This lecture will cover signs of compassion fatigue as well as burnout from a technician's perspective. We will discuss real time coping skills as well as when to ask for help and how to help a coworker that may be suffering from compassion fatigue. Mental health and self care are as important as physical well being, if we know what to look for in ourselves and others we can foster a better, safer, and happier work environment.This will be information presented from the perspective of a technician that suffered from compassion fatigue and learned to overcome it.

The effects of lateral and horizontal violence in the workplace are far reaching and can not only be disasterous for the bullied employee but for the clinic as a whole. This subject has been well documented in the human medical setting and those findings can be applied to veterinary medicine. In this presentation we will discuss the effects of lateral and horizonal violence in the veterinary hospital setting. We will define different types of bullying, why people bully as well as how to spot it, address it and stop it. We will also cover how to foster a work environment that discourages bulling behavior and promotes support.

Dyspnea is a common presenting complaint in veterinary emergency clinics. Immediate supportive measures should be implemented while assessing the patient, forming a differential diagnosis list, and obtaining a brief and relevant history. There are many causes of respiratory distress, each one with a different treatment plan. We will discuss three common respiratory emergencies and how best to approach the prioritization of diagnostics and treatments.

The acid/base balance in the body is delicate and often challenging to understand. Beginning with the basics, this lecture will help technicians to understand why they should be concerned with their patient’s acid/base status and what can be done to treat disorders. A simple tic tac toe method will be taught that aids in determining primary disorders.

This lecture will focus on emergency anesthesia for the small and large animal patients. A review of anatomical and physiologic changes that occur during pregnancy. Triage and perioperative stabilization of the dystocia patient, including a focus on what drugs are appropriate and less appropriate for the patient. Anesthesia and surgical goals are highlighted, as well and post-operative nursing care.

This lecture covers the common and not so common over the counter medications and supplements which are toxic to dogs and cats, An emphasis on emergency triage, physiologic changes, and patient nursing care will ensure understanding and readiness to manage these toxicites as they present to the hospital. Case studies will to utilized to help the audience apply learning concepts.

This lecture is intended to discuss the disease process of ARDS. Review of the pulmonary system, including pathophysiology of breathing, gas exchange (i.e. hypoxemia and hypoventilation), and the difference between oxygenation and ventilation. Discuss the definitions of ALI and ARDS and pathophysiology. Review the 4-5 inclusion criteria for ARDS (acute onset, known risk factors, radiographic changes, evidence of inefficient gas exchange, evidence of pulmonary inflammation). Review common disease processes that can contribute to ARDS. Discuss what the treatment entails, including a review oxygen therapy techniques (i.e. traditional, high flow oxygen delivery) and mechanical ventilation (indications, general machine settings, modes). Discuss the monitoring of arterial blood gases, including interpretation and calculation of P:F ratio and A-a gradient. Review the veterinary nurse’s vital role in nursing care of the ARDS patient, including oxygen therapy/delivery, mechanical ventilation care (i.e. machine parameters), patient monitoring (ECG, BP, ETCO2, SpO2), and patient care (i.e. ET tube/T-tube care, recumbent care).

Clinics want productive, commited, and engaged employees. People want meaningful work in a workplace guided by values that are in sync with theirs. Employees who are selected on the basis of cultural fit, in addition to job fit, contribute faster, perform better, and stay longer. So how do you create such a workplace when everybody's looking for good help? There is a growing gap betweek empoyers' expectations and potential employees. Today's potential workforce brings new technical skills, perspectives, and energy to the workplace; yet many of them are not living up to their full potential due to underdeveloped soft skills. Soft skills include those that aren't easilt measured, such as communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. What are the highest priority behaviors for your clinic, for your team, for different roles on your team, and for the specific individual? Pinpointing these behaviors are crucial to success and offer the greatest potential to increase competitive differentation. Managers and senior clinic staff can bridge the soft skills gap and give your clinic a strategic advantage through coaching.

Vasopressors, inotropes, and all the options we have can get a little confusing at times: even for the experienced veterinary nurse. Dopamine? Dobutamine? Norepinephrine? Isoproterenol? When, why, and how do they work for our patients? Which drug is warranted? By understanding the receptor types, physiological responses, and pharmaceutical indications, the attendee will become more comfortable with and gain clinical relevance on this topic.

A presentation on the struggle of management in "training" the older veterinarian on utilization of the veterinary technician as a resource for increasing efficiency and production within the veterinary practice.