10/19/2021
Beginning in 1993, National Vet Tech Appreciation Week exists to enlighten the public about veterinary technicians and assistants and provide an opportunity to support, encourage and show gratitude to these crucial staff members. Vet techs are versatile and highly-trained experts. A vet tech can serve as a laboratory technician, a nurse, a radiation tech, an anesthetist, and a teacher all in one day. Being a vet tech is hard during the best of times, let alone during a global pandemic. Not only are they on their feet all day, get up at all hours of the night for emergencies, they are now having to work extra hard with often anxious clients and higher work loads and increased stress as we deal with ever changing protocols and dangers brought on by this pandemic. Our ability to stay working on the front lines and provide continuous essential veterinary care was in no small part due to these excellent staff members. The effects of the pandemic has taken a toll on everyone with the pandemic triggering one of the worst job crises as well as a huge impact on mental health. Burnout is commonplace and I can't begin to say how grateful and proud I am of the staff members who stayed strong through all of this, stuck through the rough times and worked to create resilience, manage stress and build one of the strongest, best trained, loyal and fun teams I have ever had the privilege of working with. Today I want to take a moment to honor their commitment to our team, our hospital, our clients and patients, and for continuing each day to provide high-quality, compassionate care. Thanks for helping me to remember why I love this field so much and for keeping a smile on your face, day after day, despite the high workload and stress. I hope you all know how much I appreciate you and how proud I am of all of you. And to all our loyal and supportive clients, this week, please take a moment to thank a vet tech for all they do! Your positive comments, words of gratitude and support is greatly appreciated.
