Lyka’s Post

💙💙This week, we’re not just acknowledging the work vet nurses do—we’re shining a light on what truly defines them. Vet nurses are more than the helping hand; they are the heart that drives every moment of care, from the emergency room to the recovery. They are the steady presence in stressful moments, the calm in the chaos, and the lifeline for the animals who need them most. At Southpaws, we’re not only proud of our veterinary nurses for the skill and care they provide, but also for the culture they create. Their dedication, teamwork, and relentless compassion make our clinic a place where growth is encouraged and every day brings purpose. We are who we are, because of them.💙 Vet nurses don’t simply assist—they anticipate. They’re the first to pick up on a patient’s subtle signs, often before a word is spoken. They take ownership of their cases, carrying the responsibility of an animal’s well-being as if it were their own. The work is demanding, emotionally and physically, but for them, it’s not just a job—it’s a passion that pushes them forward. To all the vet nurses out there—thank you for the lives you change and the impact you make, not just for the animals, but for the entire veterinary profession. 🐾💙 #southpaws #petcare #vetnurse #veterinarynurse #VetCommunity #VetHeroes #VetNurseLife

As part of our review of the 13 ACOVENE European competencies (EC) for veterinary nurses, today we will examine EC2 - Developing Personal Performance and Maintaining Working Relationships. This competence sets the standard for maintaining working relationships and personal performance in the workplace. It emphasizes achieving targets, maintaining work quality, lifelong learning, and practicing evidence-based veterinary nursing. Key elements include effective communication, cooperation, and improving work practices. It covers understanding and managing stress, recognizing limitations, seeking guidance, and committing to continuous professional development. Veterinary nurses must demonstrate professional attitudes, adhere to national legislation and professional codes, and reflect on and improve their practice. Professional communication and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams are essential for delivering high-standard services. Read more here: https://shorturl.at/6dmRR #VeterinaryNursing #LifelongLearning #WorkplacePerformance #EvidenceBasedPractice #ProfessionalEthics

Our dedicated team of veterinary nurses, including our community vet nurses who support pets at home, are committed to providing compassionate care. One of the prevailing questions we receive from people facing the loss of a cherished pet is: How will my other dog or cat cope with their fur-mate’s passing? To offer some guidance, here is a message from our social hearted vet nurse Georgi. “While we cannot be certain that animals experience grief in the same way humans do, we believe they process the death of another pet in their own way. Some animals appear to grieve deeply at the loss of their companion, while others show no noticeable change in behaviour. In our experiences with end-of-life care and the involvement of other pets, we have observed that dogs and cats often sense and process their companion’s change in health and vitality long before we even know there is something wrong. Therefore, when the inevitable passing of that pet occurs, they have often already reconciled and accepted it as part of life. As with people, there is no right or wrong way for a pet to grieve. Being sensitive and aware of your pet’s need to adjust to the new status quo in the family after a loss is an important way to support them through the process. If given the opportunity, we recommend involving your other pets in the end of life process. Giving your pet the chance to smell and touch their companion after passing can help them understand that they are gone. Signs of grieving in pets can include loss of appetite, behavioural changes (such as withdrawal from the family or increased clinginess), increased vocalisation, and restlessness. However, it is important to ensure these changes are not due to illness or disease. If at any stage you are unsure, it is essential to seek veterinary attention.” 🩵🐾 Georgi, Vet Nurse #veterinarysocialservices #petloss #petgrief #humananimalbond

What Matters Most to Veterinary Nurses? Recently, I ran a poll in a social media group for veterinary nurses, asking: "If your clinic could implement integrated health and wellbeing resources or services, what would be most important to you?" The results were insightful and highlighted the priorities of these dedicated professionals: 45% would like more access to personal development resources around self-leadership, resilience, and compassion fatigue. 26% voted for critical incident debriefing sessions, emphasizing the need for immediate support during challenging times. 17% showed interest in 1:1 coaching services, seeking individualized support for their personal and professional growth. These findings show how essential it is for workplaces to provide tailored support to their teams. Investing in the health and wellbeing of veterinary nurses not only helps them thrive but also enhances the care they provide to animals and clients. This feedback inspires me to keep creating programs and resources that meet these needs. If you're in the veterinary industry, I’d love to hear your thoughts—what would make the biggest difference for you or your team? #VeterinaryNursing #HealthAndWellbeing #CompassionFatigue #PersonalDevelopment #veterinaryclinic

In this week's episode of Veterinary Voices, Julie South chats with Michelle Cameron about practical ways vet nurses can boost their hourly rates by up to $5. They cover how to include vet nurse fees in clinic invoices, the power of asking questions, and the importance of adopting a progressive mindset about vet nurse roles. If you're looking to advance your veterinary career or optimise your clinic's billing practices, you can't miss this insightful discussion. Check out episodes 207 and 208 on VeterinaryVoices.NZ for all the tips! https://lnkd.in/gh-hpV_N (Copy and paste the link into your browser, should you have trouble clicking on it.)

We’re delighted to be featured in the latest issue of Today's Veterinary Nurse, highlighting our strategic efforts to redefine roles within our industry and amplify the voices of veterinary nurses and technicians.   As we enter a new era of growth, we reaffirm our commitment to NAVTA members by focusing on these crucial areas:   📚 Education and Training: Elevating the qualifications of our members through top-tier courses and programs that ensure you’re well-prepared to meet the demands of evolving workplace roles. 📢 Professional Advocacy: Strengthening our support to ensure veterinary nurses and technicians are influential voices in legislative discussions. 🚀 Career Advancement: Expanding opportunities to foster leadership roles for veterinary nurses and technicians.   For more insights and industry updates, check out the latest issue of the NAVTA Journal at https://lnkd.in/gr7jzTx9. 

📈 How does education and experience impact a vet nurse's salary? Our blog dives deep into the factors influencing earning potential in this rewarding field. In this blog, we explore: - The correlation between educational qualifications and salary levels. - How do years of experience shape career advancement and pay? - The role of additional certifications and specialized training. - Insights into current salary trends in the veterinary nursing profession. Unlock the secrets to maximizing your earning potential as a vet nurse and confidently plan your career path. Knowledge is power; in this case, it’s also a pathway to a better salary! Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/e57VgpAk #VetNurse #VeterinaryNursing #VetTech #CareerGrowth #SalaryInsights #VeterinaryCareers #ProfessionalDevelopment #VetAndTech #VeterinaryEducation #VetNurseSalary

Choking is a serious emergency that can happen to any pet, but with the right knowledge and preparation you can respond effectively. Here’s how to prepare ahead of time to rescue a choking pet and how to help if they are choking. 1️⃣Learn Pet First Aid. Take a pet first aid course to learn how to perform the Heimlich maneuver and CPR on pets. Many organizations offer online and in-person courses. 2️⃣Know the Signs of Choking. Recognize the symptoms of choking, such as coughing, gagging, pawing at the mouth, difficulty breathing, or a blue-tinged tongue and gums. 3️⃣Create an Emergency Plan. Have a clear plan in place for emergencies. Know the location of the nearest emergency vet clinic and keep their contact information easily accessible. 4️⃣Practice and Prepare. Familiarize yourself with the steps to take if your pet is choking. Practice handling your pet gently and calmly to avoid causing panic. Steps to Take if Your Pet is Choking: 1️⃣Stay Calm. Keep calm to avoid further distressing your pet. Approach them slowly and gently. 2️⃣Check the Mouth. Carefully open your pet’s mouth and look for any visible object. If you can see it and it’s easy to reach, try to remove it gently with your fingers or tweezers. 3️⃣Perform the Heimlich Maneuver. If the object is not visible or cannot be easily removed, perform the Heimlich maneuver. For small pets, place them on their back and apply gentle pressure just below the rib cage. For larger pets, stand behind them, wrap your arms around their abdomen, and apply firm upward pressure. 4️⃣Seek Veterinary Care. Even if you successfully remove the object, contact your vet immediately. Choking can cause internal injuries that need professional attention. By being prepared, you can significantly reduce the risk of choking and be ready to act quickly if an emergency arises. Your pet’s safety is always a priority, and being prepared is the best way to protect them. #PreparednessMonth #PetSafety #PreventChoking #PetFirstAid #EmergencyPreparedness #PetCare #LoveYourPets

Supporting Vet Nurses: The Backbone of Our Clinics A recent survey by Royal Canin, in partnership with the VNCA and NZVNA, highlights the growing challenges faced by veterinary nurses in Australia and New Zealand. The results are clear: vet nurses need more recognition, career development, and support to continue providing top-tier care for our pets. With 79% of respondents feeling the strain from high expectations and staff shortages, it’s vital that we, as a community, support these dedicated professionals. At the same time, initiatives like the Emerging Leaders Program and the upcoming ROYAL CANIN Academy offer exciting opportunities for leadership and skill development. Vet clinics can enhance their support by recognizing the advanced skills and expertise these professionals bring, from monitoring anesthesia to advising on nutrition. Ensuring that vet nurses feel valued is key to retaining talent and improving overall pet care quality. How are we supporting our vet nurses today? By focusing on their growth and mental health, we can build a sustainable future for the veterinary industry. As a Social Media Marketing Strategist specializing in the pet industry, I am committed to helping vet clinics and pet care businesses grow by fostering stronger community engagement and highlighting the incredible work of veterinary professionals. Click here for more: https://lnkd.in/gKKxRr2Y #VeterinaryNurses #VetCare #PetHealth #ProfessionalDevelopment #SupportOurNurses

I know the message is starting to get out there…🌟🐾 But I don’t think you can sing this one enough!🤩😻 If you have noticed a change in your pet’s behaviour, especially if it has been sudden, then physical disease involving pain and/or discomfort HAS to be a consideration!🐈🐕 Pet Parents, Vets, Vet Nurses and Pet Care Professionals, please look for pain when Behaviour Change is present!🌟🐾 #PetCare, #VeterinaryAdvice, #PetHealth, #PetParents, #AnimalBehavior, #VetNurse, #PetWellness, #PetCareProfessionals, #DogBehavior, #CatHealth, #FelineBehaviour, #CanineBehaviour, #BehaviourChange, #PainInPets