Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant E-Book

Teresa Sonsthagen

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Fachliteratur
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 936

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2019

Beschreibung

Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant is the definitive, practical guide to the vital skills and techniques used in daily practice—bringing together all the information necessary to succeed as a veterinary assistant in one reader-friendly volume. 

Now in its fourth edition, this classic text has been completely revised to adopt a concise approach to learning that is ideally suited for modern readers. More and improved images, streamlined chapters, and easily-referenced key topics help readers understand the important aspects of real-world practice. Updated chapters cover infectious disease protocols, clinical procedures, and patient care and management. New chapters cover exam and treatment room skills, and present information on small animals, laboratory animals, and large animals. This re-envisioned new edition: 

• Covers every task and technique that veterinary assistants encounter daily
• Offers step-by-step guidance for fundamental veterinary skills, procedures, and practices
• Provides quick and easy reference to a comprehensive range of central topics
• Uses a new, larger page size to better fit content and enhance searching for information when on the job
• Includes access to a companion website presenting instructor resources, skills evaluations, and PowerPoint slides

Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant, Fourth Edition continues to be the definitive text for trainee and practicing veterinary assistants in clinical, laboratory, or research settings.

Leseprobe

Table of Contents

COVER

PREFACE

Reference Book and Task Card Box

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

ABOUT THE COMPANION WEBSITE

CHAPTER 1: Professional Conduct and Foundation Skills

Determining Your Role in a Veterinary Practice

Meeting Employer Expectations – 10 Behaviors to Master

Professional Appearance

Effective Communication Skills Within the Veterinary Practice

Computer Competency

Use and Misuse of Social Media

Determining Credible Web Sources

Anticipation of Workflow

Application of Veterinary Ethics

Human–Animal Bond

Grief Process

Foundation Skills – Veterinary Practice Math and Medical Terminology

CHAPTER 2: Laws, Policies, and OSHA Standards Affecting Veterinary Practice

Laws and Regulations for Veterinary Practices

Guidelines of Practice from Veterinary Organizations

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – Workplace Safety

CHAPTER 3: Veterinary Business Protocols

Front Office Skills

Client Interactions at the Facility

Veterinary Medical Record Keeping Procedures

Day’s End Protocols

Inventory Control

CHAPTER 4: Facility and Equipment Maintenance – Cleaning for Disease Control

Basic Cleanliness and Orderliness

Hospital Waste – Non‐Hazardous versus Hazardous

Cleaning Techniques When Caring for Hospitalized Animals

Facility Maintenance

Equipment Maintenance

CHAPTER 5: Anatomy and Physiology

“Speaking” Anatomy

Body Systems

Suggested Reading

CHAPTER 6: Introduction to Animals

Scientific Classification of Animals

Introduction to Genetics

Breeds of Animals

Determining the Sex of Companion Animals

CHAPTER 7: Feeds and Feeding

Essential Nutrients –The Basics

Understanding Pet Food Labels

Learning to Read Labels

Application of Basic Nutrition

How Much to Feed

Prescription Diets

Feeding the Hospitalized Patient

Water Availability and Consumption

Feeding Livestock and Poultry

Feeding Other Species

References

Suggested Reading

CHAPTER 8: Restraint of Animals

Restraint of Companion Animals

Restraint of Pocket Pets

Restraint of Pet Birds

Restraint of Livestock

Reference

Suggested Reading

CHAPTER 9: Knots and Ropes

Knot Tying Terminology

Types of Ropes

Prevent Fraying

Hanking a Rope

Types of Knots and Hitches

Suggested Reading

CHAPTER 10: Management of Hospitalized and Boarding Pets

Housing Requirements – Kennel Set‐up

Water and Food Consumption – Elimination

Environmental Considerations

Socialization and Exercising Hospitalized Patients

Patient Care Based on Reason for Being in the Hospital

Treatments and Procedures

In‐hospital Grooming

Collection of Fecal and Urine Samples

Pain Evaluation and Monitoring

Discharging Patients

Veterinary Hospice Care

Euthanasia and Post Mortem Protocols

Reference

Suggested Reading

CHAPTER 11: Clinical Techniques

Toenail Trimming

Clipping Birds’ Wings

Expressing Anal Glands

Administration of Medications

Syringes and Needles

Injections

Monitoring IV Fluid Administration and IV Catheter Maintenance

Wound Care and Bandaging

Emergency Support

Suggested Reading

CHAPTER 12: Laboratory Skills

Maintenance of Stain Sets

Staining Protocol

Laboratory Log Book

Maintenance of the Common Laboratory Equipment in the Veterinary Lab

Sample Collection

Blood Collection and Handling

Necropsy: Preparation and Follow‐Up

Vaginal Cytology Collection

CHAPTER 13: Pharmacy Skills

Controlled Drugs

Reading a Prescription

Labeling a Prescription Container

Safe Handling of Dispensed Drugs

Prescription Packaging

Explaining Prescriptions to the Owner

Classification of Medications

Suggested Reading

CHAPTER 14: Surgical Room Skills

Cleaning and Maintaining the Surgery Suite

Surgery Skills and Maintaining an Aseptic Environment

Client Communication

Removing Sutures

Reference

CHAPTER 15: Dental Skills for the Veterinary Assistant

Assistant’s Role in Veterinary Dentistry

Dental Anatomy

Dental Terminology

Directional Terms

Dental Formulas

Age Approximation Based on Dental Eruption

Head Type

Dental Instruments, Equipment, and Maintenance

Power Scalers

Air‐Driven Dental Units

Dental Prophylaxis

Polishing Follows Dental Cleaning

Charting the Oral Examination

Basics of Pocket Pet Dentistry

Dental Formula for Pocket Pets

Intraoral Radiography

Patient Care and Clean‐up

Client Education

Suggested Reading

CHAPTER 16: Diagnostic Imaging and Endoscopy

Introduction to Diagnostic Imaging

Digital Radiography

Advanced Imaging Technologies

Quality Assurance

Radiation Safety

Radiography Abbreviations

Radiography Procedure

Radiography Log

Measuring the Anatomy with Calipers

Setting Exposure Factors Using the Technique Charts

Cassette Selection

Film Labeling

Taking a Radiograph

Developing Radiographic Film

Cassette Routine Maintenance

Patient Film Filing

Darkroom Maintenance

Diagnostic Ultrasonography

Endoscopy

References

Suggested Reading

APPENDIX: Suffixes, Prefixes, and Anatomic Terms (Roots)

GLOSSARY

INDEX

END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT

List of Tables

Chapter 1

TABLE 1.1 Comparison of US to Metric Volumes

TABLE 1.2 Examples of Abbreviations

TABLE 1.3 Abbreviations Used For Giving Medications or Treatments to Certain Area...

Chapter 2

TABLE 2.1 Agencies and Their Responsibilities

TABLE 2.2 Explanation of the OSHA Secondary Label

Chapter 3

TABLE 3.1 Scheduling Appointments Per Concerns

TABLE 3.2 Facility Logs

TABLE 3.3 Inventory Pages

TABLE 3.4 Inventory Abbreviations

Chapter 5

TABLE 5.1 Dental Formulas per Animal

TABLE 5.2 Number of Offspring and Gestation Periods of Animals

Chapter 6

TABLE 6.1 Genus Species and Signalment Term of Companion Animals and Livestock

TABLE 6.2 Signalment Terms for Males, Females, and Offspring

TABLE 6.3 Punnett Square for Breeding Green Homozygous Cock (GG) Bred to a Green ...

TABLE 6.4 Punnett Square for Breeding Blue Homozygous Cock (gg) to a Blue Homozyg...

TABLE 6.5 Punnett Square for Breeding a Homozygous Blue Cock (gg) to a Homozygous...

TABLE 6.6 Punnett Square for Breeding a Homozygous Blue Cock (gg) to a Heterozygo...

TABLE 6.7 Punnett Square for Breeding a Heterozygous Green/Blue Cock (Gg) to a He...

TABLE 6.8 Punnett Square for Breeding Heterozygous Green/Blue, Homozygous Black‐W...

Chapter 7

TABLE 7.1 Macrominerals

TABLE 7.2 Comparison of Foods on a Dry Matter Basis

Chapter 13

TABLE 13.1 Categories of Pharmaceuticals Found in a Veterinary Practice with Comm...

Chapter 14

TABLE 14.1 Surgical Instrument Names and Uses

TABLE 14.2 Frequent Surgical Procedures and Body Position Required for the Proced...

TABLE 14.3 Ancillary Equipment and Instruments

Chapter 16

Table 16.1 Common Endoscopic Procedures, Locations, and Position

List of Illustrations

Chapter 1

FIGURE 1.1 Clean scrubs ready to work.

FIGURE 1.2 Fingernail tips.

FIGURE 1.3 (a) Closed body language. (b) Open body language.

FIGURE 1.4 Measuring devices: (a) measuring cup – 250 mL; (b) large beaker –...

Chapter 2

FIGURE 2.1 Caution wet floor sign.

FIGURE 2.2 OSHA secondary label.

FIGURE 2.3 Empty secondary label.

FIGURE 2.4 De‐gloving.

FIGURE 2.5 Safety goggles.

FIGURE 2.6 Face mask and shield.

FIGURE 2.7 (a) Apron, (b) rubber boots, and (c) coveralls.

FIGURE 2.8 Ear protectors.

FIGURE 2.9 Respirator.

Chapter 3

FIGURE 3.1 Remain calm.

FIGURE 3.2 Color‐coded file: alphabetical.

FIGURE 3.3 Color‐coded file: numerical.

FIGURE 3.4 Inventory reorder tag.

Chapter 4

FIGURE 4.1 Sharps container.

FIGURE 4.2 Kennel: note the cage card holder, door showing latch and crossba...

FIGURE 4.3 Cage cards.

FIGURE 4.4 Run with raised bed – hanging from side wall ready for next patie...

FIGURE 4.5 Air‐cooled and oil‐cooled hair clippers.

FIGURE 4.6 Air‐cooled clipper head being lubricated.

FIGURE 4.7 Oil‐cooled clipper head being oiled.

FIGURE 4.8 Clipper head removal and cleaning.

FIGURE 4.9 Putting top blade back onto blade base.

FIGURE 4.10 Screws on back of clipper head.

FIGURE 4.11 Inside driver compartment – driver lever.

FIGURE 4.12 Blade wash, spray lube, spray disinfectant, blade oil, cleaning ...

FIGURE 4.13 Clipper head sizes: (a) size 40 blade; (b) size 10 blade.

FIGURE 4.14 Toenail trimmers.

FIGURE 4.15 Otoscope and cannula.

FIGURE 4.16 Autoclave: (a) exterior; (b) interior; (c) water fill.

FIGURE 4.17 Crash cart items.

FIGURE 4.18 Automatic processor.

FIGURE 4.19 Blood analyzer and blood chemistry machine, connected to compute...

FIGURE 4.20 Centrifuge station.

FIGURE 4.21 Microscope with KimTech wipes and lens paper.

FIGURE 4.22 Frayed leash.

FIGURE 4.23 Feline restraint bag.

FIGURE 4.24 Automatic dose syringe.

Chapter 5

FIGURE 5.1 Dog and horse body parts. *Chestnuts and ergots are small “horny”...

FIGURE 5.2 Directional terms.

FIGURE 5.3 Epithelial cells.

FIGURE 5.4 Appendicular skeleton.

FIGURE 5.5 Horse skeleton.

FIGURE 5.6 Cow lower forelimb – modified by TF Sonsthagen.

FIGURE 5.7 Axial skeleton.

FIGURE 5.8 Goat’s head.

FIGURE 5.9 Muscles of a dog.

FIGURE 5.10 Muscles of a horse.

FIGURE 5.11 Heart – exterior structures.

FIGURE 5.12 Heart – interior and path of blood through the heart.

FIGURE 5.13 Vein schematic: dog.

FIGURE 5.14 Lung anatomy.

FIGURE 5.15 Monogastric digestive tract.

FIGURE 5.16 Ruminant stomach.

FIGURE 5.17 Liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

FIGURE 5.18 Urinary system.

FIGURE 5.19 Urolith.

FIGURE 5.20 Cross‐section and intact bull testicle.

FIGURE 5.21 Female reproductive tract.

FIGURE 5.22 Brain.

FIGURE 5.23 Neurons and synapses.

FIGURE 5.24 Layers of the skin.

Chapter 6

FIGURE 6.1 (a) Arctic fox and (b) red fox.

FIGURE 6.2 Herding group: (a) German Shepherd, (b) Old English Sheepdog, and...

FIGURE 6.3 Hound group: (a) Greyhound, (b) Bloodhound, (c) Beagle, and (d) D...

FIGURE 6.4 Non‐sporting group: (a) Poodle, (b) Dalmatian, and (c) Bulldog. C...

FIGURE 6.5 Sporting group: (a) Irish Setter, (b) Labrador Retriever, (c) Viz...

FIGURE 6.6 Terrier group: (a) American Staffordshire, (b) Tibetan, and (c) W...

FIGURE 6.7 Working group: (a) Alaskan Malamute, (b) St. Bernard, and (c) Bul...

FIGURE 6.8 Toy group: (a) Chihuahua, (b) Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and ...

FIGURE 6.9 Siamese cat.

FIGURE 6.10 Balinese Torte Point.

FIGURE 6.11 (a) Devon Rex, note the wavy coat and calico color pattern; (b) ...

FIGURE 6.12 Maine Coon cats, orange tabby with white markings between two br...

FIGURE 6.13 (a) Old Style Persian with white coat and (b) New Style Persian ...

FIGURE 6.14 Ferrets: (a) polecat color pattern and (b) albino.

FIGURE 6.15 Hooded rat. Note the tumor on the hind quarter (b), you can bare...

FIGURE 6.16 Fancy mice: (a) angora and (b) agouti.

FIGURE 6.17 Mongolian gerbil: (a) natural color and (b) manmade black.

FIGURE 6.18 Hamster: (a) Golden and (b) Teddy Bear.

FIGURE 6.19 Guinea pigs: (a) English, (b) Abyssinian, (c) Peruvian, and (d) ...

FIGURE 6.20 Chinchilla: (a) natural grey and (b) silver.

FIGURE 6.21 Rabbit breeds: (a) Rex, (b) Mini Lop, (c) English Angora, and (d...

FIGURE 6.22 (a) Female and (b) male cat genitalia. Note the anal–genital dis...

FIGURE 6.23 Cat’s penis.

FIGURE 6.24 (a) Female and (b) male rabbit genitalia.

FIGURE 6.25 (a) Female and (b) male hamster genitalia.

FIGURE 6.26 (a) Female and (b) male rat genitalia.

FIGURE 6.27 (a) Female and (b) male guinea pig genitalia.

Chapter 7

FIGURE 7.1 Bag label – growth formula for kittens.

FIGURE 7.2 Multiplying a whole number with a fraction.

FIGURE 7.3 W/D dry dog food label.

Chapter 8

FIGURE 8.1 Ferret dentition.

FIGURE 8.2 Parrot beak.

FIGURE 8.3 Flight and fight response.

FIGURE 8.4 Rabbit’s field of vision.

FIGURE 8.5 Dog’s field of vision.

FIGURE 8.6 Friendly dog.

FIGURE 8.7 Submissive or scared dog.

FIGURE 8.8 Nervous dog.

FIGURE 8.9 Aggressive dog body language: (a) showing mild aggression, with m...

FIGURE 8.10 Relaxed cat.

FIGURE 8.11 Annoyed cat.

FIGURE 8.12 Anxious, scared, or nervous cats.

FIGURE 8.13 Very angry cat.

FIGURE 8.14 Feliway

TM

spray.

FIGURE 8.15 Range of treats.

FIGURE 8.16 Cat leaving carrier.

FIGURE 8.17 Using treats and blowing to distract from a procedure.

FIGURE 8.18 Slip leash.

FIGURE 8.19 Double leash technique.

FIGURE 8.20 Cat in carrier transfer by lift to kennel.

FIGURE 8.21 Cat in carrier transfer with towel to kennel.

FIGURE 8.22 Carrying cat or small dog properly.

FIGURE 8.23 First step in removing a small patient from a kennel.

FIGURE 8.24 Removing a small patient from a kennel.

FIGURE 8.25 Blocking the door to the kennel.

FIGURE 8.26 Sitting table restraint for general examination and procedures....

FIGURE 8.27 Head restraint for eye exam.

FIGURE 8.28 Holding the head for oral examination.

FIGURE 8.29 Restraining for jugular venipuncture.

FIGURE 8.30 Standing restraint for abdominal and perianal exams.

FIGURE 8.31 Towel wrap.

FIGURE 8.32 Extruded front leg for injection.

FIGURE 8.33 Examining the head using a towel.

FIGURE 8.34 Positioning for lateral recumbency.

FIGURE 8.35 Arm’s reaching over the top and grasping legs.

FIGURE 8.36 Holding the patient down with wrist and arm.

FIGURE 8.37 Offering treats while in lateral recumbency.

FIGURE 8.38 Restraining and occluding for IV: (a) saphenous and (b) femoral ...

FIGURE 8.39 Dorsal recumbency.

FIGURE 8.40 Occluding the cephalic vein in sternal recumbency.

FIGURE 8.41 Large dog floor restraint.

FIGURE 8.42 Lifting a large dog.

FIGURE 8.43 Assuming control of large dog on table.

FIGURE 8.44 Capture pole.

FIGURE 8.45 Using capture pole to give a sedative.

FIGURE 8.46 Types of muzzle.

FIGURE 8.47 Applied muzzle.

FIGURE 8.48 Cat folded in blanket.

FIGURE 8.49 Cone muzzle on cat.

FIGURE 8.50 Elizabethan collar (a); and no‐bite neck brace (b).

FIGURE 8.51 Cat set down on top of cat bag.

FIGURE 8.52 Cat being zipped into bag.

FIGURE 8.53 Cat with back leg exposed.

FIGURE 8.54 Gauntlets.

FIGURE 8.55 Horse’s field of vision.

FIGURE 8.56 Pig’s field of vision.

FIGURE 8.57 Alert horse.

FIGURE 8.58 Sleeping horse.

FIGURE 8.59 Pig hurdle.

FIGURE 8.60 Cow with newborn calf.

FIGURE 8.61 Placing a halter on a horse.

FIGURE 8.62 Proper positions while working on a horse.

FIGURE 8.63 Horse in stocks for dental work.

FIGURE 8.64 Picking up front foot.

FIGURE 8.65 Holding back foot on knee.

FIGURE 8.66 Stanchion head gate – cow being haltered.

FIGURE 8.67 Setting up a sheep.

FIGURE 8.68 Hog snare.

Chapter 9

FIGURE 9.1 End, standing part, and bight.

FIGURE 9.2 Throw.

FIGURE 9.3 Loops – left end under the standing part, right end over the stan...

FIGURE 9.4 Overhand knot.

FIGURE 9.5 Examples of types of ropes.

FIGURE 9.6 Melted and tied ends of nylon rope.

FIGURE 9.7 Start of whipping.

FIGURE 9.8 Wrapping the whipping cord.

FIGURE 9.9 Ends tucked under the wraps.

FIGURE 9.10 Completed whipping with ends trimmed.

FIGURE 9.11 Starting loop for hanking.

FIGURE 9.12 Making loops within loops or hanking.

FIGURE 9.13 Finishing and untying the hanked roped.

FIGURE 9.14 Halter tie – forming the loop.

FIGURE 9.15 Tightening the knot by pulling on the bight.

FIGURE 9.16 End through bight.

FIGURE 9.17 Untying a square knot.

FIGURE 9.18 Tying a square knot first throw.

FIGURE 9.19 Properly tied square knot.

FIGURE 9.20 Reefer’s knot – bring the bight through as the second throw.

FIGURE 9.21 Reefer’s knot – tightened knot.

FIGURE 9.22 Sheet bend first step.

FIGURE 9.23 Sheet bend second step.

FIGURE 9.24 Sheet bend final step.

FIGURE 9.25 Bowline knot first steps.

FIGURE 9.26 Bowline second step.

FIGURE 9.27 Bowline final step.

FIGURE 9.28 Bowline on a bight first steps.

FIGURE 9.29 Bowline on a bight second step.

FIGURE 9.30 Bowline on a bight third step.

FIGURE 9.31 Bowline on a bight final step.

FIGURE 9.32 Overhand knot first step.

FIGURE 9.33 Overhand knot second step.

FIGURE 9.34 Overhand knot final step for making a loop leash.

FIGURE 9.35 Loop and half hitch secured to a leg.

FIGURE 9.36 Leg secured to surgical table.

FIGURE 9.37 Clove hitch first step.

FIGURE 9.38 Clove hitch second step.

FIGURE 9.39 Clove hitch final step.

Chapter 10

FIGURE 10.1 Cat kennel perch.

FIGURE 10.2 Patient warmer.

FIGURE 10.3 Premixed enema and enema can.

FIGURE 10.4 Femoral and pedal artery positions.

FIGURE 10.5 Stethoscope.

FIGURE 10.6 Auscultation areas for heart (red) and lungs (blue).

FIGURE 10.7 Digital thermometer and lubricant.

FIGURE 10.8 Body conditioning score drawing.

FIGURE 10.9 Walk‐on scale. The scale platform sits on the floor and the cont...

FIGURE 10.10 Baby scale.

FIGURE 10.11 Clipping hair.

FIGURE 10.12 Flea dirt.

FIGURE 10.13 Lice nit.

FIGURE 10.14 Sarcoptic mange.

FIGURE 10.15 Ringworm.

FIGURE 10.16 Waterproof apron.

FIGURE 10.17 Urine collection tool.

Chapter 11

FIGURE 11.1 Anatomy of a toenail and angle of clip.

FIGURE 11.2 (a) Cats’ and (b) dogs’ toenails.

FIGURE 11.3 Silver nitrate stick.

FIGURE 11.4 Birds’ wing feathers.

FIGURE 11.5 Position of anal glands and ducts.

FIGURE 11.6 Internal method of expressing anal glands.

FIGURE 11.7 Expressed anal gland material.

FIGURE 11.8 Anatomy of the ear.

FIGURE 11.9 Otoscope (A) and ophthalmoscope (B).

FIGURE 11.10 Ear cleansers and ear swab preparation supplies.

FIGURE 11.11 Cotton swab in external ear canal.

FIGURE 11.12 Cleaning the internal ear canal.

FIGURE 11.13 Medicating an ear.

FIGURE 11.14 Straightening edges and clipping long hair.

FIGURE 11.15 Oral medications.

FIGURE 11.16 Administering oral medications.

FIGURE 11.17 Pill gun.

FIGURE 11.18 Oral dosing needles.

FIGURE 11.19 Gastric tube.

FIGURE 11.20 Ophthalmic medications.

FIGURE 11.21 Administering ophthalmic ointment.

FIGURE 11.22 Fluorescein strips.

FIGURE 11.23 Tonometers.

FIGURE 11.24 Parts of a syringe.

FIGURE 11.25 Syringe tips.

FIGURE 11.26 Disposable syringes with their graduations. The syringes are ma...

FIGURE 11.27 Automatic dose syringe.

FIGURE 11.28 Part of a hypodermic needle.

FIGURE 11.29 Monoject™ brand needle sizes.

FIGURE 11.30 Inserting a needle into a bottle.

FIGURE 11.31 Ridding the syringe of air bubbles.

FIGURE 11.32 Vaccine bottles set/powder and dilutant.

FIGURE 11.33 Proper technique to hold a syringe.

FIGURE 11.34 Subcutaneous (SQ) and intramuscular (IM) injection sites.

FIGURE 11.35 SQ injection technique.

FIGURE 11.36 IV fluid bag marked appropriately.

FIGURE 11.37 IM injection.

FIGURE 11.38 Intranasal (IN) administration.

FIGURE 11.39 IV indwelling catheters and end cap.

FIGURE 11.40 Infusion pump.

FIGURE 11.41 Utility (a), Knowles (b), and Lister bandage scissors (c).

FIGURE 11.42 Penrose drain in place on a wounded horse.

FIGURE 11.43 Non‐adherent and adherent primary bandage material.

FIGURE 11.44 Secondary absorbent and cushion material.

FIGURE 11.45 Kling gauze and roll gauze.

FIGURE 11.46 Adhesive tape and self‐adhesive products.

FIGURE 11.47 The steps involved in applying a simple paw bandage.

FIGURE 11.48 Damage caused by a bandage applied too tightly.

FIGURE 11.49 Contents of a crash kit.

Chapter 12

FIGURE 12.1 Parts of a microscope.

FIGURE 12.2 Refractometer.

FIGURE 12.3 Flea.

FIGURE 12.4 Chewing louse.

FIGURE 12.5

Ixodes

sp. or black legged or deer tick.

FIGURE 12.6 (a) Demodex and (b) burrowing mite species.

FIGURE 12.7 Non‐burrowing mite species.

FIGURE 12.8 Fecal loop.

FIGURE 12.9 Roundworm eggs.

FIGURE 12.10 Hookworm egg.

FIGURE 12.11 Tapeworm segments.

FIGURE 12.12 Fluke egg.

FIGURE 12.13 Coccidia – magnified.

FIGURE 12.14 Blood drawing sets.

FIGURE 12.15 Making a blood smear steps (a) to (c).

FIGURE 12.16 Unstained and stained blood smear.

FIGURE 12.17 Hematocrit tubes and tray of clay sealant.

FIGURE 12.18 Hematocrit centrifuge lids and slots.

FIGURE 12.19 Hematocrit tube components and reading points.

FIGURE 12.20 Restraint for urinary catheterization of male dog.

FIGURE 12.21 Chemical test strip container.

FIGURE 12.22 Quadrant method of steaking a blood agar plate for isolating ba...

FIGURE 12.23 Vaginal speculum.

Chapter 13

FIGURE 13.1 Pill counting tray and pill splitter.

Chapter 14

FIGURE 14.1 Surgical table.

FIGURE 14.2 Surgical tray.

FIGURE 14.3 Prep sink – used and in need of cleaning!

FIGURE 14.4 Laryngoscope and blades.

FIGURE 14.5 Endotracheal tubes sizes 3.5 to 7.5.

FIGURE 14.6 Syringe connected to endotracheal tube cuff adapter.

FIGURE 14.7 Soda lime canister.

FIGURE 14.8 Isoflurane vaporizer’s fill window (A) and fill spout (B).

FIGURE 14.9 F/air canister.

FIGURE 14.10 Non‐rebreathing system and rebreathing bags and hoses: (a) non‐...

FIGURE 14.11 Brush cleaning a surgical instrument.

FIGURE 14.12 Instrument cleanser and ultrasonic cleaner.

FIGURE 14.13 Instruments to include in an instrument pack. See text for iden...

FIGURE 14.14 Steps 1–3 of putting an instrument pack together: (a) Step 1, g...

FIGURE 14.15 Steps 4–6 of putting an instrument pack together: (a) Step 4, l...

FIGURE 14.16 Sleeve of gauze sponges.

FIGURE 14.17 Step 8 of putting an instrument pack together: (a) finding the ...

FIGURE 14.18 Step 9 of putting an instrument pack together: (a,b) repeat ste...

FIGURE 14.19 Autoclave tape. Inset: exposed to autoclave and not exposed to ...

FIGURE 14.20 Autoclaved package showing the autoclave tape turned black.

FIGURE 14.21 Steps A–C of folding a gown.

FIGURE 14.22 Steps D and E of folding a gown.

FIGURE 14.23 Folding a surgical towel: (a) Step 1, lay a surgical towel flat...

FIGURE 14.24 Steps 1–6 of wrapping a surgical gown.

FIGURE 14.25 A.1 and A.2: first folds in a rectangle fenestrated drape.

FIGURE 14.26 B.1 and B.2: second folds in a rectangle fenestrated drape.

FIGURE 14.27 C.1 and C.2: paper drapes folded accordion style.

FIGURE 14.28 Wrapping a drape pack.

FIGURE 14.29 Ancillary instrument packaging.

FIGURE 14.30 Autoclave indicator strips.

FIGURE 14.31 Cold sterilization trays and transfer forceps.

FIGURE 14.32 Oxygen tanks in use and full.

FIGURE 14.33 Left: oxygen tank yoke. Right: oxygen pressure gauge.

FIGURE 14.34 Anesthesia monitoring chart.

FIGURE 14.35 Insertion of the endotracheal tube.

FIGURE 14.36 Secured endotracheal tube and cuff inflation.

FIGURE 14.37 Multifunctional monitor.

FIGURE 14.38 Blood pressure cuffs.

FIGURE 14.39 Surgical caps and masks.

FIGURE 14.40 Holding a gauze sponge for a surgical scrub.

FIGURE 14.41 Opening a surgical pack.

FIGURE 14.42 Opening an auxiliary pack.

FIGURE 14.43 Suture material and scalpel blades.

FIGURE 14.44 Gas anesthesia machine.

FIGURE 14.45 Tissue adhesive.

FIGURE 14.46 Towel warmer.

Chapter 15

FIGURE 15.1 Tooth anatomy.

FIGURE 15.2 Directional terms.

FIGURE 15.3 Dental hand instrument kit.

FIGURE 15.4 Curette and scaler: close‐up of tips.

FIGURE 15.5 Luxators and elevators.

FIGURE 15.6 Tooth splitter and extraction forceps – left to right: incisor/c...

FIGURE 15.7 Dental prophylaxis scaler and polisher.

FIGURE 15.8 Ultrasonic dental scaler.

FIGURE 15.9 Triadan numbering system.

FIGURE 15.10 Anatomical numbering system.

FIGURE 15.11 Digital dental radiography unit.

Chapter 16

FIGURE 16.1 Lead apron and thyroid collar.

FIGURE 16.2 Lead gloves.

FIGURE 16.3 Calipers.

FIGURE 16.4 Positioning devices.

FIGURE 16.5 Labeling and marking devices.

FIGURE 16.6 Automatic processor.

FIGURE 16.7 Ultrasound.

FIGURE 16.8 Labeled parts of an endoscope.

FIGURE 16.9 Basic endoscopy video camera system. Note the endoscope hanging ...

FIGURE 16.10 The endoscopy/special procedures room at the Colorado State Uni...

Guide

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Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant

Fourth Edition

Teresa F. Sonsthagen, BS, LVT

This edition first published 2020 © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Edition HistoryLippincott, Williams, and Wilkins (1e, 2004). Blackwell Publishing (2e, 2009). John Wiley & Sons, Inc (3e, 2014). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, except as permitted by law. Advice on how to obtain permission to reuse material from this title is available at http://www.wiley.com/go/permissions.

The right of Teresa Sonsthagen to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted in accordance with law.

Registered OfficeJohn Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA

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For details of our global editorial offices, customer services, and more information about Wiley products visit us at www.wiley.com.

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Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of WarrantyThe contents of this work are intended to further general scientific research, understanding, and discussion only and are not intended and should not be relied upon as recommending or promoting scientific method, diagnosis, or treatment by physicians for any particular patient. In view of ongoing research, equipment modifications, changes in governmental regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to the use of medicines, equipment, and devices, the reader is urged to review and evaluate the information provided in the package insert or instructions for each medicine, equipment, or device for, among other things, any changes in the instructions or indication of usage and for added warnings and precautions. While the publisher and authors have used their best efforts in preparing this work, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this work and specifically disclaim all warranties, including without limitation any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives, written sales materials or promotional statements for this work. The fact that an organization, website, or product is referred to in this work as a citation and/or potential source of further information does not mean that the publisher and authors endorse the information or services the organization, website, or product may provide or recommendations it may make. This work is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering professional services. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a specialist where appropriate. Further, readers should be aware that websites listed in this work may have changed or disappeared between when this work was written and when it is read. Neither the publisher nor authors shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.

Library of Congress Cataloging‐in‐Publication Data

Names: Sonsthagen, Teresa F., author. | Pattengale, Paula. Tasks for the veterinary assistant.Title: Tasks for the veterinary assistant / Teresa F. Sonsthagen, BS, LVT.Description: Fourth edition. | Hoboken, NJ : Wiley‐Blackwell, 2020. | Revised edition of: Tasks for the veterinary assistant / Paula Pattengale, Teresa Sonsthagen. Third edition. 2014. | Includes bibliographical references and index.Identifiers: LCCN 2019025690 (print) | LCCN 2019025691 (ebook) | ISBN 9781119466826 (paperback) | ISBN 9781119466802 (adobe pdf) | ISBN 9781119466833 (epub)Subjects: LCSH: Veterinary medicine‐‐Handbooks, manuals, etc. | Animal health technicians‐‐Handbooks, manuals, etc.Classification: LCC SF748 .P38 2020 (print) | LCC SF748 (ebook) | DDC 636.089/069–dc23LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2019025690LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2019025691

Cover images: © Dmytro Zinkevych/Shutterstock (cat standing), © didesign021/Shutterstock (dog at vet), © Maria Sbytova/Shutterstock (female vet doctor using stethoscope), © Viktoriia Hnatiuk/Shutterstock (syringe with injection of medicine)Cover design by Wiley

PREFACE

Reference Book and Task Card Box

A usual day in most veterinary practices is often fast paced and demanding. As a new person it is sometimes difficult to find someone that is free to answer a question or clarify an instruction. The amount of information an assistant needs to know can be staggering, and it seems like you have to know it all on the first day!

A technique used in many veterinary technology programs is to have the students put together a reference book or a task card box. The idea is to put key activities and information at your fingertips or in a central location for quick reference. The information in the reference book is usually common information or standard operating procedures and the task card box is usually reminders for tasks that need to be performed weekly, monthly, or yearly. This information can be tailored to the practice in which you work or can be used right from this book as a means to study for exams. The information you gather from this textbook should be close to the standards of care maintained at any veterinary clinic in which you find employment and just needs to be modified to the “way they like things.”

The reference book and task card box can be made very simply with prehole punched index cards that can be kept bound together with “D‐rings” or a binder made for index cards. The index card fits nicely into scrub or lab coat pocket and can be changed out as duties or procedures change. The task card box also utilizes index cards kept in a recipe box with dividers for weekly, monthly, and yearly tasks. However you put your reference book and task card box together, make it yours! Be as creative as you wish; just try to keep in mind that as you grow in your job, you will be given more or at least different tasks, which in turn will require more or different information. So keep it flexible and changeable.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I wish to acknowledge Dr. Paula Pattengale, the originating author of Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant, and all the contributors to the third edition. Their work was the foundation of this remodeled edition.

I also wish to acknowledge my family and friends for their encouragement and support while working on this edition. Special thanks go to my husband for helping me find a good internet signal in the middle of the Mojave desert!

ABOUT THE COMPANION WEBSITE

This book is accompanied by a companion website:

www.wiley.com/go/sonsthagen/tasks

The website includes:

Suggestions for classroom discussions and activities

Exam questions

PowerPoint slides

Auxiliary websites

CHAPTER 1Professional Conduct and Foundation Skills

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Determining your role in a veterinary practice

Meeting employer expectations, mastering 10 professional behaviors

Develop a professional appearance

Utilize effective communication skills – verbal, written, computer, social media, and credible web resources

Anticipate work flow

Application of ethics in the veterinary practice

Understand the human–animal bond

Understand and recognize the grief process

Master foundation skills:

Veterinary practice math

Medical terminology

NAVTA GUIDELINES COVERED IN THIS CHAPTER

Office and Hospital Procedures

Front desk

Demonstrate elementary computer skills

Utilize basic medical terminology and abbreviations

Determining Your Role in a Veterinary Practice

A veterinary practice may be conducted in a hospital or a clinic. In human medicine there is a distinct difference. Hospitals are where patients are treated and cared for “in‐house” or in a facility. A clinic is where patients are seen and sent home to recover or are sent to a hospital for more intensive care. In veterinary practice, the words “hospital” and “clinic” are used interchangeably, as both will admit critical patients into their facility for intensive care. However, some cities have access to a relatively new type of veterinary practice that does nothing but intensive and emergency care. Patients are transferred to these facilities for around the clock care, thereby freeing general clinic and hospital practices to focus on general care. What this means is that whatever the type of clinic or hospital, it requires staffing. Let’s discuss the staffing required in a veterinary practice.

A veterinary practice consists of many staff members. It takes the specialized skills of each to provide the competent care that pet owners expect for their pets. The veterinary assistant is just one member of the veterinary team. Synchronization of their duties with those of other members of this specialized team requires an awareness of the responsibilities of each. Understanding how the assistant fits into the complex pattern is crucial to successful coordination of patient care and implementation.

Every practice requires at least one veterinarian. This person can either be the owner of the practice or an employee. To become a veterinarian one must complete an undergraduate course at a college or university. It usually takes four years to complete the undergrad requirements, with most receiving a bachelor’s degree in the subject of their choice. Then students must be accepted at a college of veterinary medicine which is another four years of education to receive either a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or a Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris (VMD) depending on the college of veterinary medicine attended. In order to practice veterinary medicine, new graduates must pass a licensing exam for each state in which they wish to practice. Without this they cannot practice in a state even with a degree in hand! Some veterinarians chose to specialize in a specific area of veterinary medicine which involves additional years of study and another round of exams administered by an organization dedicated solely to that field of study. For example, a DVM interested in ophthalmology does everything required by the College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists and passes their exam to become a Diplomat in Veterinary Ophthalmology. But the learning still isn’t finished! The state the veterinarian is practicing in, and if specialized the “College,” requires several hours of continuing education per year to maintain their license to practice in that state and their diplomat status as a specialist.

The role of a veterinarian in practice is generally one that provides a diagnosis, prognoses, prescribes treatments and medications, and performs surgery on animals. The mission of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is to lead the profession by advocating for its members and advancing the science and practice of veterinary medicine to improve animal and human health. It provides a Model Veterinary Practice Act that succinctly spells out the duties performed by a licensed veterinarian. In addition, the veterinarian is held legally responsible for the safety of all employees and all actions of each employee within the practice. The final word on the treatment of a patient is the veterinarian’s.

According to the AVMA Model Veterinary Practice Act, technicians cannot diagnose, prognose, prescribe medicine, or perform surgery. Veterinary technicians are educated to perform the same tasks as human nurses, surgery technicians/nurses, anesthetic nurses, laboratory, dental, and radiology technicians on animals in a veterinary practice. In addition, they play an integral part in client education and communication.

There are several ways to become a veterinary technician. One way is to attend an AVMA accredited veterinary technology program. This is a program that has met stringent guidelines for didactic and medical skills training. Most programs offer an Associate degree that can take from two to three years to complete and is offered in community, technical, or private colleges. There are also several bachelor’s degree veterinary technologist programs across the USA that are offered in public and private colleges and universities. This may seem like overkill; however, if you change your mind about working in a veterinary practice a bachelor’s degree opens the door to jobs within industry, business, research, and government. Another path to becoming a veterinary technician is to enroll in an AVMA accredited online program. You can work at your own pace and utilize a veterinary practice as your training facility. Once a person has graduated from an accredited program most states require the graduate to sit for a credentialing exam, the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB), and is recorded by a state veterinary medical board. A few states offer voluntary credentialing which is recorded by either the state veterinary technician association or the veterinary medical association. There are also some states that don’t require any sort of credentialing. The credential designation also depends upon the state. Those states that recognize veterinary technicians that have passed the VTNE grant them the designation of Certified, Registered, or Licensed Veterinary Technicians. This creates much confusion especially as all states that offer credentialing utilize the VTNE offered by the AAVSB. To address this confusion the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) has initiated a move to have all states recognize veterinary technicians and technologists as Registered Veterinary Nurses. It is hoped that with this change in terminology the confusion when moving from state to state will disappear and the public will more readily recognize the role that the veterinary nurse plays in a veterinary practice.

NAVTA offers specialty recognition to those technicians that are interested in various areas of practice, usually within veterinary specialty practices. There are currently 16 Academies that offer training and testing for technicians that are interested in obtaining a specialty designation.

Veterinary technicians are often included in state practice acts. The AVMA has included veterinary technicians/technologists in their Model Veterinary Practice Act.

Veterinary assistants are important members of the veterinary practice team. They are often the “right hand person” for the veterinarian and veterinary technician, meaning that they help wherever and whenever help is needed in the day‐to‐day activities in the practice. “An assistant provides help under the direct supervision of the veterinarians or veterinary technicians. This allows those team members to perform the tasks and responsibilities of their positions as per their education and training” (NAVTA website). An assistant can be helping to restrain a kitten for an ear exam one minute and mopping up an accident in the reception area, answering the telephone, and scheduling an appointment the next. All the jobs done by an assistant are important to the well‐being of the animals, clients, and staff in the veterinary practice. An assistant should be willing to jump in and do “whatever it takes” to keep the practice running smoothly. This is the hallmark of a first‐rate veterinary assistant.

Assistants are often trained on the job but there is a certification program offered by many high schools, community colleges (some of which also have veterinary technology programs), and online programs. The NAVTA offers an Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) certificate after successful graduation from an approved veterinary assistant program and passing the veterinary assistant exam.

Developing an understanding of the flow of activities within a practice and how other staff members accomplish tasks is essential. This knowledge enables the assistant to prepare both material and patient in anticipation of the work to be done, thus creating an efficient sequence of work within the veterinary practice. It is in the preparation and follow‐up phases of patient care, as much as the simultaneous help, that makes assistants so valuable to the practice.

Office personnel are those who handle the business side of a veterinary practice. Included in this group are the receptionists. They are the voice and face of the practice. This means they are the first person a client meets, often in stressful situations. The receptionist must be able to multi‐task and keep everything in order to keep the practice running smoothly. This includes scheduling appointments and surgeries, explaining and collecting fees, routing calls to the appropriate person in the practice, and making sure client records are kept up to date. Receptionists are often trained on the job and should have at least a high school education.

Office or business managers often assist with reception duties, but their main duties involve the day‐to‐day business of the practice: taking care of accounts, paying bills and payroll, settling disputes, and often scheduling staff members. They may have a degree in business management or often they are veterinary technicians or technologists that have taken continuing education courses in practice management. These are just a few of the duties covered by the receptionist and office manager.

Cleaning staff are those personnel that are charged with keeping the clinic clean as well as personnel hired to keep the kennels clean. This may be delegated to one or two people or it could be delegated to the veterinary assistant. It is also the responsibility of every person working in the clinic to clean and make sure the patients are comfortable and have the necessities of life. If this is one of your duties take pride in knowing that often the first impression of a clinic is how clean it is and if it smells good. By doing an excellent job in cleaning both the facility and the kennels you are providing an invaluable service to both your employer and the animals you love.

Cross‐training often occurs in veterinary practices, which enables each team member to carry out the tasks of other team members or function in a duel role such as technician–office manager. Cross‐training allows for greater flexibility in staff scheduling. It guarantees that when a practice is short staffed, employees can effectively help each other complete their work. Dual roles are often needed in small facilities with fewer employees. Veterinary assistants may be asked to cover the receptionist or kennel care duties on occasion.

Information Discovery

Utilizing the internet, find the veterinary practice act for the state in which you live:

Find out how many hours of continuing education it takes for a veterinarian to maintain her/his license each year.

Find out what it means to practice veterinary medicine.

Develop your written communication skills by explaining what a veterinarian is and what they do in veterinary practice, in your own words, as if you were talking to a high school student.

Utilizing the internet, look up, copy and paste the AVMA’s model practice act or continue to work with the practice act from your state:

Find the definition of a veterinary technician and veterinary technologist and what it means to practice veterinary technology.

Compare the similarities and differences between a veterinarian and a veterinary technician in a veterinary practice.

How does your state recognize veterinary technicians?

What is the credential designation and how many hours of continuing education are required to maintain that credential?

Utilizing the internet, find the NAVTA approved veterinary assistant program guidelines:

Reflect why passage from such a program versus on the job training may be important to job acquisition and mobility.

Meeting Employer Expectations – 10 Behaviors to Master

Employers in all professions demand behaviors that reflect competent knowledge and good attitudes and veterinary medicine is no exception. This section introduces the veterinary assistant to the professional behaviors specific for success within a veterinary practice. Whether you are a veterinary associate or a kennel assistant, all employers have basic expectations of every employee. The following are 10 behaviors to master in order to meet these expectations:

Punctuality

Presence

Flexibility

Cooperation

Following directions

Working independently

Honesty

Problem solving

Loyalty

Adherence to the policies and procedures of the workplace

Commitment

To customer satisfaction and product quality

To client–patient confidentiality

To learn now and for a lifetime

To take, then act upon constructive criticism without anger or defensiveness.

Punctuality, without excuses. Clients are scheduled to arrive at the clinic at specific times to facilitate seeing their pet, determining a course of action, and treating the pet. If the clinic’s personnel are late getting to work, it can have catastrophic effects for the rest of the day. If your shift starts at 8 a.m. you should plan on arriving 5–10 minutes early. This allows you to put your personal belongings away, stow your lunch, make sure you have a pen, leash, roll of tape, and scissors in your pocket, and with name tag in place punch in on time. Walking in the door at 8 a.m. means you have arrived late!

Presence, when you are at work you must concentrate on work! Whatever is going on in your personal life needs to be checked at the door of the clinic. Your employer may care about you, but still expects you to do the job you are being paid to perform every day for the times you are scheduled to work. Life is hard, but it gets a lot harder if you are dismissed from your job because your personal life is getting in the way of performing your duties.

Both punctuality and presence can be a morale buster in a clinic. The following scenario demonstrates two divergent behaviors regarding punctuality and presence.

Scenario: Punctuality and Presence

Stew walks in the door right at 8 a.m. or is 5–10 minutes late every morning. He always has an excuse, from traffic jams to his dog running off or his alarm not ringing. When he is finally punched in he is often on his cell phone; arguing with his girlfriend or checking his text or email, which also occurs every chance he gets throughout the day. The other staff members often must ask twice for help or nudge him into action because he is on his phone. He complains to anyone that will listen to him about his car, roommate, or girlfriend. He is often moody and tired because he has stayed up too late playing the latest computer game, which he goes into detail about every chance he gets. Meanwhile, Connie arrives at work by 7.50 a.m. every morning, works with a smile, chats when appropriate but is often on the move all the time. If she isn’t helping someone directly she is cleaning something. The only time you see her on her phone is during breaks and lunch. She does use her phone as a timer for vital signs and as a calculator as needed, but that is all during working times.

At the end of the shift an invitation is made to gather at a local coffee shop. Stew readily accepts, but Connie declines. When asked why, she states that her mother is in the hospital critically ill and she needs to be with her. No one knew!

Information Check and Reflection

Describe how Stew’s attitude, presence, and punctuality would wear on the morale in the clinic.

How do you think Connie keeps so focused at work, especially with a critically ill mother?

What two behaviors is Connie demonstrating?

Reflect on how you would plan on being at work on time and how can you stay in the present when life is tough outside of work.

Flexibility and cooperation are vital in keeping the workflow going throughout the day. The veterinary assistant may be asked to assist with anesthetizing a patient one moment and to gather a patient in the reception area the next. You are the extra pair of hands often desperately needed in the veterinary clinic. Doing all tasks asked of you willingly and competently builds trust in your abilities. This is not only expected, but also appreciated by everyone in the clinic.

The same is true for working with others in a clinic. It is so important to work well with everyone. Cooperation is a valuable behavior, which can be tough sometimes because each person will often have their own style of accomplishing the same tasks. This makes it difficult sometimes, but it is important to go with the flow and provide the best help you can when taking care of patients. Learn how each veterinarian and veterinary technician likes to accomplish tasks and be a step ahead of them when setting up or be thinking about what they may ask you to do.

Scenario: Flexibility and Cooperation

A new veterinarian, Dr. Kindheart, has been hired and it is her first day at the clinic. Stew has been assigned to be her assistant for the day. He meets her in the prep room and as she walks in informs her that their first task is to neuter a cat. Stew presents the cat for her to examine and restrains it for her to anesthetize. When it is sleeping soundly he automatically places the cat into dorsal recumbency and stretches the back legs up towards its head. Dr. Kindheart is stunned because she has never seen this position before. She asks why he is holding the cat this way and Stew says, “Dr. Alright, the clinic owner, always does them this way.” Dr. Kindheart asks Stew to place the cat in lateral recumbency and to hold the tail up and out of the way. Stew heaves big sigh and shakes his head, while slowly repositioning the cat. Dr. Kindheart’s confidence is shaken, thinking that she may be doing it wrong. Meanwhile Stew is shifting from foot to foot, heaving more sighs or is babbling about some video game he played the night before which further distracts and heightens the nerves of an already jittery vet. The neuter takes twice as long as usual and Dr. Kindheart feels like a failure.

The next day Connie is assigned to Dr. Kindheart. Stew heaves a sigh of relief and says, “Glad I’m with Dr. Alright today. He knows what he’s doing!” Then with an evil grin he quips “Good luck with the newbie!” Connie approaches Dr. Kindheart and introduces herself as the veterinary assistant assigned to her for the day. They proceed to the surgery prep area and Connie asks Dr. Kindheart how she would like to proceed. The relieved vet and Connie have a good discussion about how they will accomplish the neuter, and everything goes according to plan.

Information Check and Reflection

What behavior skills did Connie employ when working with Dr. Kindheart for the first time?

How well do you think Stew works with the various people in the clinic compared to Connie?

Who was more flexible in this scenario?

Reflect on how you would learn to work with other people in a practice.

Following directions and completing the task to its logical conclusion is very important. To illustrate these behaviors read the following scenario about two very busy veterinary assistants, Stew and Connie.

Scenario: Following Directions

The practice is crazy busy this morning with a full schedule. Already the phone is ringing off the hook with clients seeking to get their pets looked at today. The only option for those pets sounding to be very ill is to have the patients dropped off for the vets to look at when they get a chance. Both Stew and Connie are called to the reception area at the same time to take patients back to the kennel area. Stew approaches the client and asks him to put the dog on the leash he is holding out. He then takes the dog and puts it into a kennel, shuts the door and leaves. Connie approaches the other client, with a smile and a hello. She confirms that this is the patient that is going to stay with them for a while and assures the client that her dog will be just fine while she is away. Connie takes the dog to a kennel, reassures it with a few pats then shuts the door and leaves, only to return in a few minutes with a water dish and sleeping pad to put in the kennel. She gives the dog a few more pats and then carefully closes the door to the kennel, making sure it latches.

Information Check and Reflection

Who followed instructions?

Who followed instructions to their logical conclusion?

Why was it important to place water and a sleeping pad in the kennel?

Reflect on who you would want to emulate.

Working independently is a skill all employers check references about. Can you be given a task and complete that task without someone checking up on you constantly? Can you be given instructions and carry out those instructions without asking questions about every step? These are just a few examples of what working independently means. It is also utilizing “moments of time” to learn how to answer the phone, check in or check out a patient, or properly clean and set up a kennel without being directed to do so. These actions increase your value to the practice. “Moments of time” are those down times when the practice isn’t busy. Make it a point to look for ways to contribute to the practice. Cleaning out a drawer, observing others doing their jobs, or even washing down a wall are all ways to contribute and make yourself a valuable member of the practice.

Reflection

Do you work independently? If so, describe some of the work you do without supervision or being asked to do something. If you don’t, think about ways to start working independently.

Benjamin Franklin is credited with saying, “Honesty is the best policy.” But what exactly does that mean. We all have told a “white lie” to avoid hurting someone’s feelings. To not tell the truth when we have done something wrong or have forgotten to do something that endangers a person, animal, place, or thing is a moral flaw. It seems to be human nature to either be truthful or dishonest. Which one often depends on how one was raised. Telling the truth, having the punishment fit the crime, and facing the consequences is often a means for teaching that honesty is the best policy. Terrible punishment after telling the truth teaches us to lie the next time to avoid the punishment. Getting away with a lie often reinforces lying because we can get away with it, that is until we get caught in a lie. Telling the truth, facing and dealing with the consequences is still better than being branded a liar and losing the trust of your employer and co‐workers. To paraphrase Ankita Bhardwaj, from her essay Honesty is the Best Policy: Origin, Meaning, Explanation, Essay, Speech, honesty is the key to a good life, the benefits of telling the truth always come back to you in the long run. Honest people are trusted and respected. Dishonest people may get by for a while but sooner or later their lies will catch up to them and dire consequences usually follow.

Scenario: Honesty

Remember in our last scenario, when Stew put his patient into a kennel and left? Connie reminded him to get a water dish and sleeping pad for his patient, as he was leaning against the counter looking at his phone. He said “Yeah, as soon as I’m done here.” Well, he forgot, two hours have passed. Dr. Kindheart has a break in seeing afternoon patients and goes to check the patients that were dropped off. Remember, these are patients that had to be seen today as their conditions were such that they couldn’t wait a few days for an appointment. As she enters the kennel room she sees a very sick dog without a water dish and no sleeping pad. She turns to Stew, who is her assigned assistant, saying, “Who put this dog in a kennel without water? How long has he been here without water?” Stew realizes that he forgot to take care of this patient. He must make a quick decision: tell the truth or lie. Here’s what runs through his thoughts:

Blame it on Connie. She brought another dog back at the same time and Dr. Kindheart wouldn’t know who brought which dog back. No, that won’t work, everyone knows Connie is a stickler for details and would never forget to put water in a patient’s kennel

.

Say, “I don’t know” and leave it at that. No, that won’t work either, everyone knows we were both called to the front to pick up a patient, so it was me or Connie

.

Fess up, I forgot to give him water, tell the truth and hope they don’t fire me

.