Education

Euthanasia: not an every day experience

The initial phone call is key to whether a euthanasia is going to run smoothly or not. Get this part wrong and you could end up with a very stressed client and veterinary team; and a rushed...

Taking back control

You may feel wobbly inside (and that's okay) but that does not mean this can't be your time to shine. By adopting a role model mindset, you can optimise your health; demonstrate a positive attitude;...

Creating a just and learning culture through staff support

The medical paradigm demands that healthcare practitioners practise to perfection, and if a person falls short of this high standard, that person is to blame (Reason, 2000). Professional...

An overview of decision making in veterinary nursing

The decision-making process can be divided simply into two different groups (Kahneman, 2011):.

Setting up a nurse-led nutrition service

Within private practice a dedicated veterinary nurse, who is well trained, could also set up a nutrition service. The Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians has a board certified training...

Conflict prevention and how to make conflict productive

Conflict has been defined as ‘the interaction of interdependent people who perceive incompatibility and the possibility of interference from others as a result of this incompatibility’ (Folger et al,...

Strategies for managing conflict within a team

Conflict amongst healthcare professionals has been recognised as a significant issue both in the UK within the NHS and globally (McKibben, 2017; ACT Academy 2018; Labrague et al, 2018). Patton (2014)...

Looking after the end-of-life patient: four case studies

Caring for a terminally or chronically ill pet is a challenging time for the caregivers and family. There is often a strong feeling from owners wanting to provide for their pet by ensuring their...

Motivating and engaging others: driving practice change

Change is concerned with altering the way we do things or the way we behave. Girotti (2011) suggested that some change is only a matter of perception, while other change can have a dramatic and...

Clinical audit in veterinary practice — the role of the veterinary nurse

Time spent in preparing for clinical audit is never wasted. Thorough preparation is essential to ensure a successful audit. Some of the common problems in setting up clinical audits identified by...

An introduction to effective leadership of teams

Tuckman (1965) proposed a model of team development that is still considered influential today. He suggested that teams move through four stages, namely: forming, storming, norming and performing...

An introduction to veterinary nursing leadership part one: getting to know yourself

Helen had been working at a veterinary practice for 12 years. Three years ago, the practice was sold to a corporate organisation and Helen was offered the position of Head Veterinary Nurse. As she was...