Roles

Jessica Harris, RVT, describes herself as the quintessential veterinary person who knew she wanted to be a veterinarian since she was knee-high to a grasshopper. This March, she realized her dream of attending veterinary school with an acceptance letter to North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.

I've been with the same clinic for seven years. There's a lot of turnover, and my boss hires new graduates. Depending on my day, I'm stuck playing teacher with up to three new veterinarians. My boss isn't around much and says I'm not pulling my weight given what I'm being paid. How can I explain the situation to him?

Want to get more done in less time? Plan for efficiency with these one-step-at-a-time solutions.

Back in the trenches, I've realized that often we're worth more than we think. Don't undervalue your skills; the truth is that most people couldn't do your job.

Sharing my love for animals helped me reach out to a student struggling with a drug addiction.

It's tougher than ever to get a strong new associate. But these strategies can help your practice stand out.

We'll soon have Internet services available for employees to use for ordering. We've said that personal use isn't allowed, but should I add this to the clinic's policy manual? What should I include?

Hospital tours attract new clients and cement your bond with existing ones. "We like to take the mystery away," says Dr. Lisa Barlow of Centennial Valley Animal Hospital PC in Louisville, Colo. "We think hospital tours help clients feel better about leaving their pets here."

Juggling a career and kids may seem impossible. But with a little thought and planning, you can bring a baby onboard-and still keep your head above water.

You have more control over your compensation--and your destiny--than you may think. Use these strategies to earn more, get promoted faster, and feel more satisfied with your work.

Are you unhappy at work? Maybe it's time for a change. You know you need a new job when ...

I'm writing to you after reading your article, "Issues That Drive Associates Bananas," in the July 2006 issue of Veterinary Economics. I wanted to know what other information or advice you could give about starting a family while attending veterinary school.

Our practice just cut employee discounts because of an IRS law. Most of us have worked here for five or 10 years, and we have many pets to take care of. We can't afford their care now. Should we look for other jobs?

Once I discovered mountain climbing was something I could do, I wanted to push myself," says Dr. Michael Andrews. "When I was 20, I never thought I'd be doing something like this."

What's the nicest thing a client ever said to you?

Are you unhappy at work? Maybe it's time for a change. You know you need a new job when ...

Looking for a fun way to say thanks for a job well done? When the price at the pumps started rising this summer, the team at Community Veterinary Center in Oneonta, N.Y., received a special bonus: a little gas relief.

A few weeks ago my son was sick. After a few days of high fever, he stopped taking his bottle.

The new owner changed my duties, and I don't like my job anymore. What can I do?

As we communicate more through e-mail, electronic etiquette is evolving. Make sure you're evolving, too.

Few pets miss their regular test or get behind on their medications at Lost Mountain Animal Hospital in Marietta, Ga. That's because Tiffany Gluckman, a receptionist, sends out reminders to clients to make appointments for procedures, tests, and medications, such as T4 levels and phenobarbital screens every six months, heartworm medication every year, and regular dentals.

Laminated educational review sheets for annual wellness exams engage clients and save paper. With National Pet Wellness Month around the corner, it's a great time to spice up your wellness exams.

You have a whole week to recognize these blood-drawing, anesthesia-monitoring, animal-loving team members Oct. 15 to 21. Not sure what to do? Try some of these ideas from Nancy Allen, a Firstline Editorial Advisory Board member and the practice manager at Olathe Animal Hospital in Olathe, Kan.

Editor's Note: DVM Newsmagazine asked Cheryl Weber, a grief counselor from the University of Illinois, to share her expertise and advice when a doctor is asked to euthanize a sick animal.

Use this sample form to track your accomplishments.

What's your biggest challenge in practice?

Step back-so you can put your best foot forward

I'm frustrated with my team members' bad attitudes, and it's really bringing me down. What should I do?

Looking for some art to fill those empty walls? Check your mailbox! You probably receive a wealth of great artwork from clients every month, says Cheryl Dyer, practice manager at Noah's Ark Animal Clinic in Kansas City, Mo. When patients recover from a serious illness, their pet parents often send a note of thanks with a picture to the practice. Dyer says they frame these photos and hang them in the practice's front lobby.

Salaries make up a big chunk of your total expenses, but when team members cover their basic living expenses, there may not be much left.