Archived Articles
- 2001
IVNTA Comes to the
United States
National Veterinary Technician Week
Raising the Bar for Players in Veterinary
Health Care
IVNTA Comes to the United States
The International Veterinary Nurses and Technicians Association
(IVNTA) held its Annual General Meeting this year in the
United States. The IVNTA is an association of member countries
that seeks to foster and promote links with veterinary
nursing staff world wide by communication and co-operation.
Formed in 1993, the goals of the IVNTA are to promote the
profession of veterinary technology/nursing worldwide, raise
the standards of education/training, provide help and support
between member countries, and foster an exchange of experience,
knowledge, and staff between member countries.
The following technicians represented their countries at
this year' s meeting:
Sandy Hass (Canada)
Jannie Larssen (Denmark)
Katarina Anhava (Finland)
Chiharu Ishida (Japan)
Janet Molyneux (New Zealand)
Marilie Bester (South Africa)
Cornelia Rotzler (Switzerland)
Carole Bowden (UK)
Julie Urban (US)
The IVNTA business meeting was held on Saturday, February
10, 2001. Issues considered by the representatives included
the site of the next meeting, the exchange of education requirements
and credentialing information between countries, and the
format of the IVNTA newsletter.
The IVNTA board members chose New Zealand for their next
meeting in 2002. Katarina Anhava of Finland volunteered to
be in charge of the association' s newsletter. It was
also decided to print and distribute the newsletter only
twice yearly. The Secretariat position of the IVNTA will
continue to be held by the British Veterinary Nurses Association
(BVNA).
The attendees listened to "The Basics of Newsletter
Production," presented by myself, and a presentation
on VetTeam by its owners on the possibilities of utilizing
the web site to increase communication between the countries.
Dr. Stephen Crane and Jan Curtis were recognized by Carole
Bowden, IVNTA' s acting leader, for their hospitality
and hard work in making the representatives feel welcome
at Western Veterinary Conference.
Dr. Crane spoke briefly to the group sharing the vision
of the Western Veterinary Conference. He indicated that this
was a special meeting for veterinary technicians, because
of the celebrations planned to recognize what veterinary
technicians mean to animals, to veterinary medicine, and
their own profession. "The events scheduled at WVC are
designed to provide a tribute to the overall accomplishments
of the technician," Dr. Crane said. He indicated that
WVC and its Board of Directors were pleased to host the IVNTA
at their meeting.
Meet the IVNTA Representatives
IVNTA representatives and NAVTA board members were treated
to an overnight trip to the Grand Canyon by Western Veterinary
Conference. The tour allowed the foreign visitors to see
one of the United State' s masterpieces of nature
and the 4½ hour bus ride to and from the canyon
offered time for much sharing of information about the
profession around the world. Thanks to each of the representatives
for sharing.
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United Kingdom
Carole Bowden, Qualified Vet Nurse, and President of the
British Veterinary Nurses Association (BVNA), lives in
Truro, Cornwall, England, which is at the apex of the UK.
She works in a mixed animal practice with 5 veterinary
surgeons, 5 student veterinary nurses, and 2 administrators.
She is currently the only Qualified Veterinary Nurse on
staff! She lives with her 2 English pointers, 1 cat, and
2 ferrets. She works her pointers as bird scenting dogs
and competes with them in field trials. Carole provided
us the following look at the profession in her country.
The Veterinary Nursing profession was developed in 1963
and the British Veterinary Nurses Association (BVNA) is
30 years old.
To get into school in the UK you must be at least17 years
of age and have achieved appropriate examination grades while
at school. Training covers a period of 2 years of combined
academics and working in "approved training veterinary
practices." Academics are taught in colleges and the
practical tasks at the veterinary practices.
Exams are administered at the end of each year. A required
portfolio of evidence of knowledge and competence is also
handed in at the end of each year. The Royal College of Veterinary
Surgeons has established the criteria for a practice to become
an approved training practice.
The salaries in the UK are limited. It is very difficult
to own a home as a single person. A Senior Qualified Nurse
in charge of other staff could make a comfortable living
- but it still could be better.
The BVNA is the main association representing the veterinary
nursing profession. The BVNA is comprised of a total of 12
council members including five officer positions. There are
24 area representatives that cover areas throughout the country
who set up CE meetings and relay information to the BVNA.
CE is plentiful with BVNA having an annual congress and
meetings are held locally which are organized by area representatives.
There are advanced diplomas in Surgical and Medical disciplines
available to Veterinary Nurses who have been qualified for
a minimum of two years. There are also Equine, Dermatology,
and Behavior certificate programs, and BVNA is currently
looking into offering a Pharmacy and Dentistry certificate.
Issues concerning veterinary nurses in the UK include: Elevating
the status of Qualified Vs Non-Qualified Veterinary Nurses
by raising awareness and protecting the title. They want
to add the title Registered Veterinary Nurse, to make the
distinction clearer, however this would require some sort
of regulation to maintain standards. Carole felt there was
a need for a wage survey to get a better idea of what salaries
are and also raising the profile of the role of the veterinary
nurses in improving the veterinary team and level of care
to patients.
South Africa
Marilie Bester, Sister, Pretoria, South Africa, received
her diploma in 1991. She currently works in the ICU at
the University of Pretoria, her country' s only veterinary
school, where she has been for the last 4 years. She has
a dachshund named Riempies. In addition to her current
position, she has also worked in a blood bank, in Great
Britain for half a year, and performed embryo flushing
in cows in South Africa, Kenya, and Argentina.
The profession was established in 1978 in South Africa.
Education for the profession is through a 2 year program
taken at the University of Pretoria. A plan is currently
being developed to offer the degree in blocks through the
university. This new program is expected to begin in 2003.
Sisters must take an examination before graduating that consists
of oral, practical, and written portions.
The salary for sisters in South Africa is enough to live
on but wages are not as good as some comparable professions.
The situation is better now than it was a few years ago because
there were formal wage negotiations with the Veterinary Association.
There is a high demand for sisters in South Africa. Most
sisters work in animal hospitals although there are increasing
opportunities in industry, game reserves, zoos, and private
hospitals. The typical hospital is a 1-2 doctor practice.
You see a lot of tick borne diseases in South Africa and
snake bites. These cause neuro-toxicity which requires 24
hour ventilation care.
The Veterinary Nurses Association (VNA) of South Africa is
the only organization in the country, no local or regional
associations exist. The Veterinary Council is the overseeing
body for the VNA and the Veterinary Association. Continuing
Education is offered through a variety of workshops.
The issues facing the profession in South Africa include
the shortage of nurses. However, recently there has been
an increased number of students accepted into the university.
The veterinarians in school now work closely with the sisters
so that by the time they graduate, they understand how to
utilize them. This has helped greatly to improve utilization
overall.
Training – is in all species, anesthesia, surgery,
lab work, radiography, nursing, etc.
Marilie has great job satisfaction and she would definitely
do it all over again.
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Finland
Katarina Anhava is the IVNTA Representative from Finland.
She is currently a Veterinary Nurse in a small animal practice
approximately 30 km northeast of Helsinki, Finland. Katarina
is also a full partner in the practice and shares all business
duties and decisions with her partner veterinarian.
According to Katarina the profession became recognized in
Finland in 1986 when the first veterinary nursing school
opened. At the present time there are several schools in
Finland that offer training for veterinary nurses, however
formal training is not required by law. In addition, a national
test for veterinary nurses was instituted in1996. Anyone
working as a veterinary nurse is eligible to sit for the
national exam but it is also not required. Katarina did state
that veterinarians do appreciate and seek to employ veterinary
nurses that are formally trained and have passed the national
exam.
While Katarina notes that Finnish veterinary nurses do complain
about salary, the wages currently paid are fairly good and
allow a comfortable lifestyle. In general, trained veterinary
nurses are well utilized and the profession is very popular.
Continuing education is available for veterinary nurses through
the annual veterinary conference and the Finnish Veterinary
Nursing Association which currently has a membership of 350.
The country of Finland has a population of approximately
5 million.
Katarina is a delightful person and a 14 year veteran of
veterinary nursing. In her spare time she enjoys reading,
traveling, and attempting to train her Icelandic Sheepdog
not to bark.
Denmark
Jannie Larsen is the IVNTA Representative from Denmark. She
is a graduate of the only veterinary nursing program in
Denmark, Kolding Technical School in Copenhagen. She works
in Copenhagen at a Cat Pension where she also grooms dogs.
She worked in a small animal practice for over sixteen
years until a back problem forced her from her job.
The practice where she worked dealt primarily with very large
dogs: Irish Wolfhounds, Burmese Mountain Dogs, Newfoundlands,
etc. Her back problem would not allow her to work with them
anymore. She rides her bike, carrying her dog in a basket,
to the train. They ride the train to Copenhagen and the two
bike the rest of the way to work each day.
Veterinary Nursing, as a profession, has existed in Denmark
for about 50 years. The veterinary nursing training program
takes forty students per class. The training time is three
years and ten weeks. Students are required to work in a practice
for four months before they begin formal training at the
school. Students are trained to work with small animals unless
they want to work in the area of large animals. In that case,
they get an education in half-large and half-small animals.
Only a small number of veterinarians support this nursing
program by employing the students. Most veterinarians are
not supportive.
Small animal medicine employs the vast majority of veterinary
nurses. The next largest group works in sales for pharmaceutical
companies and veterinary feed and supply companies. The equine
industry employs another large segment of veterinary nurses.
Salaries are adequate to live on as a primary salary for
the basics, but many nurses work second jobs to be able to
afford the luxuries: cars, vacations, extras, etc.
Issues that veterinary nurses in Denmark see include: opportunities
for continuing education, specialization training, and of
course, an increase in salary that would go along with the
extra education and training. There are no requirements for
CE in Denmark, but the veterinary nurses would like to see
that come about in the near future.
A national veterinary nursing organization has existed for
about twenty years. Jannie served as the secretary for over
ten years. Several years ago, the vet nurses unionized, forming
separate unions for separate job areas. The national government
only recognizes the veterinary nurses' union that works
in government jobs. There are a total of three unions and
they do not work together. Unfortunately, it has become an
adversarial situation between the unions. The nurses who
have been involved in the old association are trying to work
to bring all VNs together. They are hopeful that a reconciliation
will be possible.
There is a new association that requires being a member
of one of the unions. Those nurses who work outside the union
are not welcome to join this new association. Jannie is working
with a small group of nurses who are trying to develop a
third association that will accept all nurses.
Japan
Chihara Ishida is the IVNTA representative from Japan. The
profession in Japan is 20 years old and there are currently
more than 20 programs offering education in the country.
However, a degree is not required to work, it depends on
the guidelines of the clinic. The custom is for most to
live with their parents.
The Japanese national association sponsors seminars annually.
The country is evolving toward a national examination, but
the test is not a requirement at this time. In Japan, those
working can be educated formally or trained on the job. Utilization
is very much dependent on each practice and most are employed
in small animal.
Chihara is very thankful for American speakers who come to
her country and encourage veterinarians to utilize the expertise
of veterinary technicians.
Switzerland
Cornelia Rotzler, was the representative from Switzerland.
Their profession began in 1994 as a spin off from human
nursing assistants programs. It was felt that there was
a need to provide assistants to the veterinarians for the
well being of pets. Hence, their title in Switzerland,
when translated to English is "veterinary aide."
Approximately five years ago, an apprenticeship program
was developed for individuals wanting to enter this field.
The educational program is three years long, consisting of
one day in school and the rest of the week in a veterinary
practice.
Career opportunities for veterinary aides in Switzerland
are very similar to those found in the U.S., small animal
practice, exotics, food animal, industry, and equine practice.
Cornelia felt that the level of education and the tasks performed
by veterinary aides in her country were below the standards
for veterinary technicians in the U.S.
Veterinary aides in Switzerland face some of the same issues
we do in the U.S., low salaries, lack of recognition from
veterinarians, under utilization of skills, and lack of continuing
education opportunities. It was felt that the veterinary
salaries were 3-4 times the amount paid to veterinary aides,
making it difficult to earn enough to provide for ones self.
Cornelia said that they have one national CE meeting a year,
attended by both veterinarians and aides together. It only
lasts one day and is considered a large meeting. She was
quick to point out that it was not large by U.S. standards
as she looked at the amount of CE provided at Western Veterinary
Conference.
In a country where traveling 5-6 hours takes you out of
the country, Cornelia said that most people do not travel
more than 10-15 minutes to get anywhere. If it will take
longer than this, most times they will not make the trip,
which has a direct effect on CE participation.
New Zealand
Traveling from New Zealand was Janet Molyneux, Veterinary
Nurse. Janet represented the New Zealand Veterinary Nurse
Association (NZVNA) which is now nine years old. Over the
last six years, eleven programs offering a 1 year certificate
and 2 year diploma have developed. Prior to that an educated
VN did not exist.
After completion of a program and receiving a diploma, there
is not a national examination for qualified veterinary nurses.
Because of this NZVNA is trying to introduce a certification
program at the national level to ensure that all qualified
nurses meet the same criteria.
Janet said that the lack of veterinary awareness of the
nurse' s skills is among the issues facing their profession
in New Zealand. Continuing education is not a requirement
for VNs in New Zealand, but there are opportunities across
the country to attend.
Salaries for the VNs are below the national average for the
general population. Like most in the profession, a passion
for the care of pets is what draws individuals into the career.
Most nurses are employed in companion animal practices but
there is a growing demand in food animal, equine, and industry.
This increase in demand is seen as a way to move salaries
higher for qualified veterinary nurses.
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Canada
Sandy Hass, VT, Executive Director of the Canadian Association
of Animal Health Technologists and Technicians (CAAHTT),
was the IVNTA representative from Canada. Sandy lives in
rural Saskatchewan with her husband and three sons. She
spent many years in a small animal practice and most recently
worked in a feed lot being responsible for herd health
management. Sandy is a graduate of Olds College in Alberta.
The first school for animal health technicians was started
approximately 30 years ago. Upon completion of schooling,
students are awarded a diploma. The Veterinary Technician
National Examination (VTNE) is given in all provinces of
Canada except Quebec (because French is the official language
of Quebec, there is a language barrier in that province).
Sandy advises potential students that being an animal health
technician is a good second job, but trying to live on the
salary alone is difficult. There are higher paying jobs in
industry and with pharmaceutical companies that may pay a
living wage if single.
AHT's primarily work in small animal practice, industry
and mixed animal practice see the next highest numbers. Practice
management is an area that is offering career possibilities
for some in the profession. Most do not go on to obtain a
bachelors degree.
CAAHTT was formed eleven years ago. Canada has 10 provinces
that are represented to CAAHTT by 7 AHT associations. Every
association has continuing education and there is a national
meeting. There is mandatory CE required in 6 of 7 provinces.
All members of the provincial associations are automatically
members of CAAHTT. They celebrate NVTW during the third week
in October as we do here in the US and are working on their
Parliament to recognize the week.
The CAAHTT has a good working relationship with the Canadian
Veterinary Medical Association. They hold national annual
meetings together and are currently working on policies for
educational programs that the AVMA will accept.
The issues facing Canadian AHT's include recognition by
the general public, utilization, and wages. Canadian AHT's
dream of the day when the title they have will be a common
household word.
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National Veterinary Technician Week - October 15 - 21st
Celebrate your profession during National Veterinary Technician
Week. NAVTA members should have received this year's poster,
window decal and sample press release in the summer and
fall newsletters. For more ideas on how to celebrate NVTW
click here to go to the Article Archives.
Here is some new ideas from our members:
Highlight the Veterinary Health Care Team - work with the
theme of proper utilization of veterinary technicians and
what each team member should be doing - could have a team
poster and plan small, mini events highlighting each member
of the team. Monday - Bosses day
Tuesday - Veterinary Technician day
Wednesday - Veterinary Assistant & Kennel helper day
Thursday - Receptionist day
Friday - Hospital Administrator day
To make a vet tech poster board, click
here to download the wording in a PDF format, just add the pictures!
Highlight the different jobs or careers for Veterinary Technicians
- one for each day. The poster could be set up so that each
day another picture would be added. "There is a Vet
Tech for each day of the Week" or "A Vet Tech's
Job is New Each Day."
Monday - Small Animal or Dental Prophylaxis
Tuesday - Large Animal or Laboratory Tests
Wednesday - Zoos or Anesthetizing
Thursday - Teaching or Client Education
Friday - Research or Radiographing
Do a community event like a First Aid Clinic, Pet Walkathon
or Blessing of the Pet Ceremony. Offer the proceeds to a
local shelter.
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Raising the Bar for Players
in Veterinary Health Care
Reprinted from the OAVT Newsletter, in full, with permission
from the OAVT president Earl Harrison and Dr. Forsgren.
As individual veterinarians you ALL need to be aware of the
current status of the Practice Act Task force. The goal of
this group is to maintain some sort of practical consistency
between the way we practice and the legal structure which
oversees our activities. The term "consistency"
is the key in this process.
Delivering health care service is what the profession is about.
The days of the Mom and Pop veterinary hospitals are all but
over. I am not sure that in every case that is a good thing,
but facts are facts. I won't even begin to tell you how many
times per week that I hear that little voice inside of me
saying "man I wish things were the way they used to be."
Reminiscing won't bring back the days of yesteryear. The future
holds challenges that need answers today.
The actual delivery of quality and compassionate care requires
a team. Of course the veterinarian is the key player. Nothing
starts without the driving forces of diagnosis, therapeutic
plan and preventive care strategy. Those are the major functions
of the veterinarian. Delivering the care is a team effort
that depends on the staff, the veterinary technicians and
the veterinary aides.
As we expand our veterinary knowledge base and expertise
we are going to undoubtedly pass more of the technical health
care delivery to the veterinary technicians. THIS IS A KEY
FOR THE FUTURE OF EXCELLENCE IN OUR PROFESSION.
When I use the word "technician" I mean the registered
veterinary technicians who are so valuable and so hard to
find. This is a huge problem in our industry. We had better
start recognizing it. We need to develop a game plan with
the technician association and the tech schools. The technicians'
duties and responsibilities need to be expanded and their
contributions recognized and rewarded.
The vet tech is the single most underutilized resource within
the delivery system. The Practice Act Task Force is considering
options to expand their activities to a level consistent
with societal needs and the expertise of these remarkably
valuable employees.
The legal framework for developing a creative set of guidelines
for the vet tech duties is complicated and will take time.
For the veterinary technicians this is the single most aggravating
part of the process. They need our support and a very realistic
reiteration of their importance in the future of our profession's
evolution.
As OVMA President I encourage feedback from you as individuals
on the Practice Act issue. Opening up the Practice Act is
likely to be a long and sometimes tedious process. Your inclusion
will make the process a valid attempt to provide legal structure
which safeguards our rights as practitioners and the animal
species we are empowered to watch over.
Dr. Brian Forsgren, OVMA President, June 2, 2001.
As webmaster I felt it was important that other Veterinary
Technician Association members know that there are people
out there that care about our contribution to the veterinary
health care team!
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