This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide intensive care of compromised newborn foals during hospitalisation in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

The unit applies to veterinary nurses who work under the supervision of a registered veterinarian in a veterinary practice; however, the functions in this unit are likely to be carried out under minimal supervision within industry guidelines.

Veterinary nurses providing intensive foal care need to hold and apply specialised knowledge of foal anatomy, physiology and behaviour and make reliable clinical assessments and judgements of foal health.

Legislative and regulatory requirements apply to veterinary nurses but vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.

NOTE: The terms ‘occupational health and safety’ (OHS) and ‘work health and safety’ (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.