Welcome to a new year! Today’s Veterinary Nurse is kicking off 2023 with a continued focus on veterinary nurse empowerment. One of the most important ways to take a leadership role in the clinic is to increase your confidence by solidifying fundamental skills. The first edition of our new Skills Check series focuses on measuring urine specific gravity using a refractometer. This article offers insights in using digital and analog refractometers, along with tips for accurate interpretation. This issue’s CE feature covers uncommon IV catheter sites. After reading this feature, you’ll know the right time to choose an alternative IV catheter site and tips for minimizing the risk of trauma. Are there other skills or topics you would like to see covered? Share your thoughts with me at kburns@navc.com or connect with the journal on Facebook. Enjoy this issue and allow yourself to grow and be the best veterinary nurse you can be!
Upcoming NAVC Events
November 30 Aging Gracefully: Meeting the Nutrition Needs of the Senior Feline (VetFolio Short Course)
December 6 Level Up: Canine Cardiology (Virtual Event)
January 14-18 VMX 2023 (In-Person and Virtual Event)
May 21-26 NAVC Institute 2023 (In-Person Event)
Visit navc.com/calendar for more information.
Download Our Career Kickoff Guide
Looking for career resources developed just for veterinary nurses/technicians? Download our free guide. With articles written by experts and advice sprinkled in from experienced professionals, this resource is designed to provide confidence so you can start your career on the right foot.
NAVC Embrace Takes Advocacy to Washington, D.C.
Many veterinary professionals make a direct impact on patients and pet owners in the clinic, but feel helpless when it comes to advocating on a larger scale. Enter NAVC Embrace: the grassroots advocacy arm working to bring awareness to relevant government policies proposed at the local, state, and federal levels. Since policymakers rely on feedback from constituents to make decisions, it is important for all animal lovers to be informed.
The NAVC Embrace team recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the Pet Care Community Fly-In and attend Pet Night on Capitol Hill. More than 80 animal advocates joined forces to visit 120 congressional offices advocating for animal health issues and raising awareness and support for pet ownership. The reception then celebrated the crowning of the cutest cat and dog in Congress and honored Rep. Kurt Schrader, DVM, for his leadership over the past 12 years.
Pets rely on their owners and veterinary healthcare team to be their voice, and taking action will make a positive impact for animals everywhere.
To learn more about the importance of animal advocacy and to discover the issues the NAVC is supporting, visit navc.com/embrace. There, you can sign up to become an advocate, contact representatives, and find ways to get involved.