Roles

When our owner's out of the building and the technicians perform dentals, does our part-time associate receive credit even if the owner scheduled it and already performed a physical exam?

From divorce to debt, everyone deals with personal issues?and you may feel you shoulder too big a burden. Use these strategies to manage tough situations when they spill into the workplace.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a final rule to prohibit extra-label use in poultry of two classes of approved human antiviral drugs in treating influenza: anti-influenza adamantane (amantadine and rimantadine) and neuraminidase inhibitor (oseltamivir and zanamivir).

This doctor learned communication is a two-way street. And meeting this small dog in the middle made all the difference in the world.

Michigan Veterinary Specialists in Southfield, Mich., is a large specialty practice with a 24-hour facility. Technicians work different shifts and are constantly passing on important information about patients. "To improve communication between shifts, we made cage tags that highlight patients' special needs," says Kathy Estrada, LVT, the practice's technical services manager.

The goal: As Bob Townsend, former CEO of Avis Rent A Car System LLC, has said, "Create the kind of environment that pays people to bring their brains to work." The more you identify and address employees' job-related needs, the more likely they'll engage in what psychologists call "motivated behavior."

Sometimes it's tough for a new associate to find his fit as part of the team, but having a good relationship with those up and down the roster is important for growth and success.

Let others know how much you care with these simple steps.

Help! One of our veterinarians always says we have a zero-tolerance policy for gossip, but she's the worst! She talks about clients and staff members all the time. What should we do?

Reduction in appetite indicates that the induction phase of therapy has been completed.

Should the doctor know the prices for procedures and services?

Business philosopher Jim Rohn, one of my favorite speakers, says that what happens in life happens to all of us. It's what you do with what happens to you that matters. On the upside, that means that when you think things couldn't get worse, the person you go to for advice will likely have faced something similar, or will know someone who has.

Dust off those manuals, warm up those keyboards, and prepare to make your software sing. Rickee Miller, a veterinary assistant at Lockwillow Avenue Animal Clinic in Harrisburg, Pa., found that learning to maximize her practice's software was a great way to grow in her job.

Sometimes it's tough for a new associate to find his fit as part of the team, but having a good relationship with those up and down the roster is important for growth and success.

This month, we all benefit from Dr. Karen Tobias' dedication to teaching and bettering the standard of care in veterinary medicine.

Conflict closed this practice's doors for good. Don't suffer the same fate.

My group practice is thinking of adding a doctor, but we're worried that it could cost more in additional overhead than he or she will produce. What should we do?

Take one team, add some training, and mix in a little fun. It's a recipe for success!

Use a newsletter to make sure staff members never feel left out in the cold.

Making sure you're on the same page with clients is the best way to avoid malpractice claims. Use these strategies to refine your approach and avoid potential trouble spots.

"To increase efficiency at our front desk, we maintain a very organized file-placement system, with bins for every possible function," says Sabrina Lewis, veterinary nurse at Central Broward Animal Hospital in Plantation, Fla.

Sure, you know all about radiation safety. But are you following the rules? Is everyone in your practice taking precautions when it comes to exposure?

Our associate has more than $80,000 in school debt. She receives a fair salary, but I would like to help her more. Any ideas?

Try these strategies to beat back burnout and stay jazzed about your work.

To reflect changes in canine vaccinations, AAHA updated the AAHA Canine Vaccine Guidelines, originally released in 2003.

What does OSHA require employers to provide in a break room?

The AVMA Executive Board has passed a plan for immediate implementation of the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (AWAC).

Meet Paige Phillips, RVT, Firstline's 2006 MVP winner.

I'm a receptionist and I only earn $1 above minimum wage. Should I ask for a raise?

You can't afford to skip this crucial step when recruiting employees.