This workshop will provide insights into common surgical complications and deepen your understanding of their implications on a patient’s anaesthesia. Early detection and management of these complications are instrumental in the smooth progression of a patient’s surgical experience.

Beyond this, we will investigate post-operative care for the patient, addressing specific cases such as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), orthopedic procedures, spinal surgeries, and Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV). Your participation in this workshop will provide you with the knowledge to provide high-quality care in the diverse role of surgical nursing.

Key Skills:

Patient Preparation for Surgery: This involves understanding the steps and protocols for preparing patients before they undergo surgical procedures.
Operating Theatre and Scheduling: Learning how to manage and organize the operating theatre, as well as creating and maintaining surgical schedules.
Surgical Instruments and Equipment: Gaining knowledge about the various instruments and equipment used in surgical procedures.
Recognition of Common Surgical Complications: Identifying and understanding common complications that can arise during surgery and their implications on patient anaesthesia.
Early Complication Detection and Management: Knowing how to detect surgical complications early and effectively manage them to ensure a smooth surgical experience for the patient.
Post-Operative Care: Understanding the intricacies of post-operative care, with a focus on specific cases such as BOAS, orthopaedic surgeries, spinal procedures, and GDV.

Anita Parkin

RVN, AVN, VTS – Anesthesia and Analgesia, CVPP, TAE

Anita has been a veterinary nurse for over 30 years. Working in a general practice for the first 10 years and joining Veterinary Specialist Services (VSS) in 2001. In 2017, VSS opened their 3 rd practice to which Anita currently manages.

Anita has kept her Australian qualifications current including her Certificate IV in Vet Nursing, Diploma in Surgery and ECC, and is an Accredited Vet Nurse and a Registered Vet Nurse through the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia (VNCA).

Anita’s overseas qualifications include obtaining a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner (CVPP) in 2012 through the IVAPM (International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management) and Veterinary Technician Specialty in Anaesthesia and Analgesia in 2009 recertified 2015 and 2019 through the Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia (AVTAA). She is also the proud recipient of the Steve Haskin’s scholarship award in 2018, and the Vet Nurse of the Year through the VNCA 2022 and the Earl Rippie scholarship award in 2024.

Currently Anita is the President Elect of the AVTAA, is on the VNCA’s board of directors and is also on the VSS conference committee, CPD committee (VNCA), conference committee (VNCA), exam committee (AVTAA) and the is the chair National Industry Advisory Group (VNCA). In Anita’s spare time, she likes to relax on the couch with her fur babies.