Plus-Hex CLINICAL
Learning outcomes
ABSTRACT The current shortage of veterinary professionals and low staff retention rates mean veterinary nurses ( VNs ) can find themselves taking on extra responsibilities , covering shifts and managing day-to-day tasks on their own .
Sole-charge nursing can be a good opportunity for VNs to use their skills and have autonomy with patients . However , working alone for long periods of time may have negative effects on a VN ' s ability to provide a high standard of care . The increased workload can challenge their work – life balance and put stress on their mental and physical wellbeing .
VNs in highly stressful situations are at risk of developing compassion fatigue or burnout from trying to keep up with the demands of clients and employers . It then becomes more difficult for them to care about situations they previously recognised as important , which can be detrimental to patient care . What were once considered priorities can become overlooked or mistakes can be made , such as drawing up the incorrect drug dose or snapping at a patient .
This article highlights the reasons VNs find themselves in sole charge of patient care , the signs of burnout and compassion fatigue in VNs , and the potential effect of sole-charge veterinary nursing on patients .
Keywords staff , retention , burnout , compassion fatigue , patient , care , nursing
Introduction
The recruitment and retention of veterinary staff has been a talking point for a number of years . Brexit , the Covid-19 pandemic and the current economic crisis have all contributed to circumstances in which veterinary nurses ( VNs ) find themselves covering shifts alone . In some practices , veterinary surgeons ( VSs ) and receptionists are the only members of staff available to assist a VN with their tasks . Unfortunately , this is becoming the ‘ norm ’ for some practices in the UK .
Currently , there is no research into how sustained lone working is impacting on individual VNs and their ability to provide a good standard of patient care . In recent years , the author has found herself in the position of being a sole-charge VN in various practices . Being in sole charge is challenging , especially when several tasks require attention simultaneously , for example , preparing a patient for anaesthesia while monitoring another patient during its recovery . This can negatively impact on a VN ' s ability to provide the level of care and attention each patient requires .
• Understand how low VN retention results in more sole-charge veterinary nursing
• Understand burnout and compassion fatigue
• Identify how these factors affect patient care
Low retention of VNs
A study by CVS found that 16.9 % of VNs employed by the group in 2020 resigned within the following year , with personal reasons ( 12.9 %) and work – life balance ( 10.1 %) being two of the main reasons VNs left their positions [ 1 ] . Similarly , the 2019 RCVS survey highlighted job satisfaction and lack of employer support as two reasons respondents were considering leaving the profession , with not feeling respected or valued also shown to have an impact [ 2 ] .
These factors are resulting in a high turnover of VNs in clinical roles , and practices are finding themselves unable to provide the same level of care and client support as they could if they were not understaffed [ 3 ] . Pressure is placed on the remaining staff , increasing the risk of errors and compromised patient care [ 4 ] .
This level of increased responsibility can negatively impact on the mental health of VNs , especially in cases where individuals go unrewarded or feel undervalued . Without addressing the drop in staff retention and acknowledging the effect of the additional workload of the remaining staff , there will be no opportunity for recognition or growth within the profession [ 5 ] .
Having limited numbers of nursing staff can increase work-related pressure , with the remaining VNs being left to take on additional responsibilities , leaving VNs at a high risk of experiencing occupational stress [ 6 ] . Unmanageable workloads can have long-term effects on an individual ' s physical and mental health [ 6 ] .
Burnout and compassion fatigue
Burnout is defined as mental and physical exhaustion following periods of working in stressful or demanding roles [ 7 ] . There is also a strong link between burnout and working in environments with limited support . Sufferers will often experience various symptoms , including a lack of interest in work .
VNs may become absent or display presenteeism , where they are physically present in the practice but they are less productive and more prone to making errors [ 8 ] . Burnout is likely to result in a decline in the working standards of affected VNs , which has the potential to impact on overall patient care [ 5 ] .
Volume 39 ( 6 ) • December 2024
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