Hi Everyone!
It's here, another issue of The Journal; where I look forward to letting you in on what I've been up to and bringing you all things puppies, pets and people that I meet along the way!
Something has been on my mind lately; those who work behind the scenes... according to the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia, 64% of veterinary nurses are considering leaving the veterinary profession within the next five years. Why? Their motivation and passion for the job is heavily impacted by the complex nature of working in a clinical environment, which includes you. As a pet owner, you can have a lasting impact on whether a vet nurse will remain in the profession. Do you know what the role of a vet nurse is? Their work is so often behind closed doors but that doesn't mean it's any less important. Through thick and thin, vet nurses have long been running the show. Vets need vet nurses, they make up 42% of the workforce in Australia. With rising rates of pet ownership, we desperately need our vet nurses, so let's look at how we can do better as pet owners and improve how we can support them - because believe me, they love your pets so much it hurts. |
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WAIT, IT'S NOT ALL PUPPIES AND KITTENS? |
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I chose to leave clinical work after a decade of dabbling in veterinary nursing, while trying to become a vet, but instead turned to practice management. My departure was ultimately due to limited career progression, another core challenge that veterinary nurses face. Central to being a vet nurse, is talking to pet owners about animal health, welfare and responsible pet care; something I now exclusively do every day through Puppy School. I have essentially removed myself from the various stressors of working within a clinical framework, so I can deliver the aspects of the job that I enjoy most, talking to you! Sometimes I feel guilty for leaving the profession, particularly in light of workforce shortages and diminished leadership but I know that I am contributing from the outside to support those on the inside.
In Australia, the demand for vet nurses is expected to grow by 15.4% by next year. Pet owner expectations, low renumeration, lack of leadership and competing tensions that exist in a clinical setting are putting pressure on vet nurses, leaving them to succumb to burnout and compassion fatigue - that we know, for sure. A study published this month found that two in three vet nurses have experienced signs of burnout and are left to question one thing; how can a veterinary nurse balance and put forward both, their skills and their wellbeing sustainably?
I sought to find out how one vet nurse, Lilli Van Ewyk, is staying connected to her motivation and passion for the job. |
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JAX & RIVER, NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA, ACT 2025. |
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Whenever I see Lilli, she seems so happy and not at all jaded about her work, which is rare. Lilli loves her job and naturally, I had to ask her exactly how she is doing it; she says "prioritising self-care, setting healthy boundaries and taking the time to rest are all important ways that I prevent burnout and compassion fatigue".
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LILLI WITH HER GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTERS, JAX & RIVER, NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA, ACT 2025. |
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I chatted to Lilli about why she is choosing to staying in the profession. Lilli explained that being curious and "exploring further education and up-skilling in areas like ECC (emergency and critical care) can open up new opportunities and help improve earning potential...finding a workplace that aligns with these priorities for nurses can make a big difference in supporting vet nurse wellbeing and create long-term career satisfaction."
Her outlook is so positive, but it's not all "cuddling animals", she says. Lilli wishes that pet owners knew a bit more about the role; "at times, difficult client interactions and lack of understanding about the position can leave me feeling a little overlooked and emotionally fatigued... I wish pet owners knew that we are trained professionals who monitor anaesthetics, assist in surgeries, provide nursing care, manage patient recovery, and offer emotional support to both pets and people." She'd like to see more recognition for the skills, knowledge and care that vet nurses bring to the profession. With improved understanding and support, especially around mental health, she says "we can thrive and make an even greater impact." |
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What's at the heart of sustaining a career as a vet nurse? "A sustainable vet nursing career means caring for yourself as much as you care for animals." This is something Lilli has deciphered, early in her career. Boundaries, support, and ongoing learning help to keep her passion alive and finding a workplace that recognises, appreciates and supports their nurses is crucial. "We celebrate the wins with you and we carry the heartbreak too." It's precisely this duality within the job that requires extra special care from all sides.
With increased focus on up-skilling, leadership, and projected growth of the profession, positive change is on the horizon. All signs point towards job security, improved business models that embrace flexibility and growing frameworks that prioritise mental health and wellbeing for veterinary staff.
While the profession works to provide opportunities for growth and works to improve their leadership capabilities, pet owners can do their part too. Next time you engage with a vet nurse, ask them how they're doing and what they enjoy most about their work. Thank them for what they have specifically done for you and your pet during your visit. Leave a Google review and thank them by name. Be respectful of their time - they are really good at making it look like they aren't busy! Lastly, a card and some chocolates go a long way...but being kind and respectful goes much further. |
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LILLI WITH HER GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTERS, JAX & RIVER, NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA, ACT 2025. |
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I'm so pleased to welcome Lilli to the team or as I have started to call it, "The Puppy Squad". It's literally our dream job and I still can't believe I get to call this work.
Classes with Lilli will begin in September at The Foreshore Vet. Enrol now. |
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To each and every one of you,
thank you for being here, even if just for a moment!
Until next month! |
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