Getting Technical

What a veterinary nurse says and does can make the difference between a pet owner following a recommended treatment plan or rejecting it altogether.

The veterinary nurse and every other team member has an important role in client compliance. But first, what is compliance? By our definition, compliance is the extent to which pets receive the services and treatments that have been recommended by the veterinary team, from preventive care to more complex medical treatments and procedures. Adherence, on […]

Timely follow-up communication underscores your practice’s commitment to client service and patient care.

The concept of client callback systems is not a new one. Veterinary practices have used them for years and have seen positive results. Most practices started with lab results and then added surgery callbacks a day or two after the procedure. Sadly, many hospitals stopped here, thinking that was enough. The common assumption is that […]

Veterinary nurses can help clients address age-related issues in an older pet and make appropriate health care decisions.

I have yet to meet a veterinary professional who doesn’t love meeting puppies and kittens for the first time. It’s a joyous occasion for the team and pet owner and the beginning of what hopefully will be a lifelong relationship. Developing these relationships early on is essential. Regardless of whether the patient comes to us […]

Don’t be caught unprepared and out of compliance when an inspector shows up. Your employees’ health and safety are at stake.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was established in 1970 under the U.S. Department of Labor to ensure that Americans have safe and healthy work environments. The agency’s rules and regulations apply to veterinary hospitals and all other businesses. Regardless of whether an OSHA standard exists, each workplace is responsible for ensuring that safeguards […]

Providing an exceptional surgery experience for patients and clients isn’t that difficult. Doing it consistently will help you stand out from the crowd.

A positive surgery outcome is important for patient care and equally important for client care. How do we achieve a positive experience for both? Through teamwide communication and consistent processes. Every employee who has contact with the client or the patient should have a clear understanding of what is involved from first touch to last. […]

Proper inventory management is more than just tracking products that come in the door and go out. Sloppy recordkeeping and poor decision making can be costly.

Inventory management is a challenge for most veterinary practices. How much is enough, and how much is too much? Managers and nurses spend a great deal of time in this area, whether tackling the job themselves or managing others who do it. Wouldn’t it be great if the efforts were rewarded? They can be by […]

Follow these 10 tips to better the patient and client experience and produce a more engaged and happier team.

Efficiency is something we strive for every day in practice life. But are you doing everything you can to achieve this goal? Here are some simple, commonly overlooked ways to make a big difference in the daily workflow. 1. Punctuality Everyone needs to be punctual — in the door, on the floor and ready to […]

Top-notch communication and protocols will wow clients and ensure the best possible care of their pets.

Veterinary technicians play a vital role in providing clients and patients with the ultimate surgery room experience. In fact, every employee who has contact with the client or the patient should understand what is involved from first touch to last. Surgery and anesthesia top the list of procedures that require our best effort in communication. […]

Clients are more likely to accept medical recommendations if you clearly explain the services, provide a high-end, low-end fee estimate and know how to respond to financial resistance.

Preparing and presenting treatment plans is an important part of what veterinary technicians do every day. How you handle these plans will make the difference between clients accepting your recommendations or walking out the door. Clients often have a difficult time understanding recommendations, especially if the plan involves diagnostics and procedures. It’s our job to […]

Vet techs play a key role in oversight of controlled substances.

Managing controlled substances can be a daunting task that usually falls squarely on a veterinary technician’s shoulders. Issues arise when a technician does not understand the regulations or when the hospital lacks good systems for preventing the illegal acquisition, diversion and use of controlled drugs. Federal, state and local governments regulate controlled substances. The U.S. […]