Veterinary Profession Overview PDF

Chapter 1: Overview of the Veterinary Profession Learning Objectives  1. Describe educational requirements of veterinary team members. 2. Define appropriate nomenclature describing veterinary personnel. 3. Identify the duties of the members of the veterinary health care team. 4. Recognize...

Chapter 1: Overview of the Veterinary Profession Learning Objectives  1. Describe educational requirements of veterinary team members. 2. Define appropriate nomenclature describing veterinary personnel. 3. Identify the duties of the members of the veterinary health care team. 4. Recognize professional organizations supporting veterinary medicine. History of Veterinary Medicine  References in ancient literature Modern programs for educating veterinarians began in 1761 First program in United States began in 1879 Movement from treating only livestock to eventually include pets First veterinary assistants’ program: 1908 First veterinary technicians’ program: 1961 - CVTEA Accreditation ◦ Dallas College (formally Cedar Valley College, part of the Dallas County Community College District) ◦ On-Campus Program (Initial Accreditation November 1978) Distance Learning Program (Initial Accreditation September 2001) Veterinary Health Care Team The Veterinary Team Veterinarians Veterinary technologists Credentialed veterinary technicians Veterinary technician specialists Veterinary assistants Groomers Kennel assistants Students Receptionists  Office managers Practice manager The goal of every veterinary health care team member is to provide excellent medical care to patients and outstanding customer service to clients. Nomenclature Describing Veterinary Personnel Veterinary assistants - Often key to clinics that excel in client satisfaction and patient care Veterinary technicians - Credentialed technicians are allowed to perform certain duties under the direct supervision of a veterinarian - Veterinary technician specialists are veterinary technicians who decide to focus on a specific area of care. Veterinary technologists - Tend to work in positions that require a higher level of education Whether a veterinary assistant, veterinary technician, or technologist, every team member should be educated in basic laboratory work performed in a hospital. Pet Groomer 1 - Groomers are often the first to notice health issues related to pets. Job - Bath/groom/trim nails, etc., on pets. Some also offer services such as brushing teeth, anal gland expression, and more. Education - On the job training ◦ Most groomers start as bathers and work their way up. ◦ PetsMart and Petco offer training programs/academies to those interested in becoming groomers and will also aid in the purchase of the needed equipment for the groomer in training. - Training Courses ◦ Online courses will provide the needed basic knowledge but this is a heavy hands on that requires years of practice to master all the breeds so online schools fall short in this critical area. ◦ Hands on training - grooming schools. - The National Dog Groomers Association of America works with groomers throughout the country to promote and encourage professionalism and education to maintain the image of the pet grooming profession. - Majority of states the field is unregulated but still a vital part of the animal care industry. Traits of Pet Groomers Patience. Excellent customer service skills. Communicate clearly with clients. Flexibility. Know when new products are available. Know about skin diseases and infections. Knowledge of communicable and zoonotic diseases. Obtain continuing education to serve their patients better. Kennel Technicians/Assistants Job ◦ Kennel assistants keep the patients clean and alert the team of any changes in patient status. ◦ Husbandry and care of patients/boarders in the clinic. ◦ Kennel assistants should be trained to detect emergency situations that may occur while a patient is hospitalized, including anaphylactic shock and seizures. ◦ Kennel assistants/technicians are an important part of the veterinary team. Education - On-the-job training Skills ◦ Patient. ◦ Communicate well with team members. ◦ Accept tasks willingly. ◦ Have knowledge of communicable diseases. ◦ Understand the transmission potential of zoonotic diseases. ◦ Understand nutrition and the importance of a proper diet. ◦ Know when to report an emergency situation. ◦ Safely use cleaning chemicals and procedures. Veterinary Assistants Job ◦ Veterinary assistants may help a veterinary technician, a veterinarian, or both. ◦ Veterinary assistants should excel at physical restraint, basic laboratory skills, patient care, and client relations. Education ◦ On the job training ◦ Most are on the job trained and usually advanced from Kennel technician/assistant. ◦ Formal education  ◦ Some programs approved by NAVTA to become certified as well as state organizations such as TVMA. Skills/Traits ◦ Accept tasks willingly. ◦ Strive to provide the best service at all times. ◦ Communicate clearly with team members and clients. ◦ Excel at animal restraint. ◦ Understand diseases and their prevention. ◦ Understand nutrition and the importance of a proper diet. ◦ Understand common procedures performed in the practice. ◦ Have knowledge of common drugs used in the practice. ◦ Have initiative to learn and raise the practice to the next level of care. Students Students may function as observers or hold paid positions within a hospital Some schools require internships/externships as part of their education Many veterinary schools and some veterinary technician schools have in-clinic prerequisites that must be completed before application or admission, or both. Veterinary Technician Job - Veterinary technicians are generally assigned patients by the veterinarian. - Follows all instructions for a treatment protocol, including medication, nutrition, laboratory tests, and exercise. - Document all treatments given to the patient and include any observations, such as bowel movements or urination, in the record or on a hospital sheet. - Jack of all trades ◦ Radiology tech, pharmacy tech, surgery tech, lab tech, nurse, client educator, and more! Education - Credentialed technician is graduate of a program approved by AVMA/CVTEA - Most veterinary technology programs are 2 years long and award a college associate’s degree.  - A technician must pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) through the AAVSB and may be required to pass a state examination before receiving a license. Veterinary Technician Traits Patient. Accept tasks willingly. Self starter and ability to multitask. Attention to details. Ability to read and follow instructions and orders from the doctor. Communicate well with team members and clients. Educate team members and clients. Listen to clients. Understand, prevent, and teach the significance of diseases. Understand and teach the importance of nutrition. Develop safety protocols for assistants. Perform common procedures and laboratory analyses. Become proficient at obtaining samples for laboratory analysis. Understand the mechanics, chemistry, and effects of the drugs used in the practice. Veterinary Technician Duties Credentialed technicians are allowed to perform certain duties under the direct supervision of a veterinarian (Fig. 1.3).  - Direct supervision is usually defined as having a licensed veterinarian on the premises and readily available while a veterinary technician completes certain duties. - These duties vary from state to state; therefore each state veterinary practice act must be evaluated individually (Box 1.5). Veterinary Technician Credentialing Depending on the state, the graduate may be considered licensed (LVT), registered (RVT), certified (CVT), or licensed, or may be known as an animal health technologist (AHT). - What are the credentials for your state? Continuing education - Credentialed technicians may be required to attend continuing education courses to maintain the license; states vary regarding the minimal number of credits required. - What are the number of hours required for your state? 2 - The More You Know! Click here to find out more. 1. Doing a google search locate your state’s veterinary medical board and find out the requirements for the state for becoming a credentialed technician. 2. Using the AAVSB website locate the requirements for your state on sitting for the VTNE. Veterinary Technologist Job - Technologists tend to work in positions that require a higher level of education and may hold teaching positions within technology programs or veterinary schools. Education - 4-year Bachelor of Science program or associate’s degree - A veterinary technologist can be a graduate of a 4-year Bachelor of Science program in veterinary technology accredited by the AVMA. A veterinary technologist may also hold an associate’s degree in veterinary technology along with a bachelor’s degree in another program, such as business, management, or health science. Veterinary Technician Specialties Education - Focus on a particular area of care. - Must accumulate a certain number of hours within a particular specialty - Require additional ce. Academies through NAVTA - Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians and Nurses (AVECCTN) - Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia (AVTAA) - Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians (AVDT) - Academy of Internal Medicine Veterinary Technicians (AIMVT) - Academy of Veterinary Zoological Medicine Technicians (AVZMT) - Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians (AVST) - Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Clinical Practice (AVTCP) - Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians (AVNT) - Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians (AEVNT) - Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians (AVBT) - Academy of Veterinary Clinical Pathology Technicians (AVCPT) - Academy of Dermatology Veterinary Technicians (ADVT) - Academy of Laboratory Animal Veterinary Technicians and Nurses (ALAVTN) - Academy of Physical Rehabilitation Veterinary Technicians (APRVT) - Academy of Veterinary Ophthalmic Technicians (AVOT) - Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Diagnostic Imaging (AVTDI) Veterinarian Education - Completed degree from an Accredited college of veterinary medicine. - Veterinarians must be licensed in the state where they work and must pass national and state examinations before receiving licensure. - Complete CE for state licensure. Duties/Traits - Practice quality and current medicine. - Communicate well with clients and team members. - Diagnose disease, prescribe treatment, and perform surgery. - Educate clients and team members. - Attend continuing education seminars on a regular basis. - Have patience. - Have a positive attitude. - Delegate tasks. Office Staff Receptionist Education  Usually on the job training Job Face of the clinic. Answer phones, set appointments, answer questions from clients, collect fees for services or products, and more. Traits of a receptionist Patient. Multitask Communicate well with team members and clients. Provide exceptional service to every client. Determine wants and needs of every client and patient. Have respect for others. Educate clients on the phone. Promote products and services provided by the practice. Listen to clients. Office Manager Job ◦ Oversee front office staff/training, making deposits, and accounting. Traits ◦ Be successful receptionists.  ◦ Educate team members. ◦ Develop coping strategies to handle angry clients. ◦ Handle accounts receivable with a smile. ◦ Determine if and when clients may be charged for services rendered. Practice Manager Education - Most hold bachelor’s degree in science or business administration - Some managers become Certified Veterinary Practice Managers (CVPM) through the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association or through AAHA’s Veterinary Management Institute. Job  - Handle client and personnel issues, supervise training sessions of employees, reviewing records, etc. Hospital Administrators Who can be an administrator? - May be a veterinarian, veterinary technician, or practice manager. Traits/Duties - Have patience. - Lead the team in a positive manner. - Oversee each department. - Develop, implement, and enforce budgets. - Develop and implement sales strategies to increase revenue. - Scrutinize medical records for completeness and quality medicine. - Ensure that practice policies and procedures are being followed by each team member. - Attend continuing education seminars to improve the quality of the practice. Teamwork Open and honest communication among employees, managers, and owners is essential.  Developing and embracing respect for one another. Everyone notices when a team is working together, even clients. Personal Traits for a Veterinary Team Genuine desire to care for animals Must also enjoy working with people Pleasant and cheerful demeanor Ability to remain calm during unexpected crisis Compassion fatigue, depression, and suicide are serious problems that occur in veterinary workers. All veterinary health care team members must focus on their own well-being and take steps to minimize sources of tension and stress in the workplace. Veterinary Team All roles are important and have a part to play in a patients care. Cross training is important for all staff. Characteristics of a successful team. - Team members understand one another’s priorities and difficulties and offer help when the opportunity arises. - Open communication exists among all employees, managers, and owners. - Problem solving occurs as a team. - The team is recognized for outstanding results, as are individuals for their personal contributions. - Team members are encouraged to make suggestions and test their abilities to improve the quality and quantity of work. Professional Organizations and Resources AAHA: Created in 1933, the American Animal Hospital Association accredits veterinary hospitals. The standards of excellence expected in veterinary medicine and practice management are high. Students and veterinary technicians can also become members of AAHA, even if the veterinary hospital where they work is not a member. Continuing education, career center, and bookstore discounts are a few of the benefits of membership (https://www.aaha.org). AAVSB: The American Association of Veterinary State Boards recently became the owner of the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). The examination is offered during three examination periods each year. This organization helps transfer scores, offers mock examinations, lists state technician associations, and has a list of preparation reading resources for the examination (https://www.aavsb.org). AVMA: Created in 1863, the American Veterinary Medical Association currently has 68,000 members. Their Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) accredits veterinary technician programs around the United States and Canada. The AVMA acts as the collective voice for the veterinary profession. It lists state veterinary medicine associations and may help you find your state veterinary technician association (https://www.avma.org). AVTE: The Association of Veterinary Technician Educators offers a biennial symposium, continuing education, career links, recommended review materials for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), and newsletters (http://www.avte.net). BLS: The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides information about average technician salaries, projections, and more (https://www.bls.gov). CVMA: The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association has resources that include accredited programs and a career center (https://canadianveterinarians.net).  dvm360: This website offers access to a number of journals, such as Firstline, Veterinary Economics, dvm360 Magazine, and Veterinary Medicine (https://www.dvm360.com). Financial Simulator Program: Originally created for veterinary students, this website provides access to an exceptionally valuable personal budget program. It was created by the hospital director at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. The various elements of this budget program can be used by technicians and students and include help to establish personal budgets, make plans to repay education and/or other loans, purchase or lease vehicles, buy homes, and plan for retirement (http://www.finsim.umn.edu). IVNTA: The International Veterinary Nurses and Technicians Association consists of member countries that seek to foster and promote links with veterinary nursing and veterinary technician staff worldwide by communication and cooperation (http://www.ivnta.org). NAVTA: The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America was created in 1981 to be the national voice of the veterinary technician. Currently, there are 4800 members. It is their goal to influence the future of NAVTA members’ professional goals, foster high standards of veterinary care, and promote the veterinary health care team. The website has resources that include a career center, continuing education, state representative contacts, specialty section, quarterly journal (The NAVTA Journal), and information on student chapters (SCNAVTA) and National Veterinary Technician Week (NVTW) (https://www.navta.net). RVTTC: The Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada has resources that include a career center, VTNE study guide, list of technician programs, and continuing education (https://www.rvttcanada.ca). SafetyVet: Created by a veterinary technician in 1998, this site has resources that include information on Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements, safety procedures, your rights as an employee, team training, controlled substance logging, radiation exposure, and pregnancy precautions (http://www.safetyvet.com). SALARYEXPERT: This website allows for geographic research of veterinary professional salaries (https://www.salaryexpert.com). VetFolio: This website offers access to numerous archived journals such as Veterinary Technician and Compendium (https://www.vetfolio.com). VetMedTeam: Created as the first website offering continuing education to the entire veterinary health care team, VetMedTeam offers VTNE reviews, membership polls,  advanced course studies, and practice management and assistant classes (https://www.vetmedteam.com). VetPartners: VetPartners is a resource for veterinary consultants including veterinarians, veterinary technicians, practice managers, industry leaders, lawyers, and business associates. Review their site if you wish to become a consultant, want to network with consultants, or need to hire a consultant (https://www.vetpartners.org). VHMA: Created in 1981, the membership of the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association, currently 1500, includes a number of veterinary technicians; 25% of Certified Veterinary Practice Managers (CVPMs) are veterinary technicians. This organization offers continuing education courses, maintains certification for practice managers, conducts surveys, generates a monthly newsletter, and is growing rapidly (https://www.vhma.org). VSPN: The Veterinary Support Personnel Network was founded in 1996 and is supported by the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). Membership is free. It offers resources that include online continuing education, live chats, surveys, and a bookstore (https://www.vin.com/vspn/). WhereTechsConnect: The largest career center for veterinary technicians and staff, this website was created in 2003. You can post your resume, review career tips, view hospitals seeking technicians, and participate in their discussion board, all free services for veterinary technicians. Resources for continuing education are also posted (https://www.wheretechsconnect.com). Types of Practices  Companion animal practice - Dogs/cats Mobile pet practice - Usually more often for large animals, though companion animal is becoming a popular mobile practice. Referral practice - Provide specialized care such as oncology, etc. Exotic animal practice - Birds, reptiles, small mammals, and more. Mixed practice - Jack of all trades and usually treat companion/large animals.or even companion/exotic. The specific duties of each member of the veterinary health care team will vary depending on the size and type of practice. Veterinary Practice Design Creating comfortable reception/waiting areas - Should waiting areas for cats/dogs be separate? Why or why not? Creating comfortable examination rooms - Should exam room for cats/dogs be separate? Why or why not? Creating comfortable consultation rooms - Why would this be beneficial to a practice? Areas or zones of practice - Retail area - Middle area - Treatment area Refer to Figs. 1.11 through 1.14. Ethics What is Ethics: - The system of moral principles that guide appropriate behavior and actions - Usually based on higher principles than the minimal requirements of the law As veterinary professionals, we serve the public and the animal kingdom A veterinary professional should have a profound commitment to honesty, compassion, proficiency, and hard work. Ethics of Working With Animals American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Human-animal bond  Animal rights Standards for animal care Animal abuse/laws that protect animals Each team member must know and understand the state and local laws regarding her or his obligation as a veterinary professional to report animal abuse to the authorities. Ethics of the Veterinary Profession Professional ethics - Each state government has created laws for the veterinary profession that are written into the state’s veterinary practice act - Medicine will always be an art as well as a science. - The state’s Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, made up of a combination of veterinary professionals and non-veterinarians, is responsible for interpreting the law and standards of care offered to veterinary patients. Ethics of service to the public  - People who work in the veterinary profession are obligated to serve the public and provide medical care/treatment at a level consistent with the standards of the profession STOP: A question of ethics? Is it ethical for you to sign a veterinarian's name to any document? Laws Regarding Veterinary Practice Laws Laws that affect a veterinary practice can be divided into two groups - Laws the ensure the quality of veterinary service to patients - Laws that provide a non-hostile and safe environment for employees, clients, and the public Bodies of law governing daily practices occurring within a veterinary clinic often overlap and fall into one of four categories—federal law, state law, local or municipal law, or common law. Veterinary practice acts - State laws that define the practice of veterinary medicine in that state - The practice acts generally define the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery as diagnosing, treating, prescribing, performing surgery, testing for the presence of animal disease, and making the public aware of your services as a licensed  practitioner. Embryo transfer, dentistry, and alternative forms of therapy, such as acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, and holistic medicine, are generally regarded as being encompassed within this definition of veterinary medicine and surgery, although this may vary in different locations. - Define legal limits of veterinary technicians Supervision of Technicians and Assistants Supervision and Duties - Whether a team member is under the direction and responsible supervision of a licensed veterinarian is a subjective determination that takes into account the degree of experience and competence of the team member, the task being performed, and the risks to the patient. - Regardless of how experienced the team member may be, in some states the veterinarian must be on the premises or reachable by telephone or two-way radio communication during and for a reasonable time after any veterinary procedure. - It is your responsibility to know what you are allowed and not allowed to do. 3 - STOP, click here to find out more: Locate your state’s practice act and find out what you are allowed to do and under what supervision as a technician and as an assistant (these will be different). Laws That Ensure the Quality of Veterinary Service to Patients Common law malpractice  - Negligence or malpractice of veterinarian - Respondeat superior regarding actions of a veterinary technician Federal laws, state laws, and local/municipal laws are legislative or written laws that are enforceable by appropriate authorities or agencies. Common laws are unwritten laws that have evolved from use and custom and are subject to legal interpretation. 4 - What do you think? Click Here to find out more. A homeless woman brings in her dog, Charlie. The dog has been hit by a car and has a broken leg, but the woman explains she has no money to pay for services. What obligations, legal or ethical, does a veterinary facility have to treat the dog? Laws That Provide a Safe Business Environment Federal law> OSHA—Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Regulations are designed to provide a safe workplace for all persons working in any business affecting commerce. State law or Local law> Medical waste management laws - Typical waste types included under these acts are discarded needles and syringes, vials containing attenuated or live virus vaccines, culture plates, and animal carcasses exposed to or infected with pathogens infectious to humans or euthanized with a barbiturate. State and local law may extend these categories of regulated veterinary medical waste to include all carcasses, animal blood, bedding, and pathology waste. Common law  - Common law establishes for every business owner a legal duty to provide a reasonably safe work environment for employees, as well as a reasonably safe place for clients. Ordinary negligence is distinguished from malpractice, which is negligence associated with rendering professional medical services. Neither is subject to legal action unless it causes injury to a client or employee. Laws That Maintain a Non-hostile Working Environment Federal law> EEO—Equal Employment Opportunity Common law - Discrimination on the basis of gender, race, or religious belief - Whistleblower At time of hire, a manager and a new employee may review the employee handbook together, discussing the hospital’s philosophies and policies. An acknowledgment of receipt may be signed and placed in the new employee’s file. Laws That Govern Labor Federal law - FLSA—Fair Labor Standards Act ◦ Nonexempt employees ◦ FLSA establishes minimum wage, overtime, record-keeping, and youth employment standards for employees working in the private sector and in government. Laws Governing Controlled Substances Federal law - Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act - Title 2 (Controlled Substances Act) - The DEA is responsible for enforcing federal laws pertaining to controlled substances. State laws - Pertaining to veterinary hospitals and controlled drugs Occupational Health and Safety in Veterinary Practice American Veterinary Medical Association’s Professional Liability Insurance Trust - Safety manual for veterinary hospitals  - Machinery and moving parts - Slips and falls - Lifting - Storing supplies - Toxic substances - Heating devices - Eye safety - Hazards of sharp objects Common sense goes a long way in preventing injuries in a veterinary practice. What are some hazards in a veterinary clinic? Radiation hazards - Radiation safety, developing chemicals Anesthetic hazards - Exposure to gas, handling compressed gases Hazards of compressed gases Hazards of sharp objects Chemical hazards - Hazardous materials plan, Safety Data Sheets, container labels, container caps, chemical spills, handling chemicals  - Every chemical used in a practice should have a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) available for reference. - Handling ethylene oxide (human carcinogen) - Handling formalin Other - Electrical hazards - Fire and evacuation Hazards of animal handling - Chutes, enclosures, protective gear  Hazards of bathing and dipping - Ventilation, chemical storage Zoonotic hazards - Rabies, bacterial infections, fungal infections, parasites, biologics. 5 - STOP: Dig a little deeper! Click here to find out more. View the OSHA website at https://www.osha.gov to print regulations, standards, fact sheets, forms, chemical labeling, and the small business handbook. Also go to http://www.safetyvet.com for more information directly related to veterinary hospitals.