References
A compassionate journey part 4: self and team care
Abstract
Veterinary team members encounter end-of-life situations on a very regular basis, with euthanasia of animals being a common occurence. Over 80% of pets in the UK are euthanased at the end of their life (O'Neill et al, 2013), and almost a quarter of veterinary team members estimated that they had end-of-life discussions on a daily basis (Compassion Understood, 2016a). This is a source of stress for all members of the team, not least the clinical team members who have to actively participate in an animal's death. Further, supporting an often distressed and emotional animal owner, places a further strain. Compassion fatigue is a common consequence (
Working in veterinary practice can be both rewarding and satisfying and has been recognised as one the most caring of all professions (Mitchener and Ogilvie, 2002). Seeing an animal get better and receiving gratitude from a client can have a positive impact on the veterinary team and individuals. The positive aspects received through the veterinary caregiving role are known as ‘compassion satisfiers’. They are integral to achieving job satisfaction and helping to mitigate the negative aspects of this role (Yaxley, 2013; Dobbs, 2015).
Dealing with end-of-life care and facing euthanasia on a regular basis can be a very stressful aspect of working in practice. One survey, performed by Robert Roop in 2003-2004, listed euthanasia as one of the top stressors for veterinary technicians, front office and practice management staff (Dobbs, 2012). Providing emotional support to bereft and distressed pet owners is also a source of stress for the whole veterinary team (Williams and Mills, 2000). This already intense situation may be exacerbated by many veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses coming out of their training feeling unprepared to deal with conversations surrounding end-of-life care and euthanasia (Tinga et al, 2001; Shaw and Lagoni, 2007). Further, individuals working in caregiving environments like a veterinary practice, will witness suffering and emotional situations daily, which can cause cognitive, emotional, behavioural and physical signs of distress (Moga, 2015) (Figure 1).
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