Ms. Brashear graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree in veterinary technology and has worked in emergency and critical care since then. She earned her CVT in Oregon in 2000 and in 2004, became a veterinary technician specialist. Ms. Brashear currently works at VCA Northwest Veterinary Specialists in Clackamas, Oregon, where she trains technicians and medical staff on the clinical floor.
| 8:00 AM-8:50 AM |
The Top 5 Common Emergencies and What to Do (Part 1)Veterinary technicians must be ready for any emergency that may present as well as be ready for any disease process to quickly become an emergency. This lecture covers the most common emergencies including patient triage both in the lobby and while hospitalized, stabilizing strategies including shock physiology and recognition, treatment including fluid therapy and pain management, and continued monitoring. An emphasis is placed on critical thinking, anticipating change, and the importance of nursing plans. |
| 9:00 AM-9:50 AM |
The Top 5 Common Emergencies and What to Do (Part 2)Veterinary technicians must be ready for any emergency that may present as well as be ready for any disease process to quickly become an emergency. This lecture covers the most common emergencies including patient triage both in the lobby and while hospitalized, stabilizing strategies including shock physiology and recognition, treatment including fluid therapy and pain management, and continued monitoring. An emphasis is placed on critical thinking, anticipating change, and the importance of nursing plans. This is a continuation of the previous session. |
| 10:20 AM-11:10 AM |
Canine Heatstroke: Keeping Your CoolThermal injury can quickly lead to multiple organ involvement and a critical patient. This lecture will cover heat induced organ injury system by system, focusing on recognition by the team, immediate treatment, and ongoing nursing needs. An emphasis on nursing plans and critical patient monitoring will be emphasized throughout the lecture. |
| 11:20AM-12:10 PM |
Urinary Tract EmergenciesMany veterinary technicians can point to urinary obstructions in cats when it comes to urinary tract emergencies, but are you aware and ready to treat other potential urinary emergencies? From blockages to neurologic emergencies, this lecture will cover the potential causes and treatment for urinary tract emergencies. |
| 2:00 PM-2:50 PM |
Respiratory EmergenciesThe causes of respiratory emergencies are many and varied and require quick recognition and action by the veterinary team. Starting with the anatomy of the respiratory system, this lecture will cover the common emergencies seen and how to treat these patients. Methods for oxygen delivery, including how to place nasal oxygen cannulas, as well as nursing care of these patients will be covered. |
| 3:30 PM-4:20 PM |
Emergency Care for the Seizure PatientSeizure disorders are frequently seen in a veterinary practice. This lecture will cover emergent care for status epilepticus including emergency drug doses and routes. The bulk of the time will be spent discussing the nursing care necessary for monitoring these patients to ensure the technician team can recognize changes in minimally responsive patients and nursing care for recumbent neurologic patients. |
| 4:30 PM-5:20 PM |
The Highs and Lows of Electrolyte DisordersAlterations in sodium, chloride, and potassium can cause dramatic changes in our patients. This lecture will break down the reasons, physical signs, and treatments of electrolyte abnormalities, placing an emphasis on the recognition of physical signs so that technicians know what to watch for in their patients. A discussion of fluid therapy and anticipating changes will be included along with case studies from the ICU. |
