At Town N Country, we have a lot of people involved in taking care of your pet – and you. One of those people is the veterinary nurse. These amazing professionals play a vital role in the healthcare of your pets, working alongside our veterinarians to ensure your pets receive the best possible care.
Info, Please. One of the most important tasks of a veterinary nurse is gathering essential information from pet owners to give to the veterinarian. During routine visits, veterinary nurses inquire about various aspects of your pet’s health, including any recent changes, medications, and the living environment. They leave no stone unturned, as even the smallest detail can be significant in diagnosing and treating an animal’s health issue.
They may start with a simple question: “How is everyone doing?” This seemingly casual query can open the door to uncovering any subtle changes in your fur baby’s health since the last visit. They also ensure that they have a complete list of medications, including over-the-counter products, and prevention methods to guarantee that your pet is receiving the right treatment and care.
Pet Ed. Veterinary nurses are not only responsible for gathering information but also for educating pet owners about their pet’s needs. This includes discussing essential aspects such as vaccines, preventatives, exercise requirements, and even anxiety levels. They ensure that clients are well-informed about what their pets need to maintain good health.
When it comes to vaccines, veterinary nurses take into consideration the pet’s environment and surroundings. Depending on factors like location and exposure risks, they may recommend specific vaccines such as rabies, distemper/parvo, Bordetella, leptospirosis, and Lyme disease. This will help you make informed decisions about your pet’s care.
Sick Bay. Sick visits are particularly distressing for pet owners, and this is when veterinary nurses shine. They ask questions like “How long have these symptoms been going on?” and “Have you tried anything at home?” These inquiries help the veterinarian understand the history of the issue and any home remedies that may have been attempted.
Depending on the severity of the situation, veterinary nurses may seek permission to run lab work or radiographs, ensuring that the veterinarian has the necessary information for a precise diagnosis and treatment plan.
Fear Free. Our nurses are the face of Fear Free. Our facility is designed for a pet’s comfort, with things like special non-slip floors, ottomans for exam tables, and soft music. But the nurses are the ones who set the fear free tone. They have a veritable Mary Poppins bag of tricks, like string cheese and pheromone spray. But most of all they just ooze love and calmness – and your pet can sense that!
Client Comfort. In addition to all their responsibilities in patient care, veterinary nurses are also mindful of the client’s comfort and budget. They understand that medical expenses can be a concern for many pet owners and are skilled at discussing estimates for procedures, whether it’s a routine wellness visit or a more complex medical issue. This ensures that clients are comfortable with the proposed treatments and that the pet’s well-being is the top priority.
We’re super proud of the nurses at Town N Country. On Vet Assistants and Nurse week, we take time out to shine the spotlight on them. But all year long we could sing praises about the vital role they play in keeping your furry family members happy and healthy.
