an appeal.
• The decision of the Appeal Panel is final.
Student academic records

Students should receive a Certificate of Attainment and an
Academic Record within six weeks of completing a unit or module.
If you have an outstanding debt with the college, this record may be
withheld by the college
• See the Animal Studies Office or college administration if you

have any queries regarding your results.
Plagiarism / Cheating
Definitions
Plagiarism
Passing of someone else’s work whether intentionally or
unintentionally as
your own for your own benefit (cited by Carroll 2002,p9)
Cheating
Acting in a dishonest way particularly with respect to assessment –
not
following the rules and conventions of the assessment- in order to
gain an
advantage in passing the assessment.
Responsibility to Learners
Lecturing staff have a responsibility to:
· ensure students understand the importance of authenticity of
evidence
in demonstrating competence
· to provide students with guidelines for sourcing and acknowledging
information
· to inform students of the consequences of any dishonesty with
respect
to completing assessments
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Penalties
Penalties should be imposed appropriately depending on the
severity of the
Incident
For students studying at Cert I-III where there is evidence of

plagiarism or
cheating then the student should be given another assessment and
the
incident recorded. Any subsequent incident should result in a more
severe
penalty
Where the lecturers ascertain that the student lacks knowledge of
the
seriousness of plagiarism, then the student should be reassessed
and
counselled / advised about the seriousness of the offence
For Cert IV – Advanced Diploma students who have been advised of

the
seriousness of plagiarism and have been given training in
acknowledging
sources, then any proven incident of plagiarism should be treated as
a
serious breach
The offence should be discussed with the student and if no evidence

to the
contrary is forth coming then the matter should be progressed by
involving the
appropriate Portfolio Manager and Divisional Director. The following
penalties
could be imposed :
Student must reenrol
Student can be fined up to $ 1, 0000 as per the Swan By Laws
Alcohol and Other Drugs

Students must be in a state of fitness for work/study while attending
Polytechnic West and must not have consumed alcohol or other
drugs. The consumption of alcohol or use of drugs within the
campus precincts, including the adjoining car parks and roadways,
is not permitted. Any offender risks suspension and/or being
© Polytechnic West
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charged under the Police Act. Employers will be notified

immediately in the case of apprentices/trainees.
Computer, Internet and Network

Usage
The standards for the conduct of students who use computer,
Internet and network services are available from the library website.
Students should make themselves aware of these standards and
abide by them. Should students not abide by these standards, their
account may be revoked or fines incurred.
Bullying
Bullying is unlawful and could lead to prosecution under the
Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 and/or disciplinary action
by Polytechnic West.
Types of bullying include:
• Loud and abusive language
• Yelling and screaming
• Unexplained rages
• Unjustified criticism and insults
• Regular humiliation, belittling or undermining a person
Children on Campus
Polytechnic West is community/family orientated, and it is
understood that students or members of the public may
occasionally need to have a child accompanying them while they
attend to conduct brief business such as obtaining information,
delivering or collecting documents etc. Children under fifteen years,
however, are not permitted to accompany students on campus for
extended periods, eg. while students attend lectures. Although
students and staff may have good intentions, there are serious risks
associated with children on campus. Even if students have indicated
they will take responsibility for children, Polytechnic West could still
be liable in the event of an accident or injury. Polytechnic West has
a duty of care to students and the general public whilst they are on
the premises and seeks your cooperation regarding children on
campus.
Equal Opportunity
To ensure that Polytechnic West has a working/learning
environment free from harassment and discrimination, all students
© Polytechnic West
28
must comply with the Commonwealth Discrimination Act (DA),

Racial Discrimination Act (including Racial Vilification provisions
which make racially offensive behaviour unlawful) and WA Equal
Opportunity (EO) legislative requirements and related legislation.
Refer to the Equal Opportunity section of this handbook.
Hygiene
Food and drink are to be consumed in designated eating areas and
not in classrooms or workshops as this can create a health/hygiene
hazard. Spitting within the campus grounds is an unhygienic and
offensive act which will not be tolerated and may find the offender
liable to prosecution.
Litter
Everybody must place personal litter such as food scraps,
wrappings, drink containers, cigarette butts and other litter in the
bins and ashtrays provided throughout the campus.
Mobile Phones
As a courtesy to other students and staff, students are asked to turn
off their mobile phones during all lectures and practical sessions.
Vandalism / Antisocial Behaviour

The use of offensive language on campus is unacceptable. Acts of
vandalism or antisocial behaviour, including graffiti, carried out
within the campus grounds or immediate precincts will be dealt with
in accordance with College By-Laws or the Police Act. Students are
to treat Polytechnic West property with care and will be held
responsible for any damage that they cause. Help us preserve your
environment and facilities by reporting such acts immediately to the
Customer Service Centre
Course Excursions
Excursions are incorporated into the course timetable as part of the
learning process in order to provide students with a variety of real
life working environments. It is therefore necessary for student to
realise their importance and fulfil the course requirements by
attending ALL excursions organised by the Lecturer.
© Polytechnic West
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All students must complete the student’s Excursion Undertaking and

Consent form.
Students under 18 years of age must also obtain (on the same form)
authority from their parent(s)/guardian.
This form is current for the full duration of the enrolled course.
Code of Conduct
Polytechnic West undertakes an important community role in
providing vocational training and learning opportunities, and takes
seriously its responsibility to provide a duty of care to all students.
Polytechnic West strives to provide a pleasant environment which is
safe, enjoyable and conducive to learning. The Code of Conduct will
assist students to behave appropriately in this environment.
All students are expected to comply with this Code of Conduct, and
where there is disagreement or conflict with certain aspects of the
Code, grievance procedures can be used.
Applying for Your Award

If you are expecting to complete a Certificate, Advanced Certificate
or Diploma course you MUST complete the Application for Award.
Your application will be assessed for eligibility on completion of the
course. The Award will be sent to your postal address if this is what
you request.
The Application for Award form can be obtained from your business
unit.
Important notes about your application:
- If you have completed any study towards your Qualification at

another institution, please attach a copy of the Academic Record.
- Receipt of your Qualification is dependent upon satisfactory

completion of ALL Course requirements. If you are not eligible, you
will be contacted informing you of the subjects outstanding for the
Course completion. Once Polytechnic West is satisfied that all
requirements have been met, you will receive your Qualification.
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Reprints of Awards will cost $50. Payment can be made using

money order, cheque, Master Card, Visa or Cash.
Under age Duty of Care policy
The College has always maintained a high standard of Duty of Care

toward its students; therefore, changes to the way we have
operated in the past are minimal. Whilst we still maintain an adult
learning environment and create an atmosphere to encourage
autonomy of student study behaviour, it is important to recognise
the limitations of younger students and the need to provide more
monitoring and guidance just as we would for our own family
members traversing through their initiation into the adult world.
Awareness of the limitations younger students may encounter is
paramount and these may include; limited ability to assess risk and
make a calculated decision; peer pressure from older students to
engage in inappropriate behaviour.
At a College level we have appointed a Manager who will be

responsible for supporting the academic areas in the roll out of the
implementation plan. The College will:
• Provide the parent/guardian of students under the age of 18

with a letter, which outlines the environment at Polytechnic
West and highlights the differences between schools and
Polytechnic West.
(NB: This is not applicable for VET for School students – the
current College procedures apply to these students).
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• Provide the parent/guardian of student under the age of 18

with a Consent and Health Care Information form which:
•
1. Seeks parental consent for their child to participate in a
training program at Swan TAFE. Parents will be asked to
return the consent form to Polytechnic West. (NB: This is
not applicable to VET for School students – current
College procedures apply to these students). If
parents/guardians of student’s with a birth year of 1991
or 1992 complete and return the Consent and Health
Information form they will no longer be required to
complete a Notice of Arrangement form ( Form A).
2. Seeks information from parents regarding their child’s
health, if the health issue may impact on their study
plans. This information will be released to the academic
areas on a “need to know” basis.
• Ensure all lecturing staff and other relevant College staff have
the necessary Criminal Screening and Working with Children
Checks.
• Include a generic duty of care for minors’ statement in the
Qualification, Delivery and Assessment Strategy.
• Contact the parent/guardian if their child has a serious
accident/incident/injury/illness.
• Review all College policies and procedures to reflect duty of
care for minors.
© Polytechnic West
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RUV40404 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

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RUV40404 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

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RUV40404 Certificate IV

National Code: RUV40404

This document has been developed by the lecturing staff at the

Edited by Dr Beverley Taylor (Lecturer),

January 2010 Version 2.1

Getting your qualification is an important start to your career. It will

How does the program work?

Your program, or course of study, is presented to you in a set, timetabled

*competency standards are explained on page 9

RUV2101A Work in the Animal Care Industry

RUV2102A Follow OHS Procedures in an Animal Care Environment

RUV2105A Participate in Workplace Communications

RUV2602A Carry Out Daily Clinic Routines

RUV2601A Carry Out Veterinary Reception Duties

RUV4510A Provide Companion Animal Hydro-Bathing Services

RUV4602A Apply Radiographic Routines

RUV4603A Perform Clinical Pathology Procedures

RUV4606A Nurse Animals

RUV4604A Perform Clinic Office Procedures

RUV4605A Carry Out Surgical Nursing Routines

RUV4607A Carry Out Medical Nursing Routines

RUV4609A Provide Specific Animal Care Advice (Part 1)

RUV4610A Carry Out Veterinary Dental Nursing Procedures

What does it mean to be

1. Knowing how to do a job

Your lecturer needs to be convinced that you can do these things

The dimensions of competency

Competency involves successful work performance. It is usually

1. Task skills – undertaking specific workplace task(s)

2. Task management skills – managing a number of different

3. Contingency management skills – responding to problems and

4. Job / role environment skills – dealing with the responsibilities

JOB / ROLE ENVIRONMENT SKILLS:

What are key competencies?

• Collecting, analysing and organising ideas

What are competency standards?

These standards are divided into Units of Competency. They match

Each unit of competency is broken down into smaller parts, called

John works in a small animal practice. One of his main

Carry out Surgical Nursing Procedures

Elements Performance Criteria

3. Monitor patients and anaesthesia 3.1 Anaesthesia induction and maintenance is

Units of competency can seem confusing when you first look at

What if there are some things I

Before your next assessment, you must arrange with someone to

What if there are parts of the

The benefit of using Recognition is that you do not need to do any

Not happy with how things are

Planning for your assessment

contribute important information. For example, you may like to

• When would be the appropriate times for you to demonstrate

What is an ‘Assessment Plan’?

• What is competent performance?

This book is in fact an assessment plan. It contains all relevant

Some units of competency need to be assessed in a particular order,

For example, Unit RUV4605A Carry out Surgical Nursing

How do I know when I am ready for

• Can I do the tasks set out in the unit of competency?

Where will I be assessed?

Therefore, it is very important that all students make a firm

Who will assess me?

How much evidence is enough?

For example, answering questions or doing a written test might