The Savvy VetTech

There are many pieces of a pet’s history that may be valuable in helping to obtain a correct diagnosis or treatment for the pet.

The following list of questions should be asked at each visit. Some hospitals will have a questionnaire sheet for the owner to fill out when they arrive which can help to make for a more efficient visit.

It may seem shocking, but this is not the first time I have heard about a story like this.

Workplace conflict is inevitable. How you manage it and interact with others in the hospital are paramount. Workplace bullying is a real thing. Unfortunately, it is rampant within our profession.

You may have recently noticed all of the pet food recalls in the  news! And very likely you have had many of your clients ask about them during their vet visits.

We know that veterinary technicians do so many things in the practice. Where is the line between what they can and cannot legally do? The tasks vet techs can perform vary depending on the state.

Check this more thorough recently updated list of tasks by state to see what is allowed in your own state!

There are many job posting websites that you may use to find job listings (Monster, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and Linkedin), but there are also veterinary specific sites you should include in your search for a new job.

How much money will vet techs make in 2018?

As of January 2018, the average pay for a veterinary technician is:

$14.09/hr, or $31,659/year

The rate ranges from:

$10.23-$18.23 per hour, and $21,467-$41,291 per year

Every veterinary hospital has its share of drama. We all have different personalities and this may create some challenges in the workplace. They key to resolution of drama or conflicts is to identify the role one’s self plays in the puzzle.

Take this personality test to learn more about yourself! I did it and found it very accurate and interesting (it gives immediate results).

We are always touched by many veterinary technicians throughout the year. Here are two inspiring veterinary technicians that won awards in 2017 for their continued service and inspiration in the veterinary nursing field.

Congratulations to Jeni Hudson and Purvi Patel for their awards, service, and influence in our community. 

Did you know that some zoos accept donated Christmas trees as a special treat for their animals? Apparently, giraffes, elephants, deer, and other animals love Christmas trees. The trees have to be “clean,” as some commercial trees may be treated with chemicals.

I am sure you have heard of Veterinary Confessionals. It is a way to get something off your chest. Serious, sad, or funny, I have really enjoyed reading through them- as I can often relate to the sentiments in them.

Today we are learning how to calculate injectable medication that is a percent solution. Let's start with a word problem. Try to answer it first, then click the button for the math and explanation.

Howdy Vet Nurse Student!

We know you are preparing hard for your VTNE by using the VetTechPrep program, reading your books, and whatever other methods that work for you...

Why not take a fun approach by completing this Cross Word Puzzle!

The article by Dr. Dani McVety, The Myth Of Compassion Fatigue In Veterinary Medicine,  really hit home, as it reminded me of a situation that our practice encountered a couple of weeks ago.

Please read it.

Here is a nursing word problem for you Vet Techs, soon to be called Vet Nurses on hot to calculate fluid rates for this dog. Read the case, try to calulate it on your own, and then hit the button to view the answer.