The inevitable time lag between innovation and publication can make it difficult for vet nurses to remain at the forefront of best practice clinical procedure. Human resources such as veterinarians, technicians and fellow nurses will also inevitably be – to some extent – a product of their era; swayed and informed by paradigms fundamental to the time at which they completed their studies and training.

In light of the difficulties associated with determining best practice clinical procedure for theoretically-evolving nurse-led tasks such as neonate resuscitation following delivery by caesarean section, a conceptually organised synthesis of the literature is warranted. This review will identify techniques that should be abandoned, areas that would benefit from further research and consideration, and ultimately enable Australian vet nurses to reassess clinical procedure where necessary