Wow—2019 is flying by. What have you achieved thus far? Are you creating the personal and professional life you want? Autumn is a beautiful time of the year with many activities for all interests—leaf peepers viewing the beauty of nature, sports enthusiasts excited to have all the major sports playing, and veterinary professionals observing National Veterinary Technician Week!
There are numerous awareness months and celebrations during the fall months. There are species awareness campaigns, including the Catalyst Council’s Happy Cat Month, National Service Dog Month, National Iguana Awareness Day, National Elephant Appreciation Day, and Manatee Awareness Month.
Additionally, there are awareness campaigns for specific disease conditions, such as Pain Awareness Month and National Deaf Dog Awareness Week in September, National Pet Obesity Day in October, and National Pet Diabetes and National Pet Cancer Awareness months in November. And let us not forget about National Disaster Preparedness Month, National Responsible Dog Ownership Month, Adopt a Senior Dog Month, and National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week.
As befits a profession that is global and interrelated, there are designated days that are celebrated around the world, too—World Rabies Day, World Animal Day, and One Health Day. One Health is the epitome of why we work in the veterinary profession—to achieve optimal health and wellbeing through the recognition of the interconnections between people, animals, and their shared environment.
Finally, let’s not overlook National Veterinary Technician Week (NVTW)! The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America has declared the third week in October to be NVTW. This week provides an opportunity to recognize the contributions of veterinary nurses to the healthcare team and the patients we serve. It also aids in educating clients regarding the healthcare team responsible for the health of their pets. Veterinary Nursing in Action is this year’s theme and celebrates you, the veterinary nurse, regardless of your species or specialty area of medicine, whether you are new to the profession or vintage like myself.
NVTW is a celebration of veterinary nurses and it is well deserved. We can promote NVTW’s message of positivity and renewal throughout the fall and beyond by defining our individual passions, elevating our skills and knowledge, and educating others about the field of veterinary medicine.
Celebrations and awareness campaigns aid in renewing our interests integral to our personal wellbeing and core values. Autumn is a time to celebrate the veterinary team and redefine our passion and focus before the start of a new year. Be excited, be passionate, celebrate!