Roles

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.

I've worked at the same practice for eight years and I still only get 10 days of either paid vacation or sick leave. Is this fair?

When a staff member leaves, it's more than just an inconvenience. In fact, Well-Managed Practices estimate it costs them $22,360 on average when an employee leaves, says Cynthia Wutchiett, CPA.

Elimination of pain is an effective focus and client motivator.

Give the last clients of the day the same warm reception the 40 clients in front of them enjoyed.

Next time you walk into an exam room, look down. Are there curious little faces looking back? They may be small in stature, but children are an important ingredient in pets' health, says Cindy Adams, MSW, PhD, associate professor of communication and epidemiology at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada.

When you say apple, do others hear orange? Use these tips to give helpful feedback that others will understand and appreciate.

Do you struggle to remember all of the mountains you've climbed when it's time for your performance review? Use this simple solution from Katherine Dobbs, RVT, the director of client services at Gulf Coast Veterinary Internists and Critical Care in Houston: Track your goals and accomplishments with a weekly activity report.

Are you paying your team too little, too much, or just about right given your location and their experience?

It's not that different from what established practitioners want. We probed to learn what type of practice future veterinarians want to join, what they see as their greatest strengths, weaknesses, and fears.

My husband's cat, Chelsea, is a gorgeous creature. She has long, silky fur you'd just love to sink your fingers into. She's also got a look in her round, yellow eyes that says, "Don't even try it buster." Like a Venus fly trap, she lures in our defenseless friends who can't resist the idea of sneaking in just one pet. She's eager to respond with a warning growl and a quick swipe that clearly says, "back off!"

Drive down the dead-end road to Donna Rivers' house and you might get the feeling Hurricane Rita happened yesterday, not nearly a year ago.

To keep happy, high-quality employees, you need to show great team members that you appreciate their contributions. Would your rewards get rave reviews?