Status: Closed — this petition is no longer accepting signatures.
Final supporters
Dear Dr. George Whittle,
As a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) I have many concerns regarding the relationship between the NBVMA and the RVT profession. Imperative to these concerns is the lack of communication regarding the new title protection bylaw and grandfathering criteria.
There is an incredible amount of passion and tenacity within the RVT profession and as such the fight to increase respect, awareness and equality has been a lengthy and, at times, frustrating road. Registered Veterinary Technicians aspire to build a stronger profession to work alongside veterinarians, however I feel this cannot be accomplished without effective communication and mutual respect.
As the association currently stands RVTs are not active members and are therefor unable to vote and contribute to current or future topics within the NBVMA. However, each year every member of our entire profession is obligated to pay an individual $70.00 fee to become a non-active member of the NBVMA, which for many, is incredibly frustrating. Particularly when RVTs are included under several other provincial veterinary medical acts, and therefore carry voting rights - giving them a voice within that association. Being a passionate and learned profession I feel that this is a gross inopportunity on the part of the NBVMA: for we have much more to offer than we have been allowed to give. There are many RVTs, myself included, who would have greatly appreciated a chance to share our knowledge and experience about the title protection bylaw. The lack of communication between the NBVMA and RVTs in New Brunswick has been distinctly flawed leaving many RVTs feeling a lack of respect and equality.
Registered Veterinary Technician is a title that is rooted in education, passion and strong work ethic. We have worked very hard to be where we are today and I feel the future of our profession, including titles, rests far beyond our control. This bylaw, to date, has yet to be shared with the public and profession that it mandates. We are unsure of the reasoning behind this unavailability even with deadlines looming. We are also interested to learn why the bylaw was passed with only a small number of members present, and furthermore that the decision was not unanimous - with so few members in attendance during the passing of this bylaw, was this truly a fair representation of the entire NBVMA membership?
Our profession represents a vital component in the machine of veterinary care and should the standard of the RVT body be affected so would hands on skills, patient and client advocacy and overall patient care. In a sector where RVTs often outnumber veterinarians, the quality of this profession is fundamental to providing safe and competent care to the animals of New Brunswick. For this reason it is the belief of numerous RVTs, including myself that the title should be reserved for those who have worked hard to go to school and successfully achieved a passing mark on the Veterinary Technician National Exam; something that is tremendously difficult to achieve with on the job training. In keeping with this notion, there are many RVTs who are dismayed that we have had no input into the grandfathering qualification criteria. While I understand that there are many dedicated on the job trained personnel who, over the years have developed excellent practical skills; to maintain the integrity of the RVT title and that of the profession overall, it is vital that a basic level of competency be established.
What I am proposing, reinforced by the opinions of many in my field, is that the bylaw be made public knowledge and for the NBVMA to incorporate feedback from RVTs. The recent cooperation between EVTA and the NSVMA regarding title protection (for Veterinary Technicians) in Nova Scotia has proven that Veterinarian associations and RVTs can collaborate effectively and support each other in professional endeavours.
I feel it would be extremely beneficial to have a spokesman from NBVMA open the floor and speak to the New Brunswick RVTs to answer questions and address concerns. With the deadline for registration (June 1st 2016) fast approaching it is paramount that these concerns be addressed prior to that date.
Thank you for listening,
Concerned RVT of New Brunswick
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Updates
April 26, 2016
I really thought this might just fizzle out in the quiet corners of the internet but seeing so many of you jump on board has me feeling things I cannot even put into words. It feels like the frustration we all carry about the bylaw and those fees is finally finding some traction which honestly makes me want to cry a little because it is so nice to know I am not the only one screaming into the void about this stuff.
9 Comments
The lack of communication is inexcusable. We are medical professionals in our own right. Even the very basics of critical thought are enough to scream that no, we should not be throwing money at a faceless body that has no time or interest in speaking with us. What does the fee cover? What is protected? What will our part be? How will our profession change? We have a professional organization and representation, we aren't just scattered persons. TALK TO US. Open a dialogue. Let us ask questions. Ask questions of us. You are professionals, not colonialists. Act like it.
Very well written. While I have worked with many OJT technicians, they all started before schools were established. I feel that not only should you attend proper schooling to call yourself a VT, but eventually have a mandatory pass of the VTNE as well. Much like many similar employment mandates.
I agree whole heartedly with this letter. Very well written. Plus yes, yet another fee?
Sorry, I'm not going to sign only becauae I did go to school for 2 years in Bsc. And 3 years AHT program at NSAC and after graduation worked in the industry for 20+ years attended many conferences, paid my membership dues....etc. I've trained many students over the years in job placements some of whom really shined...others not so much. Just because one can graduate and pass an exam doesn't necessarily mean that they will perform well on the job! Although i did not write the VTNE exam after graduation as I was broke and it was the first year the exam was being offered and it was unsure of how the whole credit system was going to work so i decided to wait until it was more established. Over the years since it was more difficult financially to afford to write the exam and well lets just say going back to study for it at this point in my life is simply not an option 20+ years later. Exam or no exam, I feel that I as well as others deserve as much respect as those who did in my opinion.
We have the right to know what is going on in our own profession. Until we get answers I will not be paying the NBVMA dues.
As an RVT, I am greatly concerned about this matter. I would love to be notified and kept in the loop in regards to my field and the ability to work in my province.
Although I am not yet an RVT, I have attempted the VTNE and would like to again however, I'm waiting to see what the NBVMA are doing. I am a dedicated VT and feel that everyone should have to write something and work as a tech on a daily basis in order to be called a RVT.
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Status: Closed — this petition is no longer accepting signatures.
Final supporters
Dear Dr. George Whittle,
As a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) I have many concerns regarding the relationship between the NBVMA and the RVT profession. Imperative to these concerns is the lack of communication regarding the new title protection bylaw and grandfathering criteria.
There is an incredible amount of passion and tenacity within the RVT profession and as such the fight to increase respect, awareness and equality has been a lengthy and, at times, frustrating road. Registered Veterinary Technicians aspire to build a stronger profession to work alongside veterinarians, however I feel this cannot be accomplished without effective communication and mutual respect.
As the association currently stands RVTs are not active members and are therefor unable to vote and contribute to current or future topics within the NBVMA. However, each year every member of our entire profession is obligated to pay an individual $70.00 fee to become a non-active member of the NBVMA, which for many, is incredibly frustrating. Particularly when RVTs are included under several other provincial veterinary medical acts, and therefore carry voting rights - giving them a voice within that association. Being a passionate and learned profession I feel that this is a gross inopportunity on the part of the NBVMA: for we have much more to offer than we have been allowed to give. There are many RVTs, myself included, who would have greatly appreciated a chance to share our knowledge and experience about the title protection bylaw. The lack of communication between the NBVMA and RVTs in New Brunswick has been distinctly flawed leaving many RVTs feeling a lack of respect and equality.
Registered Veterinary Technician is a title that is rooted in education, passion and strong work ethic. We have worked very hard to be where we are today and I feel the future of our profession, including titles, rests far beyond our control. This bylaw, to date, has yet to be shared with the public and profession that it mandates. We are unsure of the reasoning behind this unavailability even with deadlines looming. We are also interested to learn why the bylaw was passed with only a small number of members present, and furthermore that the decision was not unanimous - with so few members in attendance during the passing of this bylaw, was this truly a fair representation of the entire NBVMA membership?
Our profession represents a vital component in the machine of veterinary care and should the standard of the RVT body be affected so would hands on skills, patient and client advocacy and overall patient care. In a sector where RVTs often outnumber veterinarians, the quality of this profession is fundamental to providing safe and competent care to the animals of New Brunswick. For this reason it is the belief of numerous RVTs, including myself that the title should be reserved for those who have worked hard to go to school and successfully achieved a passing mark on the Veterinary Technician National Exam; something that is tremendously difficult to achieve with on the job training. In keeping with this notion, there are many RVTs who are dismayed that we have had no input into the grandfathering qualification criteria. While I understand that there are many dedicated on the job trained personnel who, over the years have developed excellent practical skills; to maintain the integrity of the RVT title and that of the profession overall, it is vital that a basic level of competency be established.
What I am proposing, reinforced by the opinions of many in my field, is that the bylaw be made public knowledge and for the NBVMA to incorporate feedback from RVTs. The recent cooperation between EVTA and the NSVMA regarding title protection (for Veterinary Technicians) in Nova Scotia has proven that Veterinarian associations and RVTs can collaborate effectively and support each other in professional endeavours.
I feel it would be extremely beneficial to have a spokesman from NBVMA open the floor and speak to the New Brunswick RVTs to answer questions and address concerns. With the deadline for registration (June 1st 2016) fast approaching it is paramount that these concerns be addressed prior to that date.
Thank you for listening,
Concerned RVT of New Brunswick
Updates
April 26, 2016
I really thought this might just fizzle out in the quiet corners of the internet but seeing so many of you jump on board has me feeling things I cannot even put into words. It feels like the frustration we all carry about the bylaw and those fees is finally finding some traction which honestly makes me want to cry a little because it is so nice to know I am not the only one screaming into the void about this stuff.
9 Comments
These concerns were brought up at the last EVTA meeting. I am surprised at how little was accomplished by a professional medical association such as the NBVMA. To bring another professional association on board is a serious and exciting opportunity and I feel it has not been treated with the care and thought it requires. I look forward to hearing what the NBVMA has to say and the answers to the many questions RVTs have in the Maritimes.
The lack of communication is inexcusable. We are medical professionals in our own right. Even the very basics of critical thought are enough to scream that no, we should not be throwing money at a faceless body that has no time or interest in speaking with us. What does the fee cover? What is protected? What will our part be? How will our profession change? We have a professional organization and representation, we aren't just scattered persons. TALK TO US. Open a dialogue. Let us ask questions. Ask questions of us. You are professionals, not colonialists. Act like it.
Very well written. While I have worked with many OJT technicians, they all started before schools were established. I feel that not only should you attend proper schooling to call yourself a VT, but eventually have a mandatory pass of the VTNE as well. Much like many similar employment mandates.
I agree whole heartedly with this letter. Very well written. Plus yes, yet another fee?
Sorry, I'm not going to sign only becauae I did go to school for 2 years in Bsc. And 3 years AHT program at NSAC and after graduation worked in the industry for 20+ years attended many conferences, paid my membership dues....etc. I've trained many students over the years in job placements some of whom really shined...others not so much. Just because one can graduate and pass an exam doesn't necessarily mean that they will perform well on the job! Although i did not write the VTNE exam after graduation as I was broke and it was the first year the exam was being offered and it was unsure of how the whole credit system was going to work so i decided to wait until it was more established. Over the years since it was more difficult financially to afford to write the exam and well lets just say going back to study for it at this point in my life is simply not an option 20+ years later. Exam or no exam, I feel that I as well as others deserve as much respect as those who did in my opinion.
We have the right to know what is going on in our own profession. Until we get answers I will not be paying the NBVMA dues.
As an RVT, I am greatly concerned about this matter. I would love to be notified and kept in the loop in regards to my field and the ability to work in my province.
Although I am not yet an RVT, I have attempted the VTNE and would like to again however, I'm waiting to see what the NBVMA are doing. I am a dedicated VT and feel that everyone should have to write something and work as a tech on a daily basis in order to be called a RVT.
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These concerns were brought up at the last EVTA meeting. I am surprised at how little was accomplished by a professional medical association such as the NBVMA. To bring another professional association on board is a serious and exciting opportunity and I feel it has not been treated with the care and thought it requires. I look forward to hearing what the NBVMA has to say and the answers to the many questions RVTs have in the Maritimes.