International Women's Day
Happy International Women’s Day! As a specialist practicing in the second decade of my career, I’ve been fortunate to have been continually surrounded by strong female leaders and mentors in this profession. Before, men made up 99 percent of veterinary school graduates; now, women make up to 80 percent or more. But the women in the veterinary profession aren’t all veterinarians; veterinary nurses are majority female as well.
In conjunction with International Women’s Day, we are going to talk about the female vet nurses (also known as technicians in some countries) in the industry. A veterinary nurse is a trained individual whose work includes assisting all kinds of animals in leading healthy and happy lives. Under the supervision of a veterinarian, veterinary nurses use their medical knowledge and clinical abilities to offer routine and emergency nursing care. Vet nurses aid veterinarians in addressing the diagnostic and treatment needs of sick and healthy animals, whether it's supporting well-check exams, administering laboratory testing, or assisting during surgery.
As they engage with animals, pet owners, and other veterinary personnel, vet nurses can anticipate conducting a wide range of veterinary activities. Because many veterinary clinics are open late, on weekends, and on holidays, it's likely that they'll be working odd and long hours. As in most medical disciplines, working schedules can be disrupted if an emergency case occurs.
A vet nurse's work environment can be challenging in other ways as well. Assisting in tests and medical procedures may require them to stand for long amounts of time. The chances of being injured by scratches or bitten when restraining animals who are hurt or terrified are quite high. Working as a vet nurse can also be emotionally draining, especially if dealing with instances involving mistreatment or euthanasia.
On a typical day, a veterinary nurse wears many hats, often jumping from one task to the next to ensure proper care for every patient. Before the veterinarian enters the room, a veterinary nurse will take a complete history and do a basic physical exam on your pet. She will then carefully hold your pet for the veterinarian's examination, prepare your pet's meds, and instruct you how to give them to your pet at home. If your pet is hospitalized, it is the nurses who provide the high quality care that ensures your pet feels loved and calm. The nurses are responsible for making sure that information is communicated to all members of the veterinary team and the pet’s family.
This is just a glimpse of a veterinary nurse's daily responsibilities which make her indispensable in a well-run veterinary clinic. Veterinary nurses work long, physically difficult shifts daily, yet they always return with a smile on their faces, eager to help pets stay healthy and their families stay informed.