CE COURSE: Suicide Awareness & Mental Wellbeing
COURSE INFORMATION:
Colleagues and Staff in Crisis: Suicide Awareness and Mental Wellbeing
Stress within the veterinary field is at an all-time high and takes a toll on all members of the team. Unfortunately, the pressures of veterinary practice, possible genetic predisposition, and personal experiences lead some doctors, technicians, and others to end their own lives. Several surveys have found that both thoughts of suicide and completed acts are higher among animal health professionals than nearly any other group. In this course we will discuss the risk factors for suicide, recognize common causes of suicide, and how to get help for someone in crisis.
There is current no date for this course, please sign up for updates or email ce@vinfoundation.org for more information.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Identify risk factors for suicide.
- Understand the difference between having dark thoughts and actually ending one’s life.
- Name 3 reasons why veterinary professionals are particularly at risk.
- Question, persuade and refer someone who may be suicidal.
- Get help for themselves or learn more about preventing suicide.
- Recognize the common causes of suicidal behavior.
- Recognize the warning signs of suicide.
- Get help for someone in crisis.
- Utilize online resources that can be used to develop a suicide prevention program for their hospitals and local VMA’s.
- Identify local resources and understand the benefit of prompt utilization of these organizations in the wake of a suicide.
- Understand the multiple normal feelings, including anger, at those who die by suicide and how to navigate them.
LEVEL AND PREREQUISITES: This basic CE course is being offered through VIN Foundation and is open for enrollment to veterinarians and veterinary support staff actively interested in suicide prevention.
ACCREDITATION: This course is approved for 6 hours of continuing education credit for veterinarians and veterinary technicians/technologists in jurisdictions that recognize RACE, NY State, and CVPM approval.
COURSE AGENDA:
Week 1
Suicide and the Veterinary Team: When Is It Time to Worry?
Presenters: Susan P. Cohen, DSW
In this session, we will explore what puts someone at risk for suicide. Then we will learn how to distinguish between depression, dark thoughts, and suicidal acts. Finally, we will discuss together what makes members of the veterinary team more at risk than other groups. It’s not enough to beg clients to be nicer to their pets’ medical team. We have it in our power to improve our lives and those of our colleagues and to intervene before permanent damage is done.
Week 2
Ask a Question, Save a Life
Presenters: Bree Montana, DVM, CCFP
It really is that easy. QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training empowers every participant to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives. Join us as we share effective ways to ask about suicidal intentions, help someone who is struggling to slow the momentum of their downward spiral, and guide them to the care they need. Simple and effective, this training provides the tools and the confidence needed for anyone, regardless of background, to make a positive difference in the life of a struggling colleague.
Week 3
Resources and Coping
Presenters: Michele Gaspar, DVM, MA, LCPC
In this presentation, we will discuss several online resources, as well as national organizations and their local chapters, that target suicide prevention and help survivors of suicide navigate the myriad emotions that typically arise after these events. We will specifically address the normal emotions of guilt/remorse, anger, and shame that are typically felt by those impacted by another’s suicide.
Completing the course evaluation by the course close date (October 15, 2024) is required to be considered for a course certificate of completion.
Course Materials and CE certificate: Course materials will be sent via email prior to each course session. CE certificate information will be sent via email at the close of the course.
TUITION: $149 early bird special if enrolled by August 25, 2024 at 5pm PT.
$239 regular enrollment by September 25, 2024 5pm PT.
All prices are listed in US dollars.
To ensure participants are ready and prepared for classes, enrollment will close on September 25, 2024 at 5 pm PT or when the maximum number of participants is reached.
- Enrollment qualifications: VIN Foundation CE courses are open to veterinarians and veterinary support staff
- Each enrollee must be able to receive emails from @vinfoundation.org addresses. Email is our major form of communication with participants; personal emails are highly recommended rather than clinic/hospital email addresses.
- For further assistance call 888-616-6506 or email ce@vinfoundation.org. Please include the course title, your full name, and contact information in your correspondence.
Course withdrawal and refund policy: A complete refund of the paid course price will be issued when your withdrawal request is received prior to the listed start date of the course. If you wish to withdraw after the start date, please contact the VIN Foundation to discuss eligibility for a pro-rated refund.
