31/05/2026
Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month 2026 - Empathy
Empathy is defined as "the ability to sense other people's emotions, and to imagine what someone else might be thinking or feeling'".
Empathy can have great healing power, for the person being heard, and for the person listening.
In veterinary nursing, as our patients can not communicate verbally, empathy is a vital component in patient care.
Intricate observations and interpretation of subtle body language and behaviour are all forms of animal communication. This allows us to understand how our patients are feeling.
Understanding this communication means we can tailor patient care - interactions, handling, treatments, and procedures - to be the least stressful for that animal. We also use these communication observations in patient pain assessments.
Empathy is also key in client communications in understanding the emotional connection and relationships our clients have with their pets.
It is also vital when providing dignified end-of-life and bereavement support to grieving owners.
Being empathetic is a core skill for all members of the veterinary team. Having the ability to recognise and relate to what your colleagues may be feeling allows team members to communicate and work together with awareness and compassion.
