Tips for Skill 1

This skill will require you to demonstrate your knowledge of surgical assisting for various surgical procedures and species. Upon completion of this skill, you will be able to apply your knowledge of patient preparation and positioning for various surgical procedures. You will also be able to prepare a surgical tray with the appropriate surgical instruments and assist the veterinarian, using surgical and aseptic technique.

Tips for materials that need to be submitted:

• Student log book of positioning techniques for each of the procedures listed on the skill sheet and list any special equipment needed for the procedure.

  • You need to discuss patient positioning for each of the procedures listed on the skill sheet.

    • What type of recumbency is the patient placed in?

    • How are the patient's legs tied down?

  • Some procedures require you to discuss the positioning and equipment/ tools for more than one species.

    • When it says all common veterinary species think about the species covered in the scope of the externship (In skills 1 -44).

    • Make sure you specify the species you are discussing. Not all species are positioned the same, especially in a large versus small animal.

  • You need to list any special equipment/ tools for each of the procedures (if applicable). If it is a tool that is not in a standard surgical pack then you should be listing it as a special tool/ equipment.

    • Some procedures will involve a secondary patient (like a neonate) make sure you consider them when discussing special equipment/ tools.

• Student log book on participation in ovariohysterectomy and orchiectomy in dogs and cats.

  • Your log book should consist of the discussion of 4 surgeries total:

    • You need to discuss your participation one feline and one canine ovariohysterectomy

    • You need to discuss your participation in one feline and one canine orchiectomy.

  • You need to give specific details on your participation. Do not just tell us what you did, but explain how.

  • Make sure your log is complete. You should have the date the procedure as performed and all the necessary patient information (full signalment, excluding client info)