Did you know that RVTs in Ontario are allowed to provide end-of-life care to patients under the indirect supervision of a veterinarian?
As the world’s first comprehensive end-of-life care training program designed specifically for Registered Veterinary Technicians, it is not only transforming end-of-life care but also helping to shape the future of veterinary medicine. Our comprehensive end-of-life care training program was designed to elevate the knowledge and skill set of Registered Veterinary Technicians, empowering them to create a meaningful end of life care experience that honours the bond the family has shared.
Our course consists of six modules and assignments along with helpful templates and world class resources ensuring the highest standard of care.
1) Introduction To End-of-Life Care (OAVT Category 3 – 1 credit)
– Review how the human animal bond has evolved over the centuries.
– Discuss modern expectations that families have for their pet’s end-of-life care.
– Learn the steps to creating a meaningful experience.
– Touch on ways to support our own emotional well-being.
– Learn what burden transfer is and how to help avoid it.
– Review the factors that lead to a family’s end-of-life care decision.
2) The Unique Challenges Faced by RVTs Providing End-of-Life Care (OAVT Category 3 – 1 credit)
– Discuss the importance of following guidelines surrounding supervision and delegation.
– Discuss tips for building the DVM’s confidence in your ability to perform end-of-life care.
– Develop a plan to ensure the family has confidence in your abilities.
– Learn how to answer the question “Are you a Vet?”
– Review things about end-of-life care you didn’t learn in school.
– Discover the importance of having the DVM create thorough protocols outlining when and how to deviate from the sedation protocol
3) Compassionate Communication Strategies (OAVT Category 3 – 1.25 credits)
– Learn how judging a family’s decision for End-of-Life Care creates communication barriers and increases our risk for burden transfer and burnout.
– Develop an understanding of how to convey compassion as you communicate with a grieving family.
– Learn about phone and email communication etiquette surrounding End-of-Life Care
– Learn the dos and don’ts of End-of-Life Care Communication
– Explore the role body language plays in EOL Care communication and learn the dos and don’ts of body language
– Develop strategies for navigating End-of-Life Care communication challenges
4) Navigating End-of-Life Care Challenges (OAVT Category 1 – 1.5 credits)
– Discovering the difference profound sedation makes for the patient, family, and care provider.
– Examples of sedation protocols for end-of-life care.
– Learning common reasons you may have to deviate from standard protocols.
– Effective oral sedation options.
– Learning when to involve the family.
– Discovering how to achieve muzzle-free sedation for all patients.
– Tips and tricks for distracting patients for sedation.
– What to do when you can’t secure a vein.
– Common reasons a patient won’t fall asleep and what to do.
– Seizures: what to do when a patient has a seizure and how to reassure the family.
– Handling aggressive patients you weren’t prepared for.
– Respiratory distress, patient handling, and family education.
– Edema in the limbs.
– Reassuring the nervous family.
– Handling an angry family member.
5) Optimizing your End-of-Life Care Kit (OAVT Category 1 – 1 credit)
– Things to consider when picking a bag/kit.
– Basic supplies you can’t do without.
– How to pre-make intra-organ injection kits.
– Supplies that you’ll want extras of.
– Additional resources to keep in your bag/kit.
6) Helping Families Know When it’s Time (OAVT Category 1 – 1.5 credits)
– What is a quality of life assessment.
– Learn how to use quality of life scales.
– Discover the importance of having a family track their pet’s good days and bad days on a calendar.
– Helping families use a pain scale.
– The importance of quality over quantity.
– Creating a bucket list
– Helpful resources for a grieving family
Cost: $499
https://www.theartofgoodbye.ca/our-services/e-learning-courses