DrAndyRoark.com

Articles, Videos, & Training on Pets & Veterinary Medicine

Jade Velasquez, LVT

Know Your People

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A sense of community is something we all strive for. Whether we are loud and boisterous or reserved and quiet, we all want to feel as though we belong somewhere. We want to feel that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves. I think many of us got into vet med because we felt we were providing care that made a difference. That the acts we do make us feel like we are making an impact. And they are. But then the real-world hits. We forget about the fact that this is a team sport.

I won’t lie. I am a very introverted person. I hate crowds and I despise small talk. I want to do my job and often I would like to do it in a manner that doesn’t draw attention to myself. I have worked in clinics where every individual was good at their job. They individually were rock stars. But they sucked at talking to each other. They lived their own lives and working in a vet hospital was just something they did. There really isn’t anything wrong with that. But who wants to live their life being really awesome at their job, but completely isolated?

Community is when you walk into your job and you realize you are a part of a family. It is when you can get to know each other as people, and not just your job title. Community is when you connect with the people you work with. When you are comfortable to share and brave enough to show you care. Community means being able to accept your coworkers for themselves. All the good and all the bad. It means wanting to be a part of a group of people who are so different but come together for a common goal. There is no emphasis on education, background or previous experience.

Many years ago, I remember working with a vet who was very good at her job, but it was a job for her. I worked with her for years. Although she knew how to do a dog spay in record time and she knew physiology, disease process and could do CRI calculations like no one’s business, she didn’t know her team. I realized this when I had been working with her for years and she didn’t remember my dogs name. The dog she had diagnosed conditions on, provided annual preventative care and seen on emergency. She knew it in the moment but had totally forgotten it in passing conversation.

To be fair, we all are busy people and deal with intense cases, angry clients, and staying on schedule. Never mind trying to remember to stop by the grocery store after work, take the kids to soccer practice or try and not forget that Friday is trash day. We have a ton on our minds. All that can distract us from our people. The people we probably spend more time with than we do with our families.  Sometimes we have to stop, take a minute and get to know the people we work with. We have to remember to not just make it through the day but to make connections.

Know your people. When you know your people, you will find you have more in common than you don’t. Care about your people. Being brave enough to make a connection and build relationships only enhances the medicine we practice and our ability to have genuine connections with our clientele. Vet med can be isolating. It doesn’t have to be. Making connections doesn’t have to be forced. It just means being present. It means listening and realizing that we all want to belong. We all want to be something bigger. We can do that together.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the DrAndyRoark.com editorial team.

The Gifts We Can Give Our Clients

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A few years ago, I lost my soul dog, my very first foster and unequivocally the best dog of all time to cancer right before Christmas. His name was Chance, and he was my heart. I had him in my life throughout my career in vet med, through a marriage, the birth of a child and through several moves as my life changed. I found metastatic lung cancer in his chest right before Thanksgiving. The pressures of being a single mother trying to provide for Christmas and knowing the cancer had spread left me with some choices. I had to choose palliative care and there is nothing harder for a technician to admit than she can’t fix her own.

Despite my sadness at his diagnosis, I spent Thanksgiving feeding him scraps from the table which he happily consumed. As I baked Christmas cookies, he got the imperfectly baked Christmas trees, because if I wouldn’t fix him, well I was surely going to spoil him. Without question, I scrubbed away at the carpet he had peed on, because the steroids that were trying to buy us time made him have accidents in the house. You could see the shame in his eyes, thinking he had done something wrong.

Shortly before Christmas, I got the gut feeling something wasn’t right, and I could hear him starting to cough more. I took him into work and my heart sank when I saw the chest X-rays we had taken. His chest was full of cancer, he was running a fever and he wouldn’t eat or even wag his tail. Surrounded by my coworkers I had to make the choice to say goodbye to my best friend. As I held him in my arms, ugly crying, he wagged his tail at me. I told him how much I loved him and then he was gone. I went home empty and had to tell my son who had grown up with Chance that he wasn’t going to be here for Christmas.

It has gotten easier, but the holidays still break my heart when I think of Chance. As I felt the holidays begin to loom closer, my world became just a little less happy. I threw myself into my work at the clinic and tried to mentally prepare myself for when I would see the annual reminder in my Facebook memories. Then something changed my outlook. My technicians heart dog had mildly swollen lymph nodes. When we are in the field and know more, our brain jumps to the worst conclusion ever. She had already decided it was lymphoma. My team listened to her while she shared her concerns, we drew blood and sent aspirates to the lab. The next day, when I could see the sadness in her eyes, I called the lab asking if they could get us cytology results as soon as possible because this was a very emotionally charged situation.

Within a few hours the cytology results came back, and my technician crumbled. It was lymphoma. My team offered hugs, our empathy and quickly pulled together to perform any further tests and prepare her very special boy for chemotherapy. Seeing the sadness in my technicians’ eyes, as a manager, I was able to remember the pain I had felt and do what I needed to do to make this horrible news just a tiny bit easier. My team saw her shaken to her core and came together to help any way we could. I know she will be spending her Christmas giving extra table scraps and burnt holiday cookies to her pup. I knew that pain and I knew that process.

When we discover devastating news or lose one of our own, it is life changing. The pain dulls over time, but it is always there. A constant nagging memory or aching of wondering: what else we can do? As professionals, some of the best gifts we can offer someone is our empathy, our medical skill and our ability to soften the blow of a devastating situation. These are the gifts we bring to our clients when they come in with their old dog a couple days before Christmas to euthanize. We have no idea the struggle they have been dealing with before walking in our doors or the guilt they feel after they leave. These are the gifts we give to the family who brings in a sick dog on Christmas Eve and are scraping up funds to try and provide treatment. Continue to give those gifts wherever you can. Never lose the ability to share what makes us good at our jobs. Our hearts, our compassion and our empathy.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the DrAndyRoark.com editorial team.

5 Lessons Stan Lee Taught Me About Vet Medicine

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There are several lessons that cross over from our personal lives into veterinary medicine. I am going to go full-on nerd here. But some of the greatest lessons that I have learned in life came from superheroes. Whether they were in comic books or on the silver screen, we all want to be something bigger than ourselves. We want to make an impact. This week we lost the legend behind Marvel comics, Stan Lee. He inspired and provided entertainment to millions. So I present to you the five lessons that Marvel taught me about veterinary medicine.

Heroes are everyday people.

We often forget that most superheroes were not born, they were made. Peter Parker was bitten by a radioactive spider and became Spider-Man. Steve Rogers was enhanced by a serum to transform him into Captain America. Although science has shaped many comic book characters origin story, it did not define them. They were superheroes because they had the heart to go out there and put good into the world. They took action. All of us in the veterinary field get up every day and make a difference in our patient’s lives. It’s our passion and our mission. It lives in our hearts and we act upon our skills, knowledge and superpowers to heal those in our care.

Control Your Temper.

Our field is high stress. We have so many tasks coming at us that it can feel overwhelming. Then you add on angry clients, clinic dynamics, long days and no lunches. Who wouldn’t lose their temper at some point? Mild-mannered Bruce Banner when pushed too far can turn into the Hulk. Roaring and raging, he can destroy the very world around him. He had to learn to control and harness that power. We do, too. We can’t let our bad days control us. We can’t be a raging Hulk in the clinic and then expect it to be forgiven when we revert back to our alter ego. Our tempers have consequences. Don’t take bad days out on your team.

There are endless versions of the universe. Pick yours.

When we live in our little clinic bubble, we often forget the world of opportunities out there. Marvel had several versions of the universe, all with different outcomes and characters. I don’t expect any of you to time travel here. But if you are unhappy in your current clinic situation, realize that there are so many other opportunities to change your personal universe. Find your version of the world that makes you happy. Don’t stay stuck because you are afraid of change.

“With great power comes great responsibility.” -Uncle Ben

As superheroes in the veterinary world, we sometimes forget the power of responsibility. We know we are responsible for the lives of the sick and wounded that come into our clinic. That’s a given. It’s not a responsibility to take lightly. But realize the impact of empathizing with your grieving clients. Realize the importance of working together as a team. The value in saying kind words to one another. More importantly realize the responsibility you have to take care of yourself. You are a superhero. But don’t make yourself a martyr. Practice kindness and compassion whenever you can.

“Be the best you that you can be.” -Captain Marvel

We never stop growing, learning and evolving. Don’t become stagnant. Do not ever feel that you have arrived and learned all there is to learn. Keep learning. Share your knowledge with others and help them find their superpowers. Advocate for your patients, the profession, your team and yourself. YOU have the power to make a difference. Never forget that and use your powers wisely. Own the powers and talents that you have.

In closing, I would like to thank Stan Lee for the decades of entertainment and showing us that heroes are out there. For showing that the only limits we have are the ones we’ve created for ourselves. Never forget that all of us have the potential to be our own superhero. Excelsior!

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the DrAndyRoark.com editorial team.

5 Ways to Keep Employees From Dreading Staff Meetings

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Staff meetings. Easily one of the most underutilized and often dreaded of staff interactions. Many clinics don’t have staff meetings due to time, workload and staff compliance. Staff meetings are scheduled with intentions of being an open dialogue amongst the team. An inspiring, team-building, and open way to discuss issues in the clinic. With starry eyes, those in supervisory roles daydream of important conversations, idealistic thoughts on how to better the practice, patient care and our client’s experience.

Then, reality sets in… (Buh buh bummmm) and your team begrudgingly shows up on their day off. The staff filters in. Everyone sits down with a caffeinated beverage in hand and the meeting commences. Often it is led with issues in the hospital. Which turns into an epic wrist-slapping for the entire team. No one wants to come in on their day off to hear how they’ve been screwing up, that there are unhappy clients or to be reminded yet again that if the lids on the dip quick stains aren’t sealed tightly, the stain will evaporate. I kid you not, this was a topic at every monthly staff meeting for 6 months. So how do we have a productive, encouraging staff meeting without people leaving feeling like it was a complaining session?

1. Focus on what the team is doing right and not what people are doing wrong.

Imagine that meeting after meeting was a list of things that YOU were screwing up on. When people consistently hear what they are doing wrong, it’s hard to remember what they are doing right. Opening staff meetings with acknowledging the team working through a busy period or a happy client’s perspective is truly important to boosting morale. It also keeps people from feeling like they are being reprimanded publicly.

2. Keep it fun!

Maybe playing a silly game of some sort, have a scavenger hunt, or implement team-building exercises. I am not talking trust falls here or a drum circle. Just little exercises where coworkers can get to know each other and work as a team in a non-work-related manner. By getting to know one another and have fun together we can create a refreshed and positive team.

3. Don’t allow people to dominate the conversation.

There are always more vocal members of the team. That isn’t necessarily a terrible thing, but you must find balance. When one person is solely bringing up concerns or ideas, it restricts what others who may be a little shyer to bring things to the table.  Asking employees and coworkers for input is crucial. You may be met with silence. Some people are reluctant to speak up in a group. Let people know if they have ideas they can come to you individually to discuss options. Even better have an anonymous idea box. The biggest factor is allowing various avenues for various personalities.

4. Don’t beat a dead horse.

If a topic is brought up repetitively at a staff meeting then it needs to be addressed with solutions. When topics are repeated, it forces people to zone out during the fifth conversation of why it is crucial to obtain a patient’s weight and temperature when checking them in. Quite simply, if this problem keeps repeating itself, it is time to make a policy. This policy is discussed at ONE meeting and documented. That’s it. We’re not going to revisit it again. Moving on.

5. Express appreciation to the team.

One of my favorite ways I have seen this done is an appreciation box. People write down reasons they appreciate a coworker on a slip of paper and put it into a decorated box. Every staff meeting these slips are read out loud to the team. It shows how simply covering a shift or answering a phone call when the receptionists are tied up, makes a difference. Anyone who has had their name on the slip can pick a treasure from a box of goodies.  These goodies can include candy, gift cards, stickers or any fun little item the clinic can compile. My favorite goodie I have received was hand sanitizer. But everyone has a small thing that can brighten their day.

Staff meetings don’t have to be a dreaded occasion. They can be an opportunity to bring a team together, get to know each other better and bring about new and innovative ideas. The best ideas are brought about by people who do their jobs every day and think of ways to make it better. By finding ways to allow the team to express their thoughts, opinions and ideas they will become more invested in the clinic. Never underestimate what your team has to offer!

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the DrAndyRoark.com editorial team.

The Veterinary Technician I Never Got to Thank

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As we begin the celebration for Vet Tech Week, I was reminded of the technician who made me the technician I am today. When I started in this field as a kennel attendant, progressed to a veterinary assistant, and then became a baby technician there was a technician who inspired me. I was very green and to be honest, I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. I had to be instructed on the simplest tasks and when it came to anything technical, I knew absolutely nothing. I was young and totally clueless.

But as clueless as I was there was a technician who took a chance on me and mentored me. This technician was Nancy DeRoy, from Gig Harbor, WA. When we worked together she expected the best from me. If I didn’t know how to do something she told me, and she framed it in a way I would remember. As a new assistant, one of my biggest weaknesses was keeping my face too close to patients. At that point, I didn’t realize how every patient didn’t necessarily appreciate me lowering my face to theirs to say “hello”. Yeah, it was a rookie mistake and I was a rookie.

Nancy and I would often talk to each other after work while her dog ran around outside. In typical noob fashion, I bent my head down to her dog to baby talk him. He instantly snapped at my face. Nancy looked at me and told me that she had told me dozens of times, but this time I could have been hurt. I needed to take this seriously. And I did. Every day after.

Nancy was a technician who had been practicing for decades. This had given her a wealth of knowledge, that sometimes I took for granted. She continued to share that knowledge with me anyways. She was good at her job, tough as nails and would always tell you what she thought. She could give constructive criticism but never forgot to be kind. We would have long discussions about our lives after work and I remember being inspired by how much she had achieved. You always knew what she thought of you and she always told you what she thought.

As, I progressed from an assistant to a veterinary technician, she would share more of her tricks and tips to make my job easier. Not only did she do that, she was like a mother. I could ask her questions and come to her for advice. I ended up leaving the clinic we worked at, but we still kept in touch. She was a guest at my surprise baby shower when I was expecting. When my son was born she sent cards and gifts to the hospital. As my son grew, she would buy him clothes and always loved to see pictures of him. She was a mentor, mother figure and friend.

Sadly, as lives got busy we lost touch. In 2013 Nancy succumbed to cancer. I knew she wasn’t doing well, had arranged to go visit her the next day. When I woke up that morning, I got the news she had passed away. I never got to tell her what an impact she had on me. That she shaped me into the tech I am today and whenever I struggle, I ask myself what she would do.

We all have technicians who have guided us to be the person we are today. Thank them. Tell them you appreciate them. And above all, be a technician who inspires others. We never truly realize the impact we have on a person’s life. How the small things we do mean so much to observing eyes. We can all be a Nancy. We just have to care. This vet tech week remember those who’ve meant something to you. Celebrate the fact that you have meant something to many someone’s. Your coworkers, clients and patients. You matter. I didn’t get to tell Nancy how much she was appreciated. But thank you all for everything you do every day. It matters.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the DrAndyRoark.com editorial team.

Suicide Prevention: The Staggering Numbers Plaguing the Veterinary Profession

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I am going to write about something uncomfortable for many of us. I myself, have struggled and rewritten this article many times. Veterinary medicine is a very special field. Many of us have gotten into this field because we generally care about people and their pets. With starry eyes, we dove into this profession vowing to make a difference out there. And we have, but at a cost. September is Suicide Awareness Month and it’s no secret that there are multiple studies, articles and data regarding veterinarians being a profession plagued by suicide.

Every time I read about a vet who has taken their own life, because they just couldn’t push on, my heart breaks. The grief of suicide has seeped into my life a couple of times. Both times, it was not a veterinarian who had chosen to end their life based on mental illness, addiction or just not seeing a way out of the darkness. It was a member of the support staff. It was a receptionist who greeted clients as they walked into a clinic. It was a practice manager who showed me the type of leader I wanted to become. These people will never be forgotten. If you ask almost anyone in the field, they have worked with someone or knows of a previous coworker who has chosen the very same path.

Pay Attention to the Numbers

Veterinary Support Staff Unleashed is a Facebook group of about 12,100 members. In this group, kennel assistants, receptionists, vet assistants, vet technicians and practice managers come together to discuss our joys in vet med. We also discuss our struggles, of which there are many. I quickly learned that I was not alone in suffering from mental illness and it affects me personally. People share their frustration, hopelessness and stories about coworkers who chose to end their personal pain.

I decided to survey the group to learn more about mental illness and suicide in support staff. I had 618 participants and sadly wasn’t surprised by the results. I first asked about position and longevity in the field then came the tough part. I found out that more than 75 percent of the participants deal with a diagnosed mental illness – a bleak reminder that we never truly know what is going on in someone’s life.

Then I asked how many of the participants in the survey had thoughts of suicide.

Over half of the participants have had suicidal ideation since starting their career. I am in no way well-versed in putting together surveys. This is not a peer reviewed study, nor scientifically tested or scrutinized. But if you look at the answer, take a moment to let this all sink in. Half your coworkers have thought about killing themselves. Members of your team who have literally saved patients’ lives, have considered taking their own.

The Search for Answers

There are several different theories on why mental illness and suicide is a very real aspect in the veterinary team. Some say that the field attracts perfectionists, over achievers and empathetic individuals. Some say that the field of overextending, overworking and caring too much makes us ill. I don’t necessarily know the answer. But I do know this – people are dying. Families are devastated. The impact shakes our community.

We need to begin to look at our coworkers and realize they may be struggling. We need to offer resources and begin talking about the hard stuff. When we lose a patient during a code, we need to begin to discuss how to emotionally process that. We need to begin to address the effect of going into student debt to come out to make barely over minimum wage. We must start talking in our clinics. This is where we must have these conversations. Above all we need to be kind to each other.

If you notice someone struggling, it is OK to ask them how they are doing. If you notice behavioral changes, it is OK to ask if they are considering harming themselves. We, sadly, may not always see the signs, symptoms or know what is going on in their personal life, but we must start talking about it. Not talking about it isn’t working.

If you are struggling, please know that there are people out there that care about you and want you here. We can’t just lay the responsibility on those who are hurting. We need to create a culture where we can broach these topics and help each other. Those we have lost have left more of an impact on this field than they could’ve ever realized. But by talking to our teams, coworkers and colleagues, we can contribute to making an impact to saving our veterinary professionals. We are all in this together. Know you are not alone.

Helpful Resources for Your Clinic

Contact your insurance plans EAP program if you need help or you would like to offer help to your clinic. Many offer free counseling sessions.

For Help:
NOMV.org (DVM’s)
Veterinary Support Staff Unleashed Closed FB Group (Support Staff)
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255 or chat at: suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat
Crisis Text Line: 741741

To Help:
qprinstitute.com
suicidepreventionlifeline.org/how-we-can-all-prevent-suicide
nami.org

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the DrAndyRoark.com editorial team.