A time to reflect on veterinary nursing beyond our own borders

Previous editorials have referred to the importance of the global community of veterinary nurses. Exciting events in Europe currently are testimony to the globalization of society as a whole, including veterinary nurses. In the northern hemisphere, veterinary nurses are currently preparing for the holiday season and the changes in daily practice that come with it. What a holiday season it will be this year with the much awaited 2012 London Olympics. Many Australian veterinary nurses currently working in Europe, and those travelling over for the Games, combining work and leisure, will be fortunate enough to share in this experience. No doubt there are highly skilled veterinary nurses involved in caring for animals participating in the Games, too. Once the excitement of the Olympics fades away, let’s hope the collegiality and optimism generated by these Games are sustained in our global community, well into the future.

In this day and age, optimism is something that we can certainly have when treating and preventing flea infestations. Fleas and flea allergy, a prominent condition in dogs and cats in summer, are featured in this issue (p350–6). The effectiveness of the quality flea products and protocols now available are maximized by nurses adopting an evidence-based approach in educating clients. In informing clients, it is essential that veterinary nurses adopt a holistic approach based on knowledge of the flea life cycle, the mode of action of the flea products, their adverse effects, any contraindications and species-specific data. Additionally this information has to be communicated in language that is easy for the client to understand ensuring client compliance and, ultimately, the pet’s wellbeing. Veterinary nurses, globally, are indeed at the coalface of preventative health care which is a critical element of modern veterinary practice.