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Articles, Videos, & Training on Pets & Veterinary Medicine
For years we’ve wondered – how do veterinary technicians handle a dozen tasks at once? At last, we have our answer, and they’re not going to be happy the secret is out.
[tweetthis]Vet team secrets revealed: How technicians get it all done [/tweetthis]
A conversation I had a few days ago on an Uber ride home started with a common question on what I do for a living. I replied “I am veterinary technician”.
Insert awkward pause here…
“It’s like a nurse, for animals.” I said, as my excitement from attending a meeting on the future of veterinary nursing/technology around the globe was immediately siphoned away. Usually, the next line in this conversation is “Oh, I’d love to work with animals all day.” Instead my driver asked “Why do they call it ‘technician’? That made me think you worked with machines or something.”
With that question, we delved into the history of veterinary technology, the existence of varying credentialing standards and titles, and a widespread absence of recognition for our profession. Yes, I went there with an Uber driver.
Interestingly enough, this happened on the day the National Association for Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) stated their intent to establish a unified title as a “veterinary nurse” and national standards for credentialing.
A unified title and standardized credentialing requirements will make it vastly easier
for people to understand our role. The term “veterinary nurse” will invoke immediate understanding of the type of work performed and bring respect and recognition as “nurse” is associated with a well-respected profession in human medicine. Even veterinary technicians do not fully understand how the current, non-standardized credentialing systems work across states without doing research. Can we blame the public for not understanding either?
When NAVTA announced their goal, I heard the veterinary technician profession cheer as a decades-long dream had a chance of coming true, and the recognition deserved was visible on the horizon.
[tweetthis]”Why do they call it ‘technician’? That made me think you worked with machines.”[/tweetthis]
Yet, attaining such a goal is anything but trivial. We may try… and we may fail. “Nurses won’t let us call ourselves nurses.” and “I don’t want to be called a nurse. I do so much more.” are two commonly given counterarguments.
No, registered nurses (RNs) probably do not want veterinary technicians to share this title. They are rightfully interested in protecting the public against unethical, unscrupulous, and incompetent practitioners of human nursing, and thus boards of nursing have incorporated “title protection” into the nursing practice act in 39 states. Veterinary nurses will not, of course, practice human nursing.
There may also be an impression with RNs that veterinary technicians practice pseudo-nursing that does not meet their nursing standards. We know what we practice is anything but pseudo-nursing, as we care for patients on a critical care ventilator, finely balance a patient through a rocky ASA 5 anesthetic event, develop a relationship with a patient and owner through years of chronic disease treatment, or put our hand on one’s shoulder as they say goodbye to their beloved family member.
Yes, veterinary technicians have a broader scope of practice including radiography, dentistry, anesthesia, and other tasks that RNs do not perform due to regulatory reasons. However, veterinary technicians should realize that RNs are also highly educated and passionate individuals that provide advanced care, having specialized certifications (e.g. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists who perform anesthesia), which is possibly the future path for veterinary technology. Most importantly, we all have the same compassion for our patients.
Arguing where these professions are different is just as harmful as the current lack of recognition for veterinary paraprofessionals. However, our shared experiences represent opportunities for better understanding on both sides regarding what registered nurses and credentialed veterinary technicians do.
A colleague who has seen both worlds as a BSN and RVT told me “’Technology’ encompasses the science and technology behind what we do, and the art of using them to care for a patient and their family is ‘nursing’,” and I truly believe this. “Veterinary nursing” is much the same as human nursing in this regard, and as our role has evolved so should our professional title.
Regardless of our position and what our title ends up being, there are several points here that are undeniable. Veterinary technicians perform far more now than ever before. They have pride in the amount of work it has taken to get here, and anyone using the title should be required to have gone through the same degree of work. Veterinary technicians deserve recognition for the level of education, training, and art required in this profession.
The time is now. If you’re a veterinary technician, get involved and take action to gain the respect we all deserve.
Will you look back at your career years down the road wondering why our profession never received the respect it deserved, or will you step up to the challenge… and know that you advocated for our recognition? Join the collective voice towards a unified title and credentialing standards to further our profession and what we stand for.
So… “What do you do for a living?”
[tweetthis]We deserve recognition for the education, training, and art our profession requires[/tweetthis]
This blog post represents only the opinions of the author and interested individuals are encouraged to become members of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) and their local state veterinary technician associations to join the cause. NAVTA is currently drafting an official position statement and formulating a strategic plan to bring the profession wide goal to fruition, and should be contacted for any official statements.
Kenichiro Yagi, BS, RVT, VTS (ECC, SAIM) is a veterinary technician from California, serving as the State Representative Committee Chairperson for the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America and an advocate for the veterinary technician profession, He encourages everyone to practice professional responsibility in the pursuit of professional goals through organized medicine.
Veterinarians get a lot of credit for keeping pets healthy, but veterinary technicians are often the unsung heroes behind the scenes. If you haven’t hugged a vet tech recently (or respectfully shaken his or her hand) here are a few reasons you should get to it.
[tweetthis]Looking for another reason to give a #VetTech a high five today? [/tweetthis]
Hey veterinarians, good news! Dr. Andy Roark presents a fool-proof guide to keeping your technicians irritated for the whole day! No need to thank us, just make sure you do number six frequently and with gusto!
[tweetthis]How to annoy the #VetTechs in your practice [/tweetthis]
JUST a Vet Tech greeted you at the door with a smiling face, even though we’ve been running around for 11 hours straight. Your pet was assessed by JUST a Vet Tech and, when we noticed he wasn’t stable, JUST a Vet Tech carried your 70 plus pound dog to the back and screamed for a doctor.
Once the doctor assessed your pet, JUST a Vet Tech placed the IV catheter and started to bolus fluids. JUST a Vet Tech got a blood pressure on your pet today and administered medications because his blood pressure was low. JUST a Vet Tech drew blood and ensured it got run as quickly as possible. JUST a Vet Tech wrestled your dog to get x-rays today, with the help of an assistant.
When we found that your pet needed surgery, JUST a Vet Tech made certain he was stable throughout the procedure. When your pet left the surgery suite, JUST a Vet Tech sat with him to make sure he recovered with no problems.
JUST a Vet Tech got vitals on your pet every couple of hours today and reported all issues to the doctor on duty. JUST a Vet Tech noticed your pet was painful and asked the doctor to administer more pain medications. JUST a Vet Tech sat with your pet today and gave him love while you were at work. JUST a Vet Tech told your pet that he wasn’t there forever, only until he got better. JUST a Vet Tech promised your pet you’d be back for him.
Just a Vet Tech took your dog outside for a walk today. When we realized he was cramped up in that cage and his legs were stiff, JUST a Vet Tech walked your pet around the building at his pace to ensure he got proper exercise. Your pet got a lot of fluids today and couldn’t control his bladder. He’s still so weak. JUST a Vet Tech checked and changed his bedding so he didn’t have to lay in his urine. JUST a Vet Tech administered all your pets medications today.
Your pet was scared (this is a new place with new people), and he was fearfully trying to bite me. JUST a Vet Tech took the time and did everything possible to show him that we weren’t going to hurt him. He accidentally wiped his stool on me when he sat in my lap today. It happens after surgery. But, that’s okay, he didn’t mean it. JUST a Vet Tech cleaned him up nice for you.
I’m so sorry to tell you, your pet had a rough night last night. He took a turn for the worse. You’re letting your pet go today. JUST a Vet Tech understands how hurt you are, and brought you tissues. You were too upset to see your dog leave the world today. JUST a Vet Tech hugged and loved him as he crossed the bridge today. JUST a Vet Tech went home emotionally drained because all the hard work didn’t pay off today. JUST a Vet Tech will do it again tomorrow.
Britney Greene works full-time at a Pet Emergency Hospital in Maryland, and she absolutely enjoys her job. In her spare time, Britney has two children and is pursuing her Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology.
Technicians, Take Action!
Originally Published: Exceptional Veterinary Team, October 31, 2011
One of the most common pitfalls for good technicians on their way to greatness is waiting to be told what steps to take. Want to boost your team to the next level? Use what you know to be proactive.
I’ll never forget a case from a few years ago: a client burst through the front door, carrying his dog in his arms, his shirt covered in blood. The dog had been hit by a car about 15 minutes earlier and was well on his way into shock. I called for catheters, fluid bags, pain medicines, and diagnostics, and the technicians on my team scrambled to every order. Thankfully, they had seen plenty of blood before. They worked hard and moved fast. When I said jump, they did it. In the end, the patient received very good care.
At the end of that long day, I kicked back with a fellow doctor who’d been in the clinic and witnessed the whole thing. I asked him how he thought my team and I had performed. (I have to confess, I asked because I thought for sure I’d get a high-five. I thought we’d done great. I was also going through a phase where, if I had a beer in my hand, I had an uncontrollable desire to high-five people). Alas, there would be no celebrating. My friend gently pointed out that although my team and I had worked well together, we could have done a lot better… and gone a lot faster. In fact, he said, “you guys might have a leadership problem.”
From Good to Exceptional
I was floored. A leadership problem?! I thought we were rock stars. I tried to look unaffected, but probably failed. “What makes you say that?” I asked. He said, “Your techs knew what to do. Why did they wait for you to tell them?”
I thought long and hard about what had happened and what he said. The next day, I gathered my technicians for a conversation. These technicians (like many I have worked with since) were bright, hard working, and excellent communicators. They had all of the tools to be game-changers for critical and routine cases alike. In many ways, they were ideal teammates. But the other doctor was right. We weren’t working together as well as we could.
I asked the group: “How do you think that hit-by-car emergency went?” We discussed all the things that we did well. They admired my composure under pressure. I applauded their medical knowledge, tireless energy, and compassion. Then we talked about what we could have done better. Were our emergency training sessions comparable to the real thing? Did they need me to list the equipment that was required, or could they have gathered it without my instruction? Did I ever make them feel like my input was needed before they should take action? Together, we stood on the edge of exceptional teamwork, but we weren’t quite there.
Frankly, we’d fallen into a rhythm that wasn’t the most productive. These technicians had the knowledge and experience to understand what was happening and to recognize what our immediate goals were. They didn’t need to wait for me to tell them that I’d need catheters, fluids, ECG leads, blood pressure cuffs, etc. They knew what was required, and I knew they knew. Their belief that they had to wait for me, and my reinforcement of this belief, were holding us back. I apologized for my role in developing those habits. I knew what these techs were capable of, and I’d let them fall into a routine of supporting me as no more than well-educated gophers.
To go from a good team to an exceptional team, we needed to function as partners. While I was the leader of the team, everyone had the opportunity to demonstrate leadership within his or her role.
The Value of Independence
The ability to work independently and to anticipate what steps are required to provide optimal care brings not only critical value in emergency situations, but an enormous benefit every day. By the time I approach a patient in a wellness visit, the technicians who have mastered this skill are well ahead of me in our protocols. They have the necessary vaccines out and ready to go. If they are unsure about certain vaccines, then they still have everything together, so they can move quickly once we have conferred and reached a decision. Blood is drawn for heartworm tests, and fecal cups are filled and labeled. If a patient is to be hospitalized, the truly exceptional technicians have started filling out the treatment order sheets, and they have gathered the clippers, tape, catheters, and whatever else we may need to start ongoing care.
I once discussed this issue with a technician who questioned my logic. It didn’t take long to gather up whatever we needed, she argued, and she could never be 100% certain of what I’d need or want her to do. First, I asked whether there was anything wrong with grabbing supplies we might not ultimately use. (We decided there was not). Then I asked how much time she thought it would save us if she had everything together and ready to go for our first appointment. I also asked how many cases she thought we saw in a month. We did some quick math and multiplied a minute or two per appointment by roughly 250 appointments per month. The value of working proactively quickly added up.
Outstanding Teams
Again and again I see hard-working technicians with the hunger to gain a stronger medical education. That work ethic and desire are both important. But it’s the ability to combine them and to take the lead on the technical side of the medical process that makes technicians and assistants truly stand out. Want to be a stellar technician or an irreplaceable veterinary assistant? Whether you have 10 days or 10 years of experience, try taking a step forward with proactive leadership. Anticipate what your patient will require and do your best to have it ready to go. As you gain knowledge and practice, your ability to anticipate will grow—as will your value to your team, your practice, and your patient.