Veterinary general anesthesia is a carefully controlled procedure designed to induce unconsciousness in animals. It plays a critical role in veterinary practice, facilitating interventions that could not be performed safely or humanely without its use. However, pet owners are often hesitant when it comes to their pet’s need for anesthesia and therefore seek more information. Veterinary nurses understand the risks associated with anesthesia and thus can educate clients and monitor patients while following the anesthesia protocol. Often, when a patient enters the recovery phase, the owner receives an update on their pet’s status. This recovery phase should not be seen as “routine,” as this can be the most uncertain period. As Hanna Copley states in our Continuing Education article (p. 54), “Optimizing the recovery phase is not a matter of routine protocol but rather a specialized clinical art that requires vigilance, empathy, knowledge, and proactive planning.”
What We’re Reading
A member of our Editorial Advisory Board shares a recent open access publication, including their key takeaways and its practical conclusion.
Elevating the Voice of Credentialed Veterinary Technicians in Scientific Discourse
Davis H, Fausak E, Odunayo A. JAVMA.
WHAT WAS INVESTIGATED? This literature review summarizes a recent collection of scientific writing published in JAVMA that was inspired and written by credentialed veterinary technicians or veterinary nurse/technician–led teams.
WHAT WAS DISCUSSED?
- This is an introduction to a full supplement titled, “Credentialed Veterinary Technicians in Scientific Discourse,” which includes a selection of veterinary technician–led studies and is available at go.navc.com/42Tqg5u.
- Underutilization of veterinary nurses/technicians in clinical and nonclinical research is contrasted to the data documented in human nursing whereby nurses are encouraged to integrate research into clinical and operational processes.
- Underutilization of veterinary nurses/technicians is documented to lead to higher levels of burnout and other negative consequences.
TAKE-HOME POINTS
- Veterinary nurses/technicians are at the forefront of many ideas and scientific opportunities and can therefore play an essential role in the broader veterinary medical discourse.
- Veterinary nurse/technician engagement in research and discovery can support advancement of skills and knowledge and potentially reduce burnout.
— Julie Ann Nettifee, RVT, MS, VTS (Neurology)