VPN Plus+ ExclusiveAre we making headway or losing ground?October 28, 2021By By Ed Carlson, CVT, VTS (nutrition)Veterinary technician underutilization, lack of job satisfaction, lack of professional respect, limited career advancement, low wages, and lack of employee benefits have been reported in multiple surveys for decades as the primary reasons individuals leave the field. I contend these are also reasons we do not have more individuals entering the profession.
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VPN Plus+ ExclusiveHow to properly utilize your techsOctober 22, 2021Since DVMs are not trained with techs, they do not have the opportunity to observe many of the in-depth tasks licensed techs are educated to perform. This is where the techs themselves must step up.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveHacks from the hive mindOctober 14, 2021I reached out through social media asking technicians from all over for tips or skills they have learned over the years; answers ranged from how best to practice for various codes, administering oral medications, protecting catheters, to building a better practice culture.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveDiagnostic tests: the good, the bad, and the uglyOctober 7, 2021By Brennen McKenzie, MA, MSc, VMD, cVMADiagnostic testing is not an oracle, which we consult blindly in the hope of replacing confusion with wisdom. It is a targeted process of collecting and evaluating specific information in the context of our existing understanding, and altering that understanding incrementally to better approximate reality and inform our actions.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveVideo series: Pain blocks for neuter proceduresSeptember 30, 2021In the October issue of Veterinary Practice News, Michael Petty, DVM, addressed how local blocks can be used to prevent pain in spay and neuter procedures. You can read the full article here. He also shared three videos to demonstrate his technique. They, along with some related text from the article for each video, appear below. The procedure: orchidectomy In either a dog or cat, the method is the same. After an alcohol prep, the testicle is firmly grasped with the non-syringe hand, and the needle is inserted into the caudal pole of the testicle and advanced just shy of the cranial pole. While maintaining a firm grasp, aspirate to make sure you are not in a blood vessel, then start to inject just until you feel the slightest pressure under your fingers. Video 1: Testicular block — feline. For a cat, this will take perhaps ¼ cc of lidocaine per testicle. Withdraw the needle and repeat with the other testicle. Video 2: Testicular block — canine. In dogs, you can also use the same needle to do a line block over your intended incision area. For a large dog, up to 1 cc of lidocaine per testicle might be …
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveFireside Chats: Managing angry clientsSeptember 28, 2021Ericka Mendez, DVM, covers Jedi mind tricks to help you face an angry client. Share them with your team and together learn how to handle the dark emotions that can linger.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveWe finally learn…what's in the box!September 10, 2021VPN Plus+ caught up with Rhonda Bell to thank her for sharing the Vet Box unveiling video with her followers and get her additional thoughts.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveA new way to go green: mentor a recent graduateSeptember 9, 2021New graduates are excited, full of energy, and really want to make a difference. When you hire them, you have the opportunity to shape their veterinary skills and teach them how to be a good doctor. Even though they will take more of your time in the beginning, they are also eager to do a good job and to prove themselves.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveTech Talk: A look at advanced degreesSeptember 2, 2021By Ed Carlson, CVT, VTS (nutrition)I am a huge supporter of increasing credentialed veterinary technician wages, optimal utilization, credentialing requirements, title protection, and defined scope of practice in all states. However, my question is: Do all these issues need to be addressed in every state before creating a new role?
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveDeveloping a better working dogAugust 26, 2021Veterinary professionals are integral to maintaining and optimizing the health of working dogs in their care. Due to the emotional and financial investment behind every working dog, veterinary support for research into the development of successful working dogs is also key.
