Webinar bids to empower vet nurses in push for better pay

An upcoming webinar aims to help veterinary nurses and technicians better communicate their real value as they push for better pay.

Presented by the North American Veterinary Communit, the June 1 webinar is the second in a three-session series and part of the Veterinary Nurse Empowerment Initiative the NAVC launched earlier this year.

Participants will learn current trends in compensation and benefits for veterinary nurses/technicians, how to calculate and convey their value, and how to determine a practice’s culture and working conditions before accepting a job.

Registration for the Veterinary Nurse Empowerment: Improving Compensation and Turnover webinar is available here.

“Veterinary nurses need to advocate for themselves. We are a vital part of the veterinary health care team and are in short supply simply because the pay for many is below the poverty line. By advocating for yourself, you can set a higher bar, not only for yourself, but for those that follow,” said Ashli Selke, RVT, CVT, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, Instructional Technologist Veterinary Nursing Program, National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) President and webinar panelist.

“According to a study commissioned by the NAVC, veterinary nurse/technicians find caring for animals is meaningful and purposeful work, yet a third plan to leave the profession within five years,” said Gene O’Neill, NAVC CEO. “The NAVC is committed to helping veterinary healthcare teams thrive. Staff turnover is a barrier to this and the veterinary team’s ability to provide the best level of care to patients. This is one of the key reasons the NAVC has taken a leadership role in elevating and advancing veterinary nurses/technicians.”

Moderated by NAVC Program Specialist Samantha Sacasa, CVT, the webinar will feature a distinguished panel of credentialed veterinary nurses and technicians including:

• Leslie Boudreau, BASVT, RVTg, CVPM, PHR, PHRca, SPHR, Practice Manager, Animal Hospital of Huntington Beach
• Rebecca Rose, AAS, CVT, certified career coach, founder and president of CATALYST Veterinary Professional Coaches
• Ashli Selke, RVT, CVT, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, Instructional Technologist Veterinary Nursing Program and NAVTA President

The last in the series of webinars,“Veterinary Nurse Empowerment: Optimizing Utilization and Job Satisfaction,” will be held on Wednesday, August 31, at noon.