vet techs using the term nurse

Q. · Jan 4, 2003

sbic56-

Nursing and nursing education, and who we are, what we do and what it is we provide is defined by nurses in the nursing literature, and other healthcare literature from our counterparts. Who we are as a profession and how we guide our practice does NOT come from the dictionary (I am not trying to be snide, here, honest!). Who we are comes from years of research and publications from nurses and our counterparts; and in that literature, nursing is defined by the human element, and not that of animals.

Who we are is best defined by us, who fully know and understand who and what we are. If we left our entire persona as a profession to be defined by John Q (read: the dictionary), well, I'd be afraid. John Q thinks we simply follow doctor's orders!

The dictionary is a broad definition of terms at that, meant to provide a basic understanding of a word. By no means is in intended to define or regulate our profession.

sbic56, BSN, RN · Jan 4, 2003

Not taken as snide at alll, Suzy...I merely think we are making a huge issue out of what is a non issue, to me at least. I don't feel it takes anything away from me as a people nurse if those who are trained to do the same for animals wish to be identified as nurses as well. The vet techs are every bit as qualified in their field of expertise as we are in ours and deserve the nurse label if they desire it. I do see where they may feel that the term tech implies something lesser than what they are. It is similar, to me, to how those with a PhD in philosophy are referred to as a doctor. They have the years education, thus have earned the title.

ShandyLynnRN, BSN, RN · Jan 4, 2003

I don't see the big deal either. I am under the impression that the definition of "nurse" for me, and a RN, or for LPN/LVN's, is defined in our Nurse Practice acts, scope of practice etc.... and we are simply adding our own "modifiers" in front of the WORD nurse, Registered, Liscensed, whatever. I personally would have no problem with Vet Techs being called Vet nurses. I can completely understand where the point is coming from though, of those who disagree. IMHO though, I just think it is being blown WAY out of proportion.

yogastudentRN · Jan 4, 2003

My DH is so amused with all the initials behind nurses's names that he frequently refers to our cat as:

Squeaky R. Nurse

Pet Therapy Services

certified CAT-RN

WHen an outsider picks up on all this nonsense of everyone calling themselves a nurse, you know its pretty bad!

Q. · Jan 4, 2003

The best way I can describe this is how SmilingBluEyes stated in another thread - and I am paraphrasing here - but she said that allowing others who are NOT nurses to take on our title is harmful to us in an insidious and quiet way, but harmful nonetheless. And I couldn't agree more.

fab4fan · Jan 4, 2003

Wow...I am glad that "wet nurses" don't exist anymore. Can you imagine how confusing THAT could get???

sbic56, BSN, RN · Jan 4, 2003

LOL, f4f...could go in many directions with that one! :devil: Good point, though. Could be I am not so posessive of the word cuz it really doesn't accurately describe what we do in the first place. It's just a label and not a very apt one at that!

vettech · Jan 21, 2003

Originally posted by bmwcvt
what do you guys think of the growing controversy of vet techs calling themselves nurses?

As a Registered Veterinary Technician, I have always preferred the term "nurse" to "technician". It is a more accurate description of my job.

I draw blood, I take blood pressures, I give shots, I place catheters, I monitor anesthesia, I shoot rads... in other words, nursing duties.

There is a movement here in TX to change our title from RVT to RVN and there was some resistance from the RNs here. However, I believe it has been resolved and I expect us to officially change the name soon.

vettech · Jan 21, 2003

Originally posted by Lisa DaS
Correction; I meant to say, please don't be offended if some vet techs use the term as we do provide nursing care in our field. We don't have all the various caregivers. We have techs and vet assistants and that's it. If animals are getting nursing care, and the techs are the only ones providing it, than I would say we are not called 'nurses' because our work is not respected, not because we aren't providing nursing care. That right there is 30% of why I'm switching to human medicine.

Hear hear! As a Registered Veterinary Technician, I thank you for standing up for our profession. I too am leaving due to the lack of pay and respect.

If you knew how many times I've heard "Wow, this place is like a REAL hospital", you'd cry. The intruments I use are designed for humans, the IV pumps I run are designed for humans, the meds (90%) are straight from a human pharmacy, not veterinary specific.

I provide all the same care, love, and expertise to my patients as any RN. I perform the same procedures on my patients as human nurses perform on their patients. I have a 2 year degree, sat state and national boards and am required CE hours in order to maintain my license. There is no reason NOT to call me a nurse.

Just as "doctor" is not exclusive to MDs but to anyone with a PhD, so "nurse" should not be specific to the care of humans. It is the role we perform that should be the guide.

vettech · Jan 21, 2003

Originally posted by SmilingBluEyes
I wish you well in your pursuit of a nursing career. However, if seeking respect is a substantial reason for your entry to the field of registered nursing, you are likely to sorely disappointed!!! There's not much to be found, oftentimes. That is why you see people like me (annoying as hell) fighting so hard for what little respect we DO have. Good luck to you!:kiss

Deb,

While I disagree with your position regarding the word "nurse", I have to say this - with your evident passion for the profession of nursing, I recognize you are a great asset to the profession. People such as yourself can band togheter and make a real difference. However, I think this is a battle that is not worth the effort.

Veterinary Technicians are in the same boat as nurses. We get all the work and none of the respect or pay. We do all the hands on and the doctor gets the praise and love from the patient (or client in our case). How many times have I worked an overnight caring for a critical patient, not daring to even walk away for a moment for fear it would crash. Then the owner arrives and thanks the VET for all the help, knowing I was the one "bedside" all night while the vet was at home, 30 miles away, sleeping.

RVTs and RNs should be oworking together, not against one another. Neither one of us needs another hassle and we can improve the perception of both professions if we tried.

KC CHICK · Jan 21, 2003

I have no problem with vet 'nurses' using the term nurse. This discussion is very tired.

If the word "nurse" is the only thing that defines who we are....then we are in trouble. Titles don't make us who we are. It's what we do that makes us who we are. I'm sorry some of you are so threatened by someone using a mere "coveted" word to describe themselves.

Like I said in Suzy's last soapbox thread about this subject.....people know the difference. Ahem, we work in a hospital or elsewhere in the community caring for - HUMANS. It's pretty obvious that we're not in the vet clinic taking care of ANIMALS. Even if the same titile is used, "vet" is still in front of the word "nurse". One can definately be distinguished from the other.

A nurse by any other name...is still a nurse. If we were given a different title, we'd still be doing the exact same things we're doing now.

People, choose your battles wisely....this one just wastes energy. Energy that could be better spent in a larger, more imortant battle.

Anne:nurse:You earn respect with actions, not with a title.

vettech · Jan 21, 2003

Originally posted by Susy K
The term nurse is much more than how many years of school or that you start IVs, draw blood and do other psychomotor skills. Nurse is much, much, much MORE than that. I wish people could understand that.

Actually, I'd like to. What I truly want to understand is why I cannot call myself a nurse? I know that nursing is much more than the simple skills listed on a resume. It is compassion, caring, feeling their pain, crying with them, holding them - it is being a CAREGIVER.

I can (and have) listed my many skills I use in my daily practice. But what cannot be listed is what I believe you are alluding to... the nurturing aspect. I have sat and held a client who had her animal die and cried with her. I have felt the sorrow of losing one you felt sure was going to make it and second-guessing all the things you think you could have done differently that might have mafde a difference. I have felt the relief of seeing one go that you knew was suffering horribly. I have also felt the joy of discharging a patient that, a week earlier, you didn't think would last another hour.

If what I just described isn't nursing, I'd like to hear a better description.