| Ability |
Standard |
Some Examples of Skills and Aptitude Needed for Success in a Veterinary Technology Career |
| Critical Thinking |
Critical thinking sufficient for clinical judgment. |
Identify cause-effect relationships in clinical situations. Develop nursing care plans. Demonstrate problem solving skills. Adapt to stressful situations. |
| Interpersonal |
Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with patients, clients, families & groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural & intellectual backgrounds. |
Establish rapport with patients/clients & colleagues. Recognize appropriate boundaries in relationships with patients/clients & colleagues.
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| Communication |
Communication abilities for interaction with others orally & in writing. |
Explain treatment procedures, initiate health teaching, document & interpret nursing actions and patient/client responses.
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| Mobility |
Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room, maneuver in small spaces, lift fifty pounds, and provide assistance to patients. |
Safely move around in patient & treatment areas. Administer CPR. Provide physical assistance to clients & colleagues to ensure safety within the environment. Ability to prevent or escape injury caused by animals (i.e. biting, kicking, stampede).
|
| Motor Skills |
Gross & fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe, effective nursing care in a timely manner. |
Use of instruments, supplies, safety devices and communication equipment in the care of patients. Performance of nursing care, surgical assistance, & laboratory techniques.
|
| Hearing |
Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs. |
Hear auscultatory sounds, monitor alarms, emergency signals, and cries for help. Hear warning sounds from animals and humans of impending danger/injury.
|
| Visual |
Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in nursing care. |
Observe patients for expected and unexpected physical and emotional responses to nursing and medical treatment regimens. Use of diagnostic equipment such as a microscope, thermometer, refractometer, etc.
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| Tactile |
Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment and to perform nursing duties in a timely manner. |
Perform palpation functions of physical exam. Administer oral, intramuscular, subcutaneous, & intravenous medications. Insert and remove tubes and perform wound care management. Surgical assistance.
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| Physical Condition |
Physical ability and stamina sufficient to restrain, lift, & assist in the care of a variety of species of animals. Ability to stand for extended periods of time. Ability to withstand extreme weather conditions. Immune system competence. |
Safely lift, position and restrain animals such as; dogs, cats, cattle and horses, and supplies for treatment. Surgical assistance. Daily clinical routine, cleaning cages and feeding animals. Year-round treatment and care of outdoor animals. Exposure to a wide range of chemical and biological agents.
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