Burnout among veterinary nurses is emerging as a significant issue impacting the quality of pet care, according to a recent study by La Trobe University researchers. The study, published in the Animals journal, outlines strategies to combat this growing problem, offering a lifeline to an industry under pressure.
While burnout has been extensively studied among veterinarians, the phenomenon among veterinary nurses has received far less attention, despite the fact that they constitute 42 percent of the veterinary workforce in Australia. These professionals are integral to pet healthcare, performing tasks ranging from monitoring anesthesia and assisting in surgeries to providing emotional support to pet owners.
Understanding the Scope of Burnout
Lead researcher and PhD candidate Angela Chapman highlights the rising demand for veterinary services as pet ownership increases, which exacerbates the risk of burnout among veterinary nurses. “Our previous research revealed that two in three vet nurses have experienced signs of burnout, and nearly half reported their workplace had no systems in place to support their wellbeing,” Chapman stated.
The implications of burnout are severe, affecting both the mental and physical health of veterinary nurses, leading to job dissatisfaction and high turnover rates. This, in turn, places additional pressure on veterinary clinics and can compromise the standard of care provided to pets.
Strategies for Mitigating Burnout
The study assembled insights from 40 veterinary leaders and wellbeing experts across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, USA, and Canada. They developed and evaluated strategies to address 10 key burnout risk factors, aiming to improve staff wellbeing and retention rates.
Among the chronic stressors identified were high workloads, lack of support, and the under-utilization of veterinary nurses’ skills and training. Chapman noted, “Overall, we found improving staff retention was considered a more effective strategy for reducing workload and burnout than hiring more staff.”
The study recommends regular communication between staff and leaders, career pathways with embedded training and support, and clear workplace policies to reduce turnover and enhance wellbeing.
Industry-Wide Challenges and Solutions
Chapman pointed out that a lack of consistent professional regulation often leads to the under-utilization of veterinary nurses’ skills. “Greater leadership awareness of industry regulations, willingness to delegate tasks, and trust in nurses’ capabilities could improve efficiency, morale, and retention rates across clinics,” she explained.
Co-author Dr. Vanessa Rohlf emphasized another critical barrier: inadequate support and training for veterinary industry leaders, which hampers efforts to implement change. In the US alone, burnout costs the veterinary industry an estimated US$1 to 2 billion annually.
“This is a wake-up call for the veterinary industry. We now have practical tools and strategies that vet clinics can use to address burnout before it becomes a chronic workplace issue. What we need now is the willingness to act – both at an industry-wide and vet clinic level,” Dr. Rohlf stated.
Looking Ahead: Implementing Change
Chapman concluded that adopting tailored solutions for veterinary clinics could lead to increased staff retention and wellbeing, ultimately translating to higher quality patient care and happier pet owners. The study’s findings provide a roadmap for clinics to proactively address burnout and enhance the work environment for veterinary nurses.
As the veterinary industry grapples with these challenges, the study serves as a crucial resource for clinics aiming to maintain high standards of care while supporting their workforce. Angela Chapman and Dr. Vanessa Rohlf are available for interviews to discuss the study further.
