The VSPN Notebook® is an on-going work of definitive knowledge which addresses the multitude of tasks a veterinary technician is faced with. As a practicing technician who works within academia, the reviewer put the book to the test by making it available to technician students in a variety of laboratory settings.
The book is divided into twenty-six sections with contributions by many members of the VSPN family. Because this is essentially a continually changing work in progress, The Notebook® is written in a somewhat “bare bones” format with very little fluff. Many of the chapters are made up of charts, graphs, pictures and outlined instructions for completion of tasks in such areas as Anesthesia, Clinical Pathology, Medical Calculations and Emergency/Critical Care, to name a few. While this outlined approach may be less desirable for those looking for a textbook, it is a great quick reference to anyone working in a clinical setting where information is required without delay.
The reviewer used the book within such a context by making it available during laboratory sessions by first reviewing the provided content and then putting the information to practical use. An example of how useful the book can be may be found in reviewing the section on Emergency/Critical Care which begins with a comprehensive emergency drug dosage chart for canines. The weights are given in both kilograms and pounds to negate the need for calculating during an emergency. Next, there are detailed instructions for interpretation of cardio-electrical activity in bulleted format supported by ECG strip examples for fast reference. Among other areas covered in this section is a Triage Chart with an easy-to-follow checklist for establishing the degree of need and the appropriate prioritized actions to be taken in emergency situations. Other areas of this chapter detail actions to be taken in the event of such emergencies as snakebite, seizures, heat stroke, incision dehiscence and trauma cases.
The main area in which this book differs from many textbooks is two-fold: first because there is no "fluff", information is easily referenced for quick consultation on subjects that technicians encounter every day. Secondly, the information is given in such a way as to be limited to things which a technician is lawfully allowed to do. Following the adage that veterinary technicians do not a) make diagnoses, b) prescribe medications or c) perform surgery; nowhere in this manual will one find instruction for these procedures. Topics are limited only to duties which a technician should be capable of carrying out. There are areas which seek to educate technicians so as to better aid the veterinarian in carrying out his duties such as the listing and reviewing of common surgical procedures such as a spay or neuter. The information is presented in such a fashion as to educate and inform the technician to be better prepared mentally to anticipate the needs of the surgeon as well as their role in the case of unexpected emergencies.
The physical design of The Notebook® is that of a three-ring binder measuring approximately 7 ¾ by 9 inches and is approximately 2 inches thick. While this eliminates it as a "pocket-manual" it does allow it to be placed in the area where duties are being carried out for quick review and reference. The reviewer feels that this makes The Notebook® an invaluable reference guide which should be added to the collection of any technician who is serious about their career. It should be noted that currently the latest edition of The Notebook® is only available for purchase through the VIN Bookstore and is available only to VIN and VSPN members; only one more reason for all technicians to join VSPN (free)… and quickly.
Publisher: VIN (Veterinary Information Network) (2008)
ISBN: VIN9814-3