Final Thoughts

Many veterinary nurses and organizations across the globe seek to work collaboratively in standardizing credentialing and addressing the challenges facing veterinary nurses.

Burnout prevention in the veterinary profession does not only fall on the shoulders of employers. Veterinary nurses are caregivers, but in addition to helping patients, they need to care for themselves and their colleagues.

In the veterinary community, we must show compassion when talking to colleagues and coworkers who are at risk for suicide.

REDUCING WMSD FACTORS Participatory ergonomics ensures both the operator and patient are comfortable. Participatory ergonomics has been defined as “the involvement of people in planning and controlling a significant amount of their own work activities, with sufficient knowledge and power to influence both processes and outcomes in order to achieve desirable goals,” according to Higgnett …

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) are occurring daily in our veterinary profession.2,3 According to the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA’s) Introduction to Ergonomics, it’s likely these types of work-related injuries cause physical and economic hardships on personnel and veterinary practices. WMSDs may be preventable and risks factors minimized if veterinary professionals evaluate their working environment through …

All of us in the field know what a blessing it is to do what we do. While there are as many blessings as hardships, there remains the constant drive to be the best caretakers for those entrusted to our care.

According to the American Psychological Association, resilience is “the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress.” Essentially, it means “bouncing back” from difficult experiences.

Mindfulness is a unique concept to every individual. Kim Pope-Robinson, DVM, CCFP, has introduced a framework to help others find their own sustainable path within veterinary medicine.

“I’d be happy in my job if only _________ would change.” If this phrase sounds familiar, read this issue’s Final Thoughts and learn how you can make change happen.

Bullies like to feel powerful. But here’s the secret: they only have the power you give them. Learn how to take back control of your feelings when faced with a bully.