As a veterinarian specializing in emergency and critical care medicine, I can honestly say that I am useless without my technicians. More appropriately termed veterinary nurses, my vet techs are nothing short of amazing in caring for the unstable or critically ill dogs and cats that I oversee in the veterinary ER and ICU. 

Which is why it pains me more than ever to know that we are losing vet techs to other roles or professions at astronomical rates. Survey research demonstrates that approximately half of vet techs burn out and leave the profession within their first 5 years. Sadly, with the added stress of staffing shortages and high caseload during the pandemic, even seasoned vet techs are choosing to leave veterinary medicine to pursue other careers instead.

For the most part, research investigating burnout among veterinary professionals has focused on veterinarians. However, in recent years studies have included vet techs, to gain a better understanding of the unique factors that contribute to their stress and burnout. 

A recent study surveyed more than 250 vet techs working in academic teaching hospitals in Canada and the USA to measure burnout, depression, and resilience scores and to determine how they were linked to perceptions of workload, work environment, and the frequency of medical errors. The most important study findings revealed that higher burnout scores corresponded with more frequent medical errors, a desire to change careers, and depression. 

Work environment factors that contributed to higher burnout scores included feeling fearful or anxious about communicating with a supervisor, believing that the patient load was too high to allow for appropriate patient care, and realizing that assistance was not available during sudden workload increases. 

Astoundingly, when the study compared the vet tech burnout scores with those measured in a group of human trauma nurses, the vet tech scores were higher. Which must certainly paint a vivid picture about the incredible work that vet techs do and the excruciating stress and burnout that accompanies it. 

A recent online survey of more than 1,600 vet techs, most of whom lived in the USA and Canada, aimed to determine factors that could improve the vet tech work experience and, in doing so, diminish burnout. In addition to better financial compensation, the study authors focused on 4 types of resources that are likely to foster resilience and wellbeing among vet techs.

Based on the study’s findings, here is a summary of what you can do to reduce vet tech burnout: 

1. Give vet techs control of their schedule: Vet techs are typically at the whim of the veterinarians with whom they are working, which can reduce their sense of autonomy and control. Job control is important for managing burnout because it offers a feeling of predictability and lessens anxiety and overwhelm. Because emotional exhaustion, a symptom of burnout, is associated with an absence of job control, it is important to allow vet techs to have a say over their shift schedule (timing and duration), with the aim of fostering work-life balance.
2. Allow vet techs to use their knowledge and skills: Ensuring vet techs have a sense of contributing to the practice of veterinary medicine and that they are using their knowledge and skills to care for animals, is key to reducing cynicism and low professional efficacy, two other symptoms of burnout. To accomplish this, vet techs must be given the chance to demonstrate their technical skills, and most importantly, for their skills and knowledge to be recognized. Being quick to point out when a vet tech places an IV catheter in record speed, snaps a perfect radiograph, or flawlessly explains a treatment plan to an owner, will help foster a sense of accomplishment.    
3. Provide vet techs opportunities for learning and growth: Providing opportunities for professional development, personal growth, or career advancement are essential for reducing all three symptoms of burnout. When vet techs have chances to enhance their skills and knowledge or move forward in their career, it inevitably nurtures a sense of accomplishment and worth. Employers must promote this by giving time off for learning and development, financial support for conferences and certifications, and chances to have conversations about career goals and aspirations. 
4. Show vet techs respect: Feeling recognized and appreciated by colleagues lowers emotional exhaustion and cynicism. This is due to the sense of teamwork and belonging that are nurtured in an environment that promotes respect and support. Veterinarians, practice managers, and other supervisors or team leaders must offer frequent feedback and demonstrate appreciation for vet techs as often as possible. Vet techs may also seek support from vet tech associations or other peer groups to foster that sense of belonging. 

With vet techs choosing to leave their job (or career) at higher than ever rates, it is prudent that we all consider what we can do to mitigate vet tech burnout and promote career longevity. In honour of National Vet Tech Week (in the USA) and RVT Month (in Canada), please consider what you can do to show the vet techs in your life that you appreciate them.