By: Rebecca Murray, CVT, MA, LCPC Have you ever been a new tech at a clinic and felt like some of the staff were picking on you? Have you ever worked with someone who gave you “attitude” all the time, no matter what you did? How about someone who became angry or abusive when tired or under pressure? Most of you will answer “yes” to one or all of these questions. And, let’s face it, many of us can admit that we have done some of these at some time in...
By: Megan Baylor, CVT One of the many issues that veterinary technicians/nurses face when entering the workforce is learning how to handle money. This becomes increasingly difficult when managing student loan payments as well as basic living expenses. There are many options to repay student debt. First, find a financial counselor. This professional should be someone you trust. Not only will they help you learn about managing your money but they could also give you a sense of accountability. This will increase your success at being able to buy a house, managing...
By: Mary Berg, RVT, VTS (Dentistry) I recently saw a clip on Good Morning America about saying yes to everything in 2020. I thought to myself, “This is strange in a world where we are constantly told to slow down, learn to say no, and relax for our wellbeing.” Full disclosure, the individual on the show stated that saying yes to everything for a year was unrealistic and recommended only doing so for 30 days. The theory was that by saying yes, we might experience things we wouldn’t normally do, stretch our...
By: Rebecca Rose, CVT It saddens me to see social media threads full of despair and even resentment towards a career I have personally found rewarding, intriguing and challenging. For me, the past 30 years in veterinary technology has been one opportunity after another. Sure, I have been known to see the cup half-full. I feel others may be missing an aspect of Professional Wellbeing in their career, something that is not built on luck, but rather pluck. The choice is yours. What is Professional Wellbeing? Consider the temperature of your career....
By: Rachel Lees RVT, KPA CTP, VTS (Behavior) What is Professional Wellness? I considered this question as I began writing this blog post. Therefore, I dissected and defined each of the words: Professional: Being engaged in a specified activity as one's main paid occupation rather than as a pastime. Wellness: the state of being in good health, especially as an actively pursued goal. The professional part was easy, we are Veterinary Technicians, and animal healthcare is the name of our game. The wellness part is what was throwing me off. I began to...
By: Rebecca Rose, CVT Today, while gathering with other veterinary professionals for our weekday morning Mindfulness & Gratitude session, I explained I intended to write the NAVTA Blog on Strength in Vulnerability. One of the attendees, Jen, was eager to share her recent story in being present for another person and how it had touched both of their lives. Jen simply asked a co-worker as they were on the way to their cars after their shift, “How are you doing?” Jen sensed she was having a tough day, and even though they were...
by: Sandra Morales Foster LVT, MSEM, DrPH We all strive and want to be healthy. Each of us has an idea of what healthy means to us. Health is relative to age, demographics, family history, environment, social economics, and perception. What was considered healthy in the 1800’s is not what is considered healthy today. I am not as healthy today at the age of 53 as I was at the age of 25, however I am considered healthy as a 53 year old. True physical health is not well represented in...
