Join us for four days of transformative continuing education and professional growth.

BluePearl Associates from our vet technician specialists (VTS) community, as well as our social work and P&O teams, will be presenting on a variety of relevant topics, including:

Plus, one special session will feature three guest speakers represented by NAVTA to discuss the veterinary nursing profession and will be moderated by our director of nursing and training, Steve Baker. We are proud to have speakers from BluePearl hospitals across the country including Georgia, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Utah.

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 6-Monday, Nov. 9

WHERE: This live CE event will be presented on GoToWebinar.

This program has been approved for 20 continuing credits for technicians and 10 continuing education credits for veterinarians in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval. BluePearl’s RACE Provider is #159

Friday, November 6, 2020

12-1 pm EST
But Is It Real? Troubleshooting Vital Abnormalities: Part 1
RACE for technicians and DVMs
Jacqueline Dawson, CVT, VTS (ECC)
Pittsburgh, PA

This lecture will explain vital abnormalities that occur while performing a TPR or physical exam that can be seen, felt, and heard using the best machine a technician has — themselves. The listener will learn common, underlying causes of abnormal vital parameters as well as an understanding of how each vital sign may change in order to compensate for deficiencies during various disease states. Technicians will also learn how to apply critical thinking skills to determine if further intervention is needed.

Jennifer has authored and co-authored book chapters, lectured both nationally and internationally and developed a short course for both veterinarians and technicians in Southwest Florida titled Everyday Anesthesia for the Veterinary Professional.
Note: Also available on Monday, Nov. 9.

1:30-2:30 pm EST
But Is It Real? Troubleshooting Vital Abnormalities: Part 2
RACE for technicians and DVMs
Jacqueline Dawson, CVT, VTS (ECC)
Pittsburgh, PA

The second part of this two-part series will discuss obtaining vitals using machines including direct and indirect blood pressure, pulse oximetry, ECG, and capnography. It will explain the different methods that can be used as well as cover how to troubleshoot authenticity vs, artifact during readings. Discussion of the underlying causes of abnormal readings will occur as well as how they may fit into the bigger picture when determining a diagnosis.
Note: Also available on Monday, Nov. 9.

3:30-4:30 pm EST
Radiation Oncology: Biology, Physics, Engineering and Nursing Care
RACE for technicians
Rosemary Calderon, BS, LVT, VTS (Oncology)
New York, NY

This lecture will cover the basics of radiation oncology such as terminology, how radiation works to kill cancer, different protocols, side effects and types of tumors that are treated. This is from the technician perspective so the audience will gain knowledge of what happens when a pet gets radiation treatment and the nursing side. This will be especially beneficial for anyone taking their VTS in oncology as well as anyone wanting to know what happens when a patient is referred for radiation.

5-6 pm EST
The 411 on Chemotherapy Side Effects
RACE for technicians
Samantha Moraux, CVT, VTS (Oncology)
Langhorne, PA

The presentation will include basic information in regards to potential side effects about commonly used injectable chemotherapy drugs that include but are not limited to vinca alkaloid drugs, anthracycline drugs, platinum-based drugs, and Tanovea®. This presentation will be at a level for newly acquired or beginner-level oncology technicians. This presentation will include pictures and cases that have presented to my practice that would be representative of possible side effects that would be exhibited by a canine or feline patient undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

7-8 pm EST
Seeking Stability: Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease
RACE for technicians and DVMs
Steven Frederick, RVT, VTS (Surgery)
Sandy Springs, GA

Cranial cruciate ligament disease is the most common cause of pelvic limb lameness in dogs. Stifle stabilizing procedures are the core of most orthopedic services, and myriad methods of stabilizing the cruciate-deficient stifle have been described. The objective of this presentation is to familiarize the attendees with the pathophysiology of cranial cruciate ligament disease and the prominent treatment options available to veterinary patients.
Note: Also available on Sunday, Nov. 8.

8-9 pm EST
We All Bleed Red, but Not All Blood Products Are Created Equal
RACE for technicians and DVMs
Erica Hall, RVT, VTS (ECC)
Oklahoma City, OK

In this lecture, we will show an overview of transfusion medicine in veterinary medicine today. Attendees will learn about the various blood products available, when they are indicated and possible complications, including blood types and the importance of typing and crossmatching; different types of products available and when they are indicated; possible complications including hemolytic reactions, TACO, and TRALI.

Saturday, November 7, 2020

9-10 am EST
When the Ticker Gets Sicker: Assessment, Monitoring, and Nursing Care of the Cardiac Patient (Part 1: Heart Murmurs, PE, BP, and Pulse Ox)
Pending RACE-approval
Carol Fitzpatrick, CVT, VTS (Cardiology)
Levittown, PA

Part 1: The participant will understand the origin and impact of heart murmurs, how to assess respiratory rate and effort (including the sleeping respiratory rate), and how to perform blood pressure and pulse oximetry measurements.

10:30-11:30 am EST
When the Ticker Gets Sicker: Assessment, Monitoring, and Nursing Care of the Cardiac Patient (Part 2: The ECG)
Pending RACE-approval
Carol Fitzpatrick, CVT, VTS (Cardiology)
Levittown, PA

Part 2: The participant will understand the correlation between an ECG and the electrical events of the heart, how to obtain a diagnostic ECG, and how to evaluate the rhythm strip so they can notify the veterinarian of potentially serious concerns.

12-1 pm EST
The Impact of Grief on Behavior
RACE for technicians and DVMs
Kari L. Hayden, MSW, LSWAIC
Seattle, WA

In veterinary medicine, we encounter grief every single day. We witness grieving clients; we are privy to sad outcomes, unexpected euthanasia, and shocking prognosis multiple times per day. We carry our own grief with us as we bear witness to our client’s in their grief process.

This presentation will review Elizabeth Kubler-Ross’s Five Stages of Grief and explain how they may manifest in ourselves and what we may see in clients. We will introduce the concept of the Emotional Well and delve into the impact of attempting to work from an empty well. Finally, we will spend time outlining the difference between self-care and self-compassion and discuss ideas so that we can work from as full of an Emotional Well as possible.

2-3 pm EST
When the Ticker Gets Sicker: Assessment, Monitoring, and Nursing Care of the Cardiac Patient (Part 3: Case Studies)
Pending RACE-approval
Carol Fitzpatrick, CVT, VTS (Cardiology)
Levittown, PA

Part 3: Using previously introduced concepts, the participant will be able to triage the urgent/emergent cardiac patient, understand common presentations of the cardiac patient and discuss nursing care of the cardiac patient.

3:30-4:30 pm EST
Training Through Teamwork
RACE for technicians
Rachel Mielzynski, RVT
Rockville, MD

Whether it comes to new hires, current employees, or individuals looking to grow and develop, the key to training comes from teamwork. This presentation will cover how to create a foundation by recognizing the tools that are available in the hospital. There are many techniques and ideas for training as it is ever-changing to the talents of the team.

5-6 pm EST
Navigating and Applying Feedback
Meagan Mound and Michelle Falcone
BluePearl P&O

During this presentation, we will discuss how to give and receive constructive feedback in order to promote growth and development, set clear expectations and promote confidence.

Sunday, November 8, 2020

10:30-11:30 am EST
Accountability in the Workplace
RACE for technicians
Meagan Mound and Michelle Falcone
BluePearl P&O

In this presentation, we will discuss the importance of our actions, behaviors, performance and decisions in the workplace and how it relates to commitment to our work and employee morale.

12-1 pm EST
Building a Strong Foundation of Trust Inside Your Veterinary Care Practice
RACE for technicians and DVMs
Susan Harris, MSSW, LCSW
Clearwater, FL

With the many challenges and stressors inside the veterinary profession today, it is common to feel a loss of trust. This could mean a loss of trust with our clients, with our associates, with our management, with our community, or with our own self. Losing trust can have devastating consequences. This talk explores the components of trust, including boundaries, transparency, accountability, and respect, and ways to build trust in our relationship with self and others, as well as repair trust when it has been found to be broken.

1:30-3:30 pm EST
The Veterinary Nursing Profession: Issues of Today, Outlooks for the Future
Pending RACE approval
Mandy Fults, MS, LVT, CVPP, VTS-CP (Canine/Feline)
Erin A. Spencer, M.Ed., CVT, VTS (ECC
Kenichiro Yagi, MS, RVT, VTS (ECC) (SAIM)

Licensing, utilization, credential title, title protection, scope of practice, associate’s, bachelor’s, VTS, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, well-being. If you are in the veterinary nursing profession, many of these words are topics of interest, discussion, and debate towards elevating the profession further. There are various initiatives by organizations and solutions within practices that aim to address these issues. Join us in discussing efforts of today and what we have to look forward to in the future of the profession.

4-5 pm EST
Seeking Stability: Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease
RACE for technicians and DVMs
Steven Frederick, RVT, VTS (Surgery)
Sandy Springs, GA

Cranial cruciate ligament disease is the most common cause of pelvic limb lameness in dogs. Stifle stabilizing procedures are the core of most orthopedic services, and myriad methods of stabilizing the cruciate-deficient stifle have been described. The objective of this presentation is to familiarize the attendees with the pathophysiology of cranial cruciate ligament disease and the prominent treatment options available to veterinary patients.
Note: Also available on Friday, Nov. 6.

5:30-6:30 pm EST
Hands-Free Orthopedic Imaging
Pending RACE approval
Julie White, RVT, RT(R)
Cary, NC

During this lecture, we will briefly review radiation safety and discuss the principles of orthopedic imaging with an emphasis on the importance of proper positioning to reduce distortion. We will cover the positioning for some of the more common orthopedic studies, including TPLO cases.
Note: Also available on Monday, Nov. 9.

7-8 pm EST
The Perfect Patient Prep
RACE for technicians
Cathy T. Mann, RVT, VTS (Surgery)
Durham, NC

The Perfect Patient Prep teaches how to prepare a patient for surgery or primary wound closure. Techniques for shaving and scrubbing the patient along with choosing the appropriate antiseptic and rinse solution are reviewed. Dilutions and techniques for wound flushing are described. Continuing education is one of Cathy’s interests, and she provides lectures at local and national levels, speaking at both WVC and the IVECCS in 2018 and was invited to speak at the ACVR Annual Scientific Conference this year. Her other interests include ventilator patient care and advanced imaging.

Monday, November 9, 2020

12-1 pm EST
The Rule of 20: A Checklist for the Critical Patient
RACE for technicians
Heather Riggs, CVT
Midvale, UT

This presentation provides an overview of Kirby’s Rule of 20 Checklist for monitoring critical patients and discussion of monitoring parameters and related nursing interventions including the 20 points included in Kirby’s Rule of 20 and how they fit into the development of a Nursing Plan 2; the monitoring parameters for each point; nursing interventions for each point.

1:30-2:30 pm EST
The Good, The Bad, and the OMG: A Guide to Canine Mast Cell Tumors
Pending RACE approval
Karen Becki, CVT, VTS (Oncology)
Pittsburgh, PA

How is it that two masses of different sizes and appearances can both be diagnosed as mast cell tumors? Mast cell tumors

are often called the Great Pretender due to their ability to vary in appearance and behavior. This guide was designed to explain the fundamentals of what a mast cell tumor is, why these tumors look and act so differently from one another, and to provide an introduction to common treatment modalities with the help of case studies and photos.

3:30-4:30 pm EST
Safe and Gentle Patient Restraint: Treating Patients Like Your Own Pets
Pending RACE approval
Dani Provost, CVT, VTS (ECC)
Cary, NC

This lecture will take a dive into many different forms of patient restraint and control, guiding participants through helpful and safe restraint maneuvers for various medical presentations. This discussion will help to provide confidence-building handling skills, focusing on the safety of both patients as well as staff while providing comfort and calming techniques.

5-6 pm EST
Hands-Free Orthopedic Imaging
Pending RACE approval
Julie White, RVT, RT(R)
Cary, NC

During this lecture, we will briefly review radiation safety and discuss the principles of orthopedic imaging with an emphasis on the importance of proper positioning to reduce distortion. We will cover the positioning for some of the more common orthopedic studies, including TPLO cases.
Note: Also available on Friday, Nov. 6.
7-8 pm EST

But Is It Real? Troubleshooting Vital Abnormalities: Part 1
RACE for technicians and DVMs
Jacqueline Dawson, CVT, VTS (ECC)
Pittsburgh, PA

This lecture will explain vital abnormalities that occur while performing a TPR or physical exam that can be seen, felt, and heard using the best machine a technician has — themselves. The listener will learn common, underlying causes of abnormal vital parameters as well as an understanding of how each vital sign may change in order to compensate for deficiencies during various disease states. Technicians will also learn how to apply critical thinking skills to determine if further intervention is needed.

Jennifer has authored and co-authored book chapters, lectured both nationally and internationally and developed a short course for both veterinarians and technicians in Southwest Florida titled Everyday Anesthesia for the Veterinary Professional.

Note: Also available on Friday, Nov. 6.

But Is It Real? Troubleshooting Vital Abnormalities: Part 2
8-9 pm EST
RACE for technicians and DVMs
Jacqueline Dawson, CVT, VTS (ECC)
Pittsburgh, PA

The second part of this two-part series will discuss obtaining vitals using machines including direct and indirect blood pressure, pulse oximetry, ECG, and capnography. It will explain the different methods that can be used as well as cover how to troubleshoot authenticity vs, artifact during readings. Discussion of the underlying causes of abnormal readings will occur as well as how they may fit into the bigger picture when determining a diagnosis.
Note: Also available on Friday, Nov. 6.