Vet Staff
Julie South of VetStaff & VetClinicJobs
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*Welcome to the Vet Staff podcast *(formerly "Paws Claws & Wet Noses")* - the podcast helping veterinary professionals get their heads screwed on straight so they can get excited about going to work on Monday mornings.
*
As well as interviews with guests who're passionate about working in the veterinary sector because it's such a great place to work, we cover topics like:
* Mindset
* Professional Development
* Personal Development
Get ready to vouch for veterinary as being a great career choice. Together let's create a positive, dynamic and healthy workplace where everyone loves going to work on Monday mornings.
*
Vet Staff is hosted by Julie South - your Specialist Veterinary Recruitment Professional.*
Available episodes
Newest first
Oldest first
1 day ago
How Self Confidence & Defeating Imposter Syndrome Helps Grow Your Resiliency Quotient - ep 161
Have you ever wondered why some veterinary professionals seem to handle adversity better than others?
Why some people seem to thrive amidst challenges, while others crumble?
The secret is *resilience*, a superpower that can be cultivated and honed to help you adapt and bounce forward in the face of life's and work's 'Pear Shaped Moments" we all face from time to time.
Join Julie South, as she explores more key strategies to boost resilience, including the significant role of self-assurance, and the crucial difference between it and cockiness.
Want to level up your self-confidence and flush Imposter Syndrome down the drain - where it belongs...?
Julie introduces VetStaff's exclusive *EFFORT framework* to help you (and those you work with and love at home) ditch Imposter Syndrome every time it rears its undermining, self-sabotaging and ugly head!
*Become more capable + confident + credible with EFFORT to grow your Resiliency Quotient to live your best life - at home and at work.
*
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck*
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, *please get in touch with Julie* because this is something VetStaff can help you with.
*How to shine online as a good employer*
If you’d like to shine online as a good employer to attract the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic please *get in touch with Julie* because this is something *VetClinicJobs* can help you with.
*Revive Your Drive* - daily 2-minute videos for employers and employees to revive their drives at work and at home.
*Follow Julie's behind the scenes - social media posts*
Most days Julie South shares a behind the scenes post via *Facebook*, ...
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Nov 20, 2023
Building Resilience by Challenging Your Limiting Beliefs - pt 4 - ep 160
Limiting beliefs are self-imposed barriers that prevent you from achieving your goals, narrow your thinking, and dilute your resilience quotient.
If you ever feel like you aren't reaching your full potential then this episode is for you -you'll discover how to flush your limiting self beliefs down the drain.
In this episode Julie introduces FIT - Functional Imagery Training. It's powerful and backed by research.
Imagine being able to harness the power of mental imagery to motivate your own behavioural change, boost your drive, and belief in your goal achievement capabilities!
What has that got to do with growing and strengthening your Resilient Quotient? Tune in because Julie explains how having self efficacy is essential to having a resilient mindset.
If you know you have a limiting self-belief (or two or three) that get in the way of you living your best life, then this episode's for you.
Likewise, if you find yourself sometimes running out of motivation on a new project - again, this episode's for you as well.
*Functional Imagery Training - Extract**
**University of Plymouth - FIT**
**Values Workbook*
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck*
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, *please get in touch with Julie* because this is something VetStaff can help you with.
*How to shine online as a good employer*
If you’d like to shine online as a good employer to attract the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic please *get in touch with Julie* because this is something *VetClinicJobs* can help you with.
*Revive Your Drive* - daily 2-minute videos for employers and employees to revive their drives at work and at home.
*Follow Julie's behind the scenes - social media posts*
Most days Julie South shares a behind the scenes post via *Facebook*, ...
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Nov 13, 2023
Building a Resilient Mindset: The Power of Realistic Optimism - Resiliency - pt 3
*Are you cultivating the right kind of optimism in your personal and professional life?
How to Grow Your Resiliency Quotient (pt 3) - today, Julie South guides you through the concept of realistic optimism—what it is and why it matters. *
She shares insights on its benefits - and how these apply to your daily professional life.
Discover how cognitive restructuring is not just a buzzword, but a transformative tool with real-life applications for veterinary professionals.
Learn about the 'three C's'—*Control, Challenge, Commitment*—and their pivotal role in building resilience.
Understand the subtle yet crucial differences between a Pollyanna mindset and Realistic Optimism, and how one can empower your Resiliency Quotient, while the other will disempower.
Julie also tackles the tough questions:
Can realistic optimism shield you from burnout?
How can we counter automatic negative thoughts that sabotage our work?
And what's the significance of 'pattern interrupt' in maintaining a balanced and optimistic perspective?
For answers to these questions and to further grow your Resiliency Quotient, tune in! This episode is perfect for veterinary professionals looking for practical strategies to bounce forward every time they find themselves in the middle of a Pear Shaped Event - at work or at home.
*Research mentioned:*
*Three Cs Research**
**Hardiness - Three Cs Background*VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck*
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, *please get in touch with Julie* because this is something VetStaff can help you with.
*How to shine online as a good employer*
If you’d like to shine online as a good employer to attract the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic please *get in touch with Julie* because this is something *VetClinicJobs* can help you with.
*Revive Your Drive* - daily 2-minute videos for employers and employees to revive their drives at work and at home.
*Follow Julie's behind the scenes - social media posts*
Most days Julie South shares a behind the scenes post via *Facebook*, ...
playlist_add
Nov 5, 2023
Growing Your Grit: The Role of Personal Responsibility in Building Resilience
*What if you possessed an untapped superpower that could transform your life?*
Today, we're going to reveal this hidden potential within you - it's the *power of resilience*.
Much like a muscle, resilience can be strengthened over time with practice.
Julie South discusses how to enhance your resilience quotient and, importantly, explore the role of personal accountability and responsibility in this process.
You'll also receive a practical strategy to start building your resilience toolbox right away.
Julie looks into the realm of personal responsibility.
It's a trait that significantly influences your resilience quotient, and we'll discuss its indicators and how it impacts our lives.
She'll guide you on how to cultivate this crucial trait and share a simple daily practice that can make you more mindful of your actions.
As she wraps up your empowering journey, we'll balance out our positive thinking with actionable steps to restructure our cognitive processes, helping us battle pessimism and grow our resilience quotient.
So, join us for this insightful and transformative conversation! Be ready to become the most fantastic, self-accountable version of yourself.
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck*
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, *please get in touch with Julie* because this is something VetStaff can help you with.
*How to shine online as a good employer*
If you’d like to shine online as a good employer to attract the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic please *get in touch with Julie* because this is something *VetClinicJobs* can help you with.
*Revive Your Drive* - daily 2-minute videos for employers and employees to revive their drives at work and at home.
*Follow Julie's behind the scenes - social media posts*
Most days Julie South shares a behind the scenes post via *Facebook*, ...
playlist_add
Oct 30, 2023
Mastering the Art of Resilience in an Unpredictable World - part 1
Sometimes life gets in the way of everything - oftentimes it can feel like a whirlwind of chaos. Without learned tools, tips and skills, it's natural to feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to navigate through the storm.
Join me, Julie South, as we dive fearlessly into the turbulence, teasing out the knots of "buyer's remorse" in job transitions, and uncovering the definitive aspects of resilience as per the American Psychological Association.
We'll dissect why it's essential to process struggles rather than resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms, and lift the veil on the debilitating pressure to always appear strong.
Today we look at the importance of embarking on a quest to seek positivity amidst chaos, learn to disassemble massive challenges into digestible portions, and cultivate resilience not just in ourselves but also in our children.
Then, we'll look at the tricky landscape of job regret (the recruitment equivalent of buyers' remorse) after choosing a new career path to come out stronger on the other side.
Plug in, and let this episode fan the flames of resilience and positivity in your life.
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck*
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, *please get in touch with Julie* because this is something VetStaff can help you with.
*How to shine online as a good employer*
If you’d like to shine online as a good employer to attract the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic please *get in touch with Julie* because this is something *VetClinicJobs* can help you with.
*Revive Your Drive* - daily 2-minute videos for employers and employees to revive their drives at work and at home.
*Follow Julie's behind the scenes - social media posts*
Most days Julie South shares a behind the scenes post via *Facebook*, ...
playlist_add
Oct 23, 2023
Boosting Team Dynamics and Enhancing Emotional Intelligence with DISC Styles
Are you ready to demystify the four stages of team development?
With the help of our guest, Lucy Smith, a certified DISC practitioner, you'll cultivate a deeper understanding of how high emotional intelligence (EQ) shapes effective teams.
We talk about how the simple knowledge of a new language can drastically transform the way we understand and work with people, and how Lucy's team reports can offer insights into the unique strengths of each individual in your team.
As we work our way through the unique challenges of the veterinary industry, Lucy shares her insights on maintaining effective relationships within a vet team.
She chats about the complex dynamics that shift and adapt as new members join the team, emphasising the importance of self-awareness and its transformative potential.
We also turn the spotlight on emotional intelligence's relationship with DISC styles.
We overview the importance of understanding ambiverts and identifying comfortable and uncomfortable states, along with effective (personal) energy management.
*Links Mentioned in this Episode:
**ep 39 - 12 Statements Low EQ People Make**
**ep 40 - Emotional Intelligence - 6 Ways to Lead as an Emotionally Intelligent Leader**
**ep 145 - Exploring Social Intelligence - A Key to Personal and Professional Development**
**Lucy Smith**
**Tania Bruce**
**Julie South*
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck*
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, *please get in touch with Julie* because this is something VetStaff can help you with.
*How to shine online as a good employer*
If you’d like to shine online as a good employer to attract the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic please *get in touch with Julie* because this is something *VetClinicJobs* can help you with.
*Revive Your Drive* - daily 2-minute videos for employers and employees to revive their drives at work and at home.
*Follow Julie's behind the scenes - social media posts*
Most days Julie South shares a behind the scenes post via *Facebook*, ...
playlist_add
Oct 16, 2023
Unlocking Workplace Harmony: Exploring Personality Profiling with Lucy Smith
Ever dreamed of transforming your workplace into a harmonious, productive haven?
Are you eager to understand why you or your colleagues behave the way you do?
Get ready as *Julie South**,* *Tania Bruce *and Extended DISC Certified Practitioner, *Lucy Smith *chat about how understanding different behavioural styles can (literally!) revolutionise your work environment and boost performance.
Imagine a workplace where communication is seamless, stress is well managed, and everyone is in their perfect working environment.
Together with Lucy, we uncover the four behavioural styles: D, I, S, and C.
Lucy gives us an intro into the distinct traits of each style, and how they determine the way you handle work and communication.
As a dog-owner, Lucy shares how her personality type impacted how she responded to the treatment plan her Veterinarian prescribed.
This is part 1 of the 2 part chat on the power of understanding different personality types in the workplace with Lucy Smith.
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck*
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, *please get in touch with Julie* because this is something VetStaff can help you with.
*How to shine online as a good employer*
If you’d like to shine online as a good employer to attract the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic please *get in touch with Julie* because this is something *VetClinicJobs* can help you with.
*Revive Your Drive* - daily 2-minute videos for employers and employees to revive their drives at work and at home.
*Follow Julie's behind the scenes - social media posts*
Most days Julie South shares a behind the scenes post via *Facebook*, ...
playlist_add
Oct 9, 2023
Cultivating Empathy: Strategies for Forgiving When it Feels Impossible - #forgiveness - ep 154
Ever feel the weight of bitterness holding you back?
Today, we're going to unburden ourselves by embracing the liberating power of forgiveness, even in the face of deep hurt when it feels impossible to forgive.
We'll be exploring the transformative ability of empathy to bridge the gap between hurt and healing.
We'll share seven potent techniques to help you understand and share the feelings of those who've wronged you, starting with recognising your own emotions and seeking understanding rather than retribution.
We'll discuss how to actively listen and steer clear of those polarising us-versus-them mindsets. We're not about forgetting or condoning harmful actions, but about freeing ourselves to lead richer, happier lives. Because we owe it to ourselves and those we love and who love us.
*But what if forgiveness seems a mountain too high to climb?
*
Don't fret, we'll walk you through how to gain a fresh perspective. This includes 15 different questions you can ask yourself to help you successfully reframe through introspection.
VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck*
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, *please get in touch with Julie* because this is something VetStaff can help you with.
*How to shine online as a good employer*
If you’d like to shine online as a good employer to attract the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic please *get in touch with Julie* because this is something *VetClinicJobs* can help you with.
*Revive Your Drive* - daily 2-minute videos for employers and employees to revive their drives at work and at home.
*Follow Julie's behind the scenes - social media posts*
Most days Julie South shares a behind the scenes post via *Facebook*, ...
playlist_add
Oct 2, 2023
Exploring the Depths of Collective Forgiveness: From Historical Atrocities to Corporate Scandals
Are you ready to journey into the depths of collective (group) forgiveness?
Today we look at historical wounds and explore the healing power of forgiveness, be it for historical atrocities like the Holocaust, colonialism, and slavery, or the smaller yet impactful world of business reputations tarnished by a few.
We consider examples from Rwanda and Northern Ireland, shedding light on indigenous forgiveness initiatives that are paving the road to healing around the globe. Simultaneously, we consider what it feels like to work in an organisation where a few misguided actions have marred the reputation of many.
How would you forgive if you worked in a company where a corporate apology and trust rebuilding was required?
Consider real-world instances like Toyota's unintended acceleration debacle and Facebook's infamous Cambridge Analytica data scandal.
You're offered critical insights into strategies companies can adopt to offer sincere apology and seek internal forgiveness, highlighting the importance of clear communication and authentic acknowledgment from the top.
We underscore that rebuilding trust and reducing anxiety among stakeholders is paramount to initiating the journey towards forgiveness.
So, join Julie South of VetStaff in this enlightening episode that promises to broaden your understanding of collective forgiveness, its historical significance, and its contemporary relevance in the business world.VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck*
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, *please get in touch with Julie* because this is something VetStaff can help you with.
*How to shine online as a good employer*
If you’d like to shine online as a good employer to attract the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic please *get in touch with Julie* because this is something *VetClinicJobs* can help you with.
*Revive Your Drive* - daily 2-minute videos for employers and employees to revive their drives at work and at home.
*Follow Julie's behind the scenes - social media posts*
Most days Julie South shares a behind the scenes post via *Facebook*, ...
playlist_add
Sep 25, 2023
The Power of Forgiveness in the High-stakes Ethical Veterinary World
*Ever wondered how forgiveness can apply when there's the moral dilemma of and justice colouring the picture in the high stakes the veterinary profession?
*
Join me, Julie South, as we navigate this minefield of dilemmas.
We look at the the importance of being 'fit and proper' test. From medical malpractice to heart-wrenching end-of-life decisions, we'll grapple with the tough questions of accountability and forgiveness in this high-stakes profession.
We also look at the power of self-forgiveness and introduce and refer back to the Vet Clinic Forgiveness Matrix.
We look at a divisive case involving an individual known only as 'X', found guilty of a serious offense.
*Other episodes mentioned today:
*
*Episode 146*
*Episode 149*
To find out more about *VetClinicJobs – listen to this episode**.*
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck*
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, *please get in touch with Julie* because this is something VetStaff can help you with.
*How to shine online as a good employer*
If you’d like to shine online as a good employer to attract the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic please *get in touch with Julie* because this is something *VetClinicJobs* can help you with.
*Revive Your Drive* - daily 2-minute videos for employers and employees to revive their drives at work and at home.
*Follow Julie's behind the scenes - social media posts*
Most days Julie South shares a behind the scenes post via *Facebook*, ...
playlist_add
Sep 18, 2023
Transforming Veterinary Clinic Culture through the Power of Forgiveness
*What if the culture within your veterinary clinic could be transformed by one simple concept - forgiveness?*
This is the second of a 2-part talking about forgiveness as a vet clinic culture, and the sixth episode on the "forgiveness" series.
Picture a workplace where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth and team members are encouraged to learn from errors rather than fear them.
This episode of our podcast is all about cultivating just such an atmosphere using the *Vet Clinic Forgiveness Matrix*, a unique tool designed to help you understand and navigate different scenarios ranging from minor, quickly-forgiven errors to more complex issues that require rebuilding trust.
We'll take you through each quadrant of the matrix, helping you recognise the common phrases and behaviours that are indicative of each one.
We also explore how to actively build a forgiving culture within your clinic. From leading by example to providing conflict resolution training, we discuss various strategies that can help your team embrace a growth mindset and foster an environment where accountability, justice, and forgiveness are balanced.
We'll also touch upon the ethical dimensions of forgiveness in a veterinary setting and how promoting your forgiving culture on platforms like *Vetclinicjobscom* can attract like-minded professionals.
Join us as we explore how forgiveness can be a powerful tool not just for healing wounds and mending relationships, but also for paving the way towards overall growth within your clinic.
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck*
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, *please get in touch with Julie* because this is something VetStaff can help you with.
*How to shine online as a good employer*
If you’d like to shine online as a good employer to attract the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic please *get in touch with Julie* because this is something *VetClinicJobs* can help you with.
*Revive Your Drive* - daily 2-minute videos for employers and employees to revive their drives at work and at home.
*Follow Julie's behind the scenes - social media posts*
Most days Julie South shares a behind the scenes post via *Facebook*, ...
playlist_add
Sep 11, 2023
Transforming Vet Clinic Culture Through the Power of Forgiveness
*What if the key to a harmonious and productive veterinary clinic lies in the simple act of forgiveness?
*
Join me, Julie South, as we embark on a journey to understand how forgiveness plays an integral role in managing a successful clinic.
We look at forgiveness and its significance in resolving interpersonal conflicts, coping with client complaints, dealing with staffing issues, and navigating ethical concerns.
The first step towards a more cooperative and respectful work environment begins with empathy and understanding others' perspectives - a crucial aspect of forgiveness.
Leading by example is paramount in cultivating a forgiving workplace culture. As leaders, acknowledging our own missteps and learning from them fosters understanding and empathy within our teams.
The ripple effect of such leadership is an enhanced team dynamic and an improved clinic environment.
By promoting a culture of forgiveness, we not only resolve conflicts but also strengthen our team's cohesion.
Li…
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Sep 4, 2023
Unlocking Personal Growth and Professional Fulfilment Through Self-Forgiveness
Did you know that self-forgiveness is the key to unlock personal growth and professional fulfilment?
As veterinary professionals, we routinely face challenges and pressures, which can often lead to guilt, negative self-talk, and difficulty in forming healthy relationships.
Julie South sheds light on these symptoms and how unresolved issues can erode your self-esteem and even manifest as physical symptoms, ultimately hindering your potential.
She walks you through the practical steps to self-forgiveness, acknowledging past mistakes, taking responsibility, embracing vulnerability, and experiencing the associated emotions.
You'll discover how self-compassion, positive self-talk, and setting realistic expectations can aid in your healing process.
Find out how forgiveness can redefine your leadership style, foster stronger team dynamics, and create a healthier work environment.
Get ready to take control of your personal and professional life with a stronger, kinder, and more forgiving…
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Aug 28, 2023
Exploring the Complex World of Forgiveness in Diverse Cultures and Workplaces
Did you know that numerous societal and personal factors shape our ability to forgive?
Understand the world of forgiveness and its application in diverse cultures and workplaces.
Julie South explores how different communities express forgiveness, as well as the critical reality that forgiving is a continuous practise that we must undertake for our mental and emotional well-being.
She also sheds light on forgiveness in the the most challenging place, the workplace!
Did you know that the culture of your workplace can either hinder or cultivate forgiveness?
Find out how a culture that encourages litigation and win-lose dynamics can be detrimental to mental health and job satisfaction.
In contrast, a clinic’s attitude towards personal development, professional growth, and conflict resolution can inculcate a nurturing culture of forgiveness.
Learn actionable tips to showcase a clinic’s values and training when it comes to forgiveness and conflict resolution.
Whether you're a vet…
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Aug 21, 2023
Exploring the Neuroscience of Forgiveness and Its Influence on Health
*What if the key to lasting contentment and success lies in the intricate workings of the human brain?
Does understanding the neuroscience of forgiveness hold the power to reduce stress, enhance our emotional and physical health, and lead us towards a life of better understanding and empathy?
*
Today Julie gives an easy-to-understand insight into the interesting role of our brain regions such as the anterior cingulate cortex and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex in the process of forgiveness.
Ever wondered about the changes that take place in your brain when you forgive someone?
Or how understanding another person's perspective can foster forgiveness and empathy?
Today Julie looks at the effects of forgiveness on our brain’s reward system and emotional health, and the potential of forgiveness interventions to improve cognitive function.
Discover how neuroplasticity - our brain's remarkable ability to rewire itself - responds to the practice of forgiveness.
*REFERENCES MADE TOD…
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Aug 14, 2023
Exploring Resentment Rumination: The Thief of Personal Growth and Shared Joy
*Have you ever wondered how forgiveness could be the key to unlocking lasting contentment and success in your life?
*
This episode is designed to help you move past resentment, embrace understanding, and actively seek peace. We delve into psychological theories behind this transformative power and explain how forgiveness - a deliberate choice to let go of negative emotions - affects relationships with others and ourselves.
Our exploration does not stop here!
We bring you inspiring stories of two extraordinary women - Eva Kaur, a Romanian Holocaust survivor, and Immaculée Ilibagiza, a survivor of the Rwandan genocide. Hear how their acts of forgiveness have not only led to personal healing and growth, but also served as beacons for others.
We also share Nelson Mandela's thoughts on forgiveness.
We shed light on the unseen repercussions of holding on to resentment and its detrimental effects on our physical and mental health.
As we round off our discussion, we weave forgiveness and…
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Aug 7, 2023
Exploring Social Intelligence: A Key to Personal and Professional Development
*Emotional and social intelligence:* discover how to harness their power to spark new connections, open up opportunities, and enhance your relationships.
We start by distinguishing between emotional and social intelligence, and then delve into EQ's four essential components. You'll also be guided in identifying signs of a lack in social intelligence, so you can navigate social landscapes with greater ease and confidence.
*References:
*Ep 39 - 12 statements low EQ people make
Ep 40 - 6 ways to lead as an emotionally intelligent leader
Julie South
Tania Bruce
Then we shift gears and delve into the realm of *social styles*.
We look at the unique psychological needs, growth actions, and orientations tied to the four main social styles: driving, expressive, amiable, and analytical.
How understanding these styles can boost your social intelligence, improving your ability to communicate and collaborate.
The conversation then pivots to the world of veterinary careers, offering insights o…
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Jul 31, 2023
The Power of Mentoring in Veterinary Clinics to Improve Recruitment & Retention
Ever wondered why more than 40% of workers without a mentor have considered leaving their job in the last three months, compared to just 25% of those who do have a mentor? Curious about how a well-structured mentoring program can demonstrate your commitment to your team's growth, leading to higher levels of engagement and loyalty? Tune in! We're embarking on a journey to unravel the hidden power of mentoring in veterinary clinics. We break down how mentoring, a timeless practice from ancient civilisations, can significantly boost your staff retention rates, enhance job satisfaction, and even improve patient care.
Don't think we're stopping there. We're spilling secrets on how to structure winning mentoring programs in veterinary clinics — from setting the frequency of meetings, training mentors and mentees, to setting clear goals and facilitating open communication. We also spotlight the NZVA's mentor training support and end with a comprehensive look at vetclinicjobs.com, a global…
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Jul 24, 2023
The Game Changer: High-impact Recruitment for Your Veterinary Clinic
This episode uncovers the importance of the candidate experience, and how investing in it, can make your clinic the ultimate work destination.
We share the spotlight on five examples of good recruitment experiences and the positive impact they can make at your clinic.
*Reference articles:
**Why the candidate experience matters**
**Candidate rejection**
**Onboarding Statistics**
**VetClinicJobs.com*
We wrap up with an exciting peek into how a five-star review can elevate your clinic's reputation online. So, brace yourself for an enlightening journey that'll leave you buzzing with ideas to revamp your recruitment process!
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck*
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, *please get in touch with Julie* because this is something VetStaff can help you with.
*How to shine onli…
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Jul 18, 2023
Nurturing Veterinary Sustainability: the Power of Conversation - ep 142
Discover the untapped potential of communication skills within your veterinary clinic in this fascinating chat with* Dr Meg Irvine* from *Vet Lifeskills*.
We promise you an eye-opening exploration into how effective communication training can revolutionise your clinic, leading to fewer client complaints, better NPS scores, and less clients seeking second opinions.
It's not only about customer satisfaction though - Dr Meg will demonstrate how this training can revolutionise time management, increase procedure conversions, and drastically boost employee morale and job satisfaction.
We're not just talking improvement here; we're talking about game-changing, clinic-redefining leaps forward!
Hot on the heels of the first episode, we continue our deep-dive with Dr Meg Irvine, examining the role of tailored communication and personality types in connecting with clients.
Tune in to reimagine your veterinary clinic's communication culture!
*Email Dr Meg Irvine*.
*Companion Animal Vacancy…
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Jul 10, 2023
From Practitioner to Coach: A Veterinarian's Journey to Enhancing Communication and Relationship-Centred Care - ep 141
Ever wondered about the journey from a fledgling veterinarian to a seasoned practitioner with her own coaching business for other professionals in the field? Our inspiring guest today takes us through her fascinating journey; spotlighting the trials, tribulations, and triumphs she encountered along her path. As she sheds light on her early passion for veterinary medicine, her challenges as a fresh graduate, and her mid-career crisis, prepare to be inspired by her resilience and drive.
Our guest further opens up about her career transition facilitated by the *NZVA Educator Scholarship*, which granted her the opportunity to enhance her skills at the *Institute for Healthcare Communication* in the US.
This pivotal transition led her to establish *Vet Lifeskills*, a venture aimed at empowering veterinary professionals with valuable communication skills.
Get a sneak peek into her rewarding journey, as she discusses the importance of building authentic connections with clients for mutual…
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Jul 3, 2023
Unveiling the Values Divide: the Hidden Pitfall in Recruitment Marketing - ep 140
Are your recruitment efforts falling short? What if you could transform your clinic's recruitment strategy by focusing on the right values that resonate with job seekers? In this episode, we uncover the untapped potential of talking about employer values such as workforce development, well-being, empowerment, collaboration, and innovation in your job advertisements, and discuss the values job seekers crave like growth and development, work-life balance, autonomy and empowerment, collaboration and teamwork, and innovation and creativity.
But how can you ensure both employers and employees are living up to their stated values? We dive deep into the questions both parties should ask during job interviews to ensure alignment and a healthy workplace culture.
Plus, learn how to bridge the gap between client-facing and employee-facing values to create a workplace where everyone loves coming to work. VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nur…
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Jun 26, 2023
Harness the power of "values" to up the ante on your recruitment marketing - ep 139
*Ready to revolutionise your vet clinic's recruitment process and say goodbye to low engagement, high turnover, and skyrocketing costs?
*
Discover the secret to transforming your employer brand and boosting your clinic's success as we dive into the importance of values alignment, transparency, and a values-driven culture in ep 139 - *The Power of Values*.
Join us on this enlightening journey as we follow the experiences of Dr. Chris, a talented veterinarian seeking a new opportunity, and learn how aligning employer and employee values can lead to higher job satisfaction and more successful clinics.
We'll discuss the critical role of transparency in the recruitment process and explore how being open about your clinic's values can help build a strong, cohesive team.
Get ready to power up your employer branding game, attract the perfect team members for your clinic, and explore *vetclinicjobs.com* as a valuable resource in finding the perfect career opportunities.
*Companion Animal Va…
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Jun 20, 2023
Veterinary Recruitment Reimagined - Vet Clinic Jobs Uncovered
*Do you agree that traditional veterinary recruitment is desperately calling for a better way?
Are you sick of being at the mercy of unverified employer review sites and Google to shape your clinic's employer reputation?
Are you frustrated by the lack of insight into what it's really like to work at a clinic you've got your eye on?
Today, we unveil **VetClinicJobs** – the reimagined approach to veterinary recruitment that has the potential to totally revolutionise the industry.
*
I'm Julie South, your host for today's Vet Staff podcast (formerly "Paws Claws Wet Noses"), and together we'll explore how *VetClinicJobs* is redefining veterinary recruitment by providing job seekers with crucial insights into a clinic's culture, values, and work environment.
Join me as we dive into the world of employer reviews, and the potential impact of unverified and anonymous reviews on your business.
We'll discuss the importance of employer brand marketing and share our journey of how three year…
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Jun 16, 2023
Introducing the Vet Staff podcast - the Rebrand Special Edition Episode
Welcome to the exciting new chapter of the Vet Staff podcast, where we promise to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of recruitment and employer brand marketing in the veterinary world! We're on a mission to revolutionize the recruitment market and create people-first workplaces, so say goodbye to the Paws Claws Wet Noses days and let's embark on this journey together.
We couldn't be more thrilled to announce our partnership with VetClinicJobs.com, an innovative global job board dedicated to connecting veterinary professionals with clinics that shine online. What makes this platform stand out, and how can it elevate your career or clinic's employer branding game? Stay tuned as we explore topics like the power of Vet Clinic Employer Branding and the power of Personal Branding in upcoming episodes. Together, let's create a world where everyone loves going to work on Monday mornings!
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* fo…
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Jun 12, 2023
Strategies to Mitigate the Veterinary Shortage: A People-First Approach with Dr Stuart Burrough of Vet Marlborough
Julie South of VetStaff speaks with Dr. Stuart Burrough of Vet Marlborough in the final instalment of a three-part series.
Dr. Burrough discusses the strategies his clinic has implemented to mitigate the veterinary shortage and create a great place to work.
He emphasises the importance of paying staff well enough to remove money as a motivator, and shares his vision for a veterinary business that prioritises personal and professional growth.
The episode concludes with a discussion of the impact of training on employee satisfaction and clinic success.
*Links mentioned in this episode
**julie@vetstaff.co.nz**
**isobel@vetstaff.co.nz
**first episode with Dr Burrough**
**second episode with Dr Burrough*
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck*
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, *please get in touch with…
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Jun 5, 2023
Revolutionising Veterinary Care: Elevating Vet Nurses and Tackling Shortages with Dr. Stuart Burrough
*Ever wondered how the professional skills of vet nurses could revolutionise the future of veterinary care?
*
Join us for a captivating conversation with Dr. Stuart Burrough, a veterinarian and owner of Vet Marlborough, who shares his journey and innovative approach to task delegation.
Learn how this unique principle has transformed Vet Marlborough's practice efficiency, elevating the role of vet nurses and addressing veterinarian shortages.
But that's not all - we have some thrilling updates to share!
Tune in to hear about the rebranding of our podcast to the Vetstaff Podcast, and the launch of our exclusive leadership and personal development programme for vet nurses.
Plus, discover the *Revive Your Drive* 2-Minute Videos, bite-sized videos, designed to support mental health in the veterinary workplace.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Dr. Stuart's experience and find out how you can play a part in shaping the future of veterinary care.VetStaff
leading veterinary sector…
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May 29, 2023
Striking the Balance: Veterinary Medicine at the Cutting Edge with Work-Life Harmony - Dr Stuart Burrough
VetStaff's *Julie South* chats with *Dr Stuart Burrough (*BVSc., MANZCVS) a veterinarian with a passion for innovation and commitment to veterinary research.
Dr. Burrough is the founder and director of *Vet Marlborough *and discusses his three-month experiences as part of a Practitioner in Residence prog at the University of Florida.
We also delve into Dr. Burrough's innovative approaches to veterinary medicine, including his pioneering work in stem cell therapy for arthritis treatment in dogs, and laparoscopic assisted gastropexies for giant breed dogs and working Huntaway dogs.
Tune in to learn about Dr. Burrough's commitment to providing the best standards of care for his patients and his passion for outdoor activities such as sailing, scuba diving, and skiing.
*Find out more about the Small Animal Veterinarian vacancy at Vet Marlborough*
If you'd like to know more about the small animal veterinarian vacancy at Vet Marlborough please contact either *Julie South* or *Isobel Coope…
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May 22, 2023
Unleashing the Potential of Vet Nurses in New Zealand with Jade Pengelly - Tales of a Vet Nurse - pt 2
This is the second in the 2-part series where Julie South interviews veterinary nurse practice manager and author of Tales of a Vet Nurse, Jade Pengelly.
We dive into the controversial topic of how vet nurses are trained and perceived in the UK versus New Zealand.
Jade Pengelly, shares her insights on the similarities and differences between the two nations and her views on what needs to change in New Zealand clinics to help vet nurses reach their full potential.
We discuss the importance of building trust and rapport with vets to gain more responsibilities and recognition, as well as the need for culture shifts in some veterinary practices.
We also touch on the mental health of veterinary employees and employers, management's responsibility to ensure the mental health of their staff, and ways to improve mental health in the veterinary profession.
Tune in for more on this thought-provoking episode.
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tani…
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May 15, 2023
Tales of a Vet Nurse with Jade Pengelly - pt 1 of 2 - ep 133
*Are you a veterinary nurse looking to take your career to the next level? If so, you won't want to miss today’s episode**!*
*In this first of two episodes, we sit down with Jade Pengelly, a veterinary nurse and published author whose book, "**Tales of a Vet Nurse**," is a must-read for anyone in the field.
Jade is on a mission to help veterinary nurses gain the recognition they deserve both with the public and in clinic.
Join us as we dive into Jade's journey, the inspiration behind her book, and her mission to help vet nurses find greater job satisfaction and why she describes herself as one of those people that vet nurses love to hate.
**Revive Your Drive** - *Mental Health Awareness bite sized videos for Mental Health Awareness Month of May - for veterinary employees and employers.
*Purchase "Tales of a Vet Nurse" on Amazon**: *softback or Kindle versions:
* *ASIN : *B0BH6RYTX4
* *Publisher : *HarperCollins (March 1, 2023)
* *Publication date : …
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May 8, 2023
Empowering Your Workforce: How a Quality-of-Life Employer Supports Employees Through Times of Overwhelm and Lack of Control - ep 132
Are you an employer looking for ways to enhance the quality of life for yourself and your team in the workplace?
Do you often find your team feeling overwhelmed and out of control?
As a team leader, do you struggle to provide the right support during difficult times?
While the saying "focus on what you can control" can seem trite and unhelpful, it's critical for the well-being of your team.
Today is all about practical strategies to help you and your team regain balance and empowerment in your work life.
Keep listening to discover how to improve the quality of life at work for you and your employees.
*Other Episodes Mentioned:
https://www.vetstaff.co.nz/quality-of-life-factors-workplace/
https://www.vetstaff.co.nz/sceptics-guide-to-gratitude-discovering-benefits-of-cultivating-thankfulness/
https://www.vetstaff.co.nz/dr-megan-alderson-the-vetthrive-collective-ep-102/
https://www.vetstaff.co.nz/veterinary-part-timers-how-to-attract-embrace-veterinary-part-timers-to-run-profitable-…
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May 1, 2023
The Culture-Positive Approach: How Quality of Life Powers Recruitment Success - ep 131
Want to improve job satisfaction and attract high-performing employees?
You need to prioritise *Quality of Life in your Workplace*.
This Culture-Positive concept is gaining popularity.
But what is it exactly and how does it benefit both employees and employers?
Stay tuned as we explore the benefits of Quality of Life in your Workplace, how it can be your clinic’s recruitment superpower and how it can enhance your professional life.
We look at the original six Quality of Life in the Workplace Factors from the mid-20th Century and how you can make them relevant for life and work in today's 21st Century.
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck*
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, *please get in touch with Julie* because this is something VetStaff can help you with.
*How to shine online as a good emp…
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Apr 24, 2023
Sceptic’s Guide to Gratitude: Discover the Benefits of Cultivating Thankfulness - ep 130
Are you curious about the power of gratitude?
Perhaps you're sceptical of its benefits, thinking it's just a trendy buzzword.
What if I told you that there's scientific evidence that practicing gratitude can enhance your mental and physical health?
Join me: today we dive deep into the world of gratitude, exploring its benefits and giving you practical tips on how to cultivate thankfulness in your daily life.
It's not uncommon to be sceptical of the concept of gratitude.
Some may view it as a new-age trend or an unrealistic expectation in a world that can often be challenging and unfair. However, research has shown that practicing gratitude can have significant positive effects on both our physical and mental health.
Today we look at:
* *Gratitude*
* *Forgiveness*
* *Reframing*
* *Actioning*VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a…
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Apr 17, 2023
Balancing Act: 7 Tips for Work-Life Balance for Introverts and Extroverts - ep 129
*Are you struggling to juggle your professional and personal life?
Do you feel like you're missing out on the things that matter most?
Whether you're an **introvert **or an **extrovert**, finding the right balance can be a challenge.
Here are 7 practical strategies tailored to your intro or extro “vert” personality-type that can help you create the balance you've been dreaming of.
*A lot of people think that *introversion *and *extroversion *is the difference between being shy or not. Between being able to walk up to a stranger and say hi… or to have the ability to speak in public.
It’s none of those because both can relate to either of those scenarios.
It’s all about how we each recharge ourselves and maintain our focus.
The suffix vert in introversion and extroversion comes from the Latin word vertere which means to turn.
In this context, it's about the direction in which your energy is turned or directed - inward or outward.
Having work-life balance refers to the…
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Apr 10, 2023
Pawsitively Impressive: Leveraging Employee Testimonials for Vet Clinic Employer Branding 101 - ep 128
*Are you a veterinary clinic owner, HR, or Practice Manager struggling to recruit and retain top performers? *
*Or maybe you're a veterinary professional on the hunt for your next career move? *
*Either way, this episode is for you!*
We're diving into *Vet Clinic Employer Branding*, the power of employee testimonials to showcase the best clinics in town and how they can help you find the good employers.
As a veterinary clinic owner, attracting more, and retaining the top performers you’ve already got, is critical to the success of your practice.
In today’s highly competitive veterinary industry, it’s essential to differentiate your clinic from others – especially that one down the road - by showcasing your unique culture, values, and work environment.
One effective way to do this is by leveraging employee testimonials and case studies.
And if you’re the veterinary professional looking to make your next move, you’ll want to know what it’s like to work at a clinic yo…
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Apr 3, 2023
Personal Power - Grit + Wonder - A Chat with Companion Animal Dental Specialist - Dr. Crystal Loh - pt 2 - ep 127
*Have you ever felt like you're stuck at the bottom of an insurmountable mountain or in a valley with no way out?
How do you maintain that initial sense of wonder you first had when you started your veterinary career?
What is "grit"? How and when do you use it?*
In this inspiring and openly honest episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. Crystal Loh, one of New Zealand's three companion animal dental specialists, as she shares the trials and tribulations she faced on her path to specialisation and how she used grit to commit and continue.
*Dr Crystal Loh,* *BSc Hons, DVM MANZCVS, DAVDC - **nzvetdentistry.com*
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck*
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, *please get in touch with Julie* because this is something VetStaff can help you with.
*How to shine online as…
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Mar 27, 2023
Beyond the Bite - talking teeth with Dr Crystal Loh - Companion Animal Dental Specialist
*What would you tell your younger self if you could go back in time?
Where's the most interesting place you've ever found a tooth?
And what does Hobbiton have to do with becoming a boarded dental specialist? *
Today, *Dr Crystal Loh*, one of New Zealand's three companion animal dental specialists, shares her journey towards becoming a Specialist and offers valuable advice for anyone on a similar path.
Dr. Crystal Loh has an impressive resume that includes being a *Member of the Australian NZ College of Veterinary Surgeons – Small Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery – and a Diplomate of the American Dental Veterinary College*.
Her credentials are an impressive mouthful: *BSc Hons, DVM MANZCVS, DAVDC* and I got to chat with her – twas a bit of a fan-girl moment!
VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you…
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Mar 20, 2023
Situational Leadership Mastery - Cracking the Leadership Code 101 - pt 4
Whether you’re looking to improve your leadership skills or interested in the impact of effective leadership at your vet clinic, today’s *101 Guide to the Situational Leadership Model* is for you.
Discover how to tailor your leadership style to fit just about any situation to achieve greater team success.
*Four Situational Leadership Styles:*
* Directing
* Coaching
* Supporting
* Delegating
*Pros of Situational Leadership Styles*
* Flexibility
* Team development
* Improved communication
* Higher staff motivation
*Cons of Situational Leadership Styles*
* Time consuming
* Can be difficult to implement
* Can lead to lack of clarity
* Has potential for inconsistency
*Skills required to be effective*
* Assessment
* Adaptation
* Communication
* Empathy
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck*
This is what VetStaff is real…
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Mar 13, 2023
Leadership 101 pt 3 – Servant, Coaching & Authentic Leadership Styles
Today, we're diving into another three powerful leadership styles – *servant*, *coaching *and *authentic* – that can transform the way you lead and inspire others. We also look at what type of team member thrives best under each of these different leadership styles.
*Servant vs Coaching vs Authentic Leadership Styles*
*Similarities*:
* All three leadership styles prioritise building positive relationships with their teams.
* All three leadership styles aim to inspire and motivate teams towards a shared vision.
* All three leadership styles require self-awareness and reflection to be effective.
*Differences*:
* Servant leadership focuses on serving the needs of others, while coaching focuses on developing others' skills and abilities, and authentic leadership focuses on being true to oneself and acting ethically.
* Servant leadership emphasises humility and putting others first, while coaching emphasises the importance of feedback and accountability, and authentic lea…
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Mar 6, 2023
Leadership 101 pt 2 – Managerial, Transformation & Charismatic Leadership Styles
*Have you ever been drawn to follow a charismatic or transformational Lead Vet or Head Nurse to their next job? *
If so, you likely understand first-hand how a leader's style can influence their team members' interactions and overall performance.
In this Leadership 101 series, we continue to delve into the different types of leadership styles.
Today we look at the nuances of *managerial, charismatic and inspirational leadership*.
We’ll explore how to recognise and understand how each of these different leadership works best in different situations.
For *Autocratic or authoritarian leadership, Democratic or participative leadership, and/or Laissez-faire or delegative leadership** listen to **episode 122*
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck*
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, *please get in tou…
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Feb 27, 2023
Crack the Code: Your 101 Guide to Recognising Different Leadership Styles - pt 1 - ep 122
*Crack the Code: Your 101 Guide to Recognising Different Leadership Styles
*Have you – or someone you know - ever left a workplace not because of the job but because the clinic owner, head nurse or lead vet, let toxic behaviour persist?
If so, you’ll “get” first hand how different leadership styles impact how individuals interact with their team members, how conflicts are resolved (or not), and ultimately how clinic culture is impacted.
By recognising and understanding different leadership styles, you can improve your communication, team dynamics, conflict resolution, and personal development within your clinic’s team.
That’s what we’re looking at today in this new 101 series on *Leadership Styles*.
Recognising different leadership styles at your clinic is important for several reasons:
* effective communication
* team dynamics
* conflict resolution
* personal growth
*Different Leadership Styles
*
Today we're looking at the *first three Leadership Styles:*…
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Feb 20, 2023
Coping in Chaos - 5 strategies to regain control of your life amidst turmoil and uncertainty - ep 121
I like to think that the state of my(Julie South) mental health is generally pretty good. I know how to recognise when I get too close to the edge. When I get to close to that endless downward negativity spiral where the vortex just sucks me in and it’s hard to move away into a more positive space.
This week just gone, I noticed I was starting to edge towards “that” edge.
In times of uncertainty and chaos, it's common to feel overwhelmed and out of control. But the good news is that there are simple and effective ways to manage stress and regain a sense of control in your life.
Today we look at five easy tools and strategies for coping with stress and finding stability in the midst of turmoil.
Whether your stress is caused by personal issues, national or global events, these strategies will help you feel like you're back in control again.
Routines are important. For healthy adults, for kids and for those we're caring for. Make sure you have routine in your days during crisis…
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Feb 13, 2023
How to recognise the Toxic Tactics of Gaslighting, Microaggression, and Passive Aggression in the workplace - ep 120
*Gaslighting, microaggressions, and passive aggressive behaviour create toxic relationships – at work and at home.
If you – or someone you know – wonders whether you’re going a bit crazy or feel like you have to walk on eggshells around certain people, then this is for you.
Today we look at some gaslighting, microaggression and passive aggressive warning signs and what to do about them, so you can protect yourself and others by recognising these toxic tactics for what they are.
*"*Microaggressions*" are brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioural, or environmental indignities. They’re intentional and/or unintentional. They communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative racial slights and insults to the target person or group.
"*Passive aggression*" or “*passive aggressive*” refers to behaviour that’s indirectly aggressive rather than directly or openly confrontational. It's a way of expressing anger or frustration in an indirect manner. For example, through procra…
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Feb 6, 2023
The Distinction between Equality and Equity for Cost Effective Veterinary Recruitment
*Equality **vs** Equity for Cost-Effective Veterinary Recruitment
*Here are *10 distinct ways "equity" is different to "equality"* in the veterinary clinic workplace.
We look at how you can address those differences to make you a more attractive *PEOPLE*.FIRST employer. Being a *PEOPLE.*FIRST employer will make retention and recruitment of high calibre veterinary professionals much (much!) easier… and more cost effective!
To make it easier for you to remember all the different components I've invented the anagram *DUB OFF PAPA :-)
DUB
**Distinction / Definition*: Equality is about treating everyone the same, whereas equity is about treating everyone fairly based on their individual needs.
*Understanding Needs:* Equality assumes that everyone has the same needs, while equity recognises that different people have different needs.
*Bias: *Equality assumes that everyone starts from the same place and has the same opportunities, but this is not always the case. Equity takes into ac…
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Jan 30, 2023
Inclusion vs Diversity - 7 inclusive ways to grow your employer brand as a PEOPLE.FIRST vet clinic
There’s been a bit of a jargon bandied around the recruitment and HR worlds over the last few years of DEI – *diversity, equity and inclusion*.
Let's look at some DEI language - and how that plays out in your clinic - to either encourage inclusion or create cultural divides.
Here are seven different things you can look at inside your clinic to encourage diversity and growth – personal, professional and financial, as well as ways to get a better response from your job advertisements.
We also look at different ways language creates division in the LGBTQIA+ community through ignorance of what the different terminology means + pronoun importance.
#1 – ditch the diversity & inclusion labelling – make it part of your DNA
#2 – create interruption-free SOPs
#3 - pronoun identity – give it priority
#4 – have neutral restroom labels
#5 – “be” don’t “do” – ditch the cliches
#6 – eliminate biased language in your job advertisements
#7 – Aim for Equity
B…
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Jan 23, 2023
Vet Clinic Fee Increases - 10 ways to make more palatable for your clients so you can give your team a pay rise - ep 117
*10 ways to help make your price rises more palatable for your clients so you can give your team a pay rise in these inflationary times
*
Are staff motivation and clinic price increases connected – in this “life according to Julie episode”, I’m going to show you how they are.
But first – some of the backstory so you can see how the dots are all connected 😊
We – VetStaff – have had a bit of a run of calls lately – starting just before Christmas and still going strong – from vets and nurses who’ve had their annual performance reviews – it’s that time of the year for some clinics and – the vets and nurses who’ve called us – have been told, when they’ve brought up the matter of a salary review – that “surely they can think of something other than the $ to come to work for” …
Today, we’re going to go through10 ways you can make it easier to increase your fees so that you can give your team a pay rise.
*#1 – showcase your team’s profession…
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Jan 16, 2023
12 ways to avoid (unconscious) interview bias to attract your next dream team member
The last two episodes have covered *unconscious bias* when interviewing with the goal of not only shedding the light on unconscious bias at your clinic, but also to help you get a more diverse team… because, as we all know, the more diverse the opinions and experience you have in a team, the stronger that team is.
If you’re a vet or nurse looking to make your next move, YOUR unconscious bias still exists and applies in exactly the same way as it does from the clinic’s hiring perspective. Just in reverse! All the biases I’ve talked about from the interviewer side apply equally to the interviewee as well.
The same is true with today’s info. If you want to be hired into a diverse team, then look out for these cues at the clinic you’re being interviewed at. You obviously won’t be able to see every one of them, but a few you will.
So keep your eyes and mind wide open.
*Published Research - Journal of Personality and Social Psychology*
The Journal of Personality and Social…
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Jan 9, 2023
Cognitive and Unconscious Biases - vet clinic interview blind spot dangers - pt 2 - 115
*Continuing on from last week's 1-5 of Unconscious Biases:*
*6. Overconfidence bias*
Plays out when the recruiter is soooo confident in their own abilities to either pick a good candidate, or to eliminate the supposed bad ones, that they allow confirmation bias to creep in.
*7. Similarity attraction bias*
Sometimes, the similarity attraction bias plays out and replicas of people are hired – because of likeness / similarity – but they incompetent!
*8. Illusory correlation*
The illusory correlation is when a person believes a relationship exists between two variables when there is, in fact, no relationship there.
*9. Affinity bias*
Overweighted emphasis is placed on something intangible and/or irrelevant to the hiring decision.
*10. Beauty bias*
Beware of hiring someone simply because they have a similar appearance to others in your clinic and/or the departing employee you’re looking to replace.
*11. Conformity bias*
Conformity bias is a group thinking bias.
*12. Intui…
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Jan 2, 2023
the dangers of unconscious hiring biases - pt 1 - ep 114
One of the “happening things” in the recruitment world in 2022 was the spotlight being shone on *diversity*.
I've identified 16 different unconscious biases we all have when it comes to interviewing – and how these can play out during the recruitment process and what you can do to mitigate these.
The end result of all of them is the same: you may end up discounting and/or overlooking the best person for your clinic’s vacancy.
*Diversity training*
Diversity training is one way to help overcome personal biases. Another way is when you’re recruiting.
The more people who can be involved in the recruitment process, the more likely it is – hopefully – that personal biases will be reduced and/or at least challenged.
*Blind Hiring*
Blind hiring is better done through a neutral third party – like VetStaff. It’s where any and all information that could identify a job applicant is completely stripped from their CV.
*UNCONSCIOUS BIASES*
*1. Confirmation bias*
You’ll kn…
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Dec 26, 2022
Veterinary Sector Recruitment Predictions 2023 - 113
These 8 predictions are in no order of priority as they’re all important.
*#1 - vet clinic employer branding
*
*#2 - job sharing and genuine part time roles*
*#3 – how remuneration is “packaged”*
*#4 - veterinary nurse job satisfaction*
*#5 – the really good employers will get better and the vet clinic employer brand divide will widen*
*#6 – personalisation in recruitment will be crucial - AI – artificial intelligence and computerised recruitment bots will be used more and more, which will, ironically, make recruitment in this sector harder*
*#7 – recruitment will have a seat at the management table in its own right*
*#8 – investment in retention*
If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit that follow button (it’s free) and give it a 5-star review wherever you’re listening to it right now. *Why?* Because it makes a *huge* difference to helping the search algorithms serve it up for others to listen to. Thanks heaps!
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlbor…
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Dec 19, 2022
Veterinary Professionalism and Collegiality - Dr Paul Unsworth - pt 3 - ep 112
*How **professional** or **collegial** is the veterinary profession in New Zealand ? *
We pick up today where Dr Paul Unsworth gets on his self-professed soapbox about the requirement for veterinarians to work after hours. He parallels the after hours requirements and expectations of veterinary medicine versus human medicine.
I’m interested to hear your thoughts and ideas on this – please feel free to comment wherever you’re listening to this episode.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who wants to see the frequency of after hours roster requirements for vets changed.
And I think – this is life according to Julie – that a significant change can be made provided competitor clinics learn to play nicely and respectfully with each other *after hours*.
I think some clinics are virtue signalling with their intention to improve things when it comes to their teams working after hours. Why - because they don't play nice. They're not professional or collegial and I even challenge t…
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Dec 12, 2022
Dr Paul Unsworth - what determines a good vet and a good vet clinic - pt 2 - ep 111
What makes a "good" veterinarian and/or a "good" veterinary clinic. Today Dr Paul Unsworth challenges me - Julie South - with specificity.
As he says, "good" and "bad" aren't easily classified.
If getting fit is on your to-do list for 2023, then stay tuned to the end to find out how to save $500 on an ebike.
Today, UK-qualified New Zealand locum veterinarian, Dr Paul Unsworth talks about and reflects on:
· *What determines a “good” vet*
*· What determines a “good” clinic*
*· Some of the “best” medical advances he’s seen over the course of his career*
*· His favourite gadget? [Hint: it’s a type of endoscope – have you used this specific type of endoscope?]*
*· Should vets specialise (lower case “s”) such that pet owners would then take their pets to different clinics according to the specialisation / interest of a clinic? And………..*
*· Pet Insurance – how to increase NZs take-up rate of pet insurance in kiwi clinics.
In 2023 the NZVA turns 10…
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Dec 5, 2022
Dr Paul Unsworth - veterinary career predictions - ep 110
*Crystal Ball Gazing*
Today we do a bit of crystal ball gazing with *Dr Paul Unsworth* – Companion Animal Locum Veterinarian. This is the first of a multi-part series.
We’re talking about some of the changes Dr Paul has seen since he started his career.
*Gender Equality and Diversity*
We also talk about *gender equality* and professional representation which always a topic that results in passionate debate. Using my words, not his, the veterinary profession has evolved into having not much diversity.
We’re trying to change the way things ARE, to work within a way that WAS. And that WAS no longer works.
If you haven’t listened to last week’s episode with *Dr Jade Hackney*, have a listen – because she makes some really valid points about the change that needs to happen to bring out professional longevitiy.
*Menagerie of pets growing up*
If you’re involved in the veterinary profession, it’s probably fair to say that most of us grew up with at least one pet.
You pr…
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Nov 28, 2022
Dr Jade Hackney - it's time for a new business model - thriving clinics with part timers - pt 3 - ep 109
*The old model of running a veterinary business no longer works - it's time for a fresh look and different approach.
*
This is the final episode (of 3) is Dr Jade Hackney’s series about life after veterinary burnout and recovery.
At the Christchurch wellness symposium I - Julie South - spent the first day sitting next to a part-time vet - she:
* worked 3x 10-hour days...
* was a fully engaged, high producing, veterinarian totally committed to her clinic...
* had a life outside of her clinic which lit her up.
If you’re a veterinary professional who wants to work part-time but doesn’t know how to re-enter professional clinical life, please get in touch with me at *vetstaff.co.nz** *because I’d love to help you.
Your skills and expertise are valuable – don’t let anyone tell you otherwise “just” because you’re a part timer.
Today, Jade and I both invite clinic owners to consider the benefits of employing part timers – that’s where we join the conversation.…
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Nov 21, 2022
From Burnout to Living Life to the Full - Companion Animal Veterinarian - Dr Jade Hackney - pt 2 - ep108
This is the second in the multi part series where *Companion Animal Veterinarian Dr Jade Hackney* shares her path to living life to the full as a healthy and loving, long-term life partner and fully engaged veterinarian.
*Dr Jade talks about:*
* the moment she and her life partner realised they no longer wanted to work fulltime in jobs they didn't enjoy to pay someone else's mortgage;
* their journey to owning their own home in their 30s - mortgage-free;
* what 'living life to the full' means to Jade;
* living the dream with 'pinch yourself moments' each day;
* the freedom available to you when you start something with a Beginner's Mind and how knowing how something should be done can be an impediment;
* living the *WWOOF* lifestyle for a while;
* how vet clinics can employ part timers and be better off for it;
* how it's easier to blame others, but that's not what being emotionally intelligent is;
* how it's important - critical! - to focus only on what you can con…
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Nov 14, 2022
Veterinary Burnout and Recovery with Dr Jade Hackney - ep 107
*You can take the person out of vetting but can you take vetting out of the person? *
This series of episodes with Dr Jade Hackney was recorded a few months’ ago but I thought the topic was very relevant – especially for veterinary professionals who may be reconsidering their careers in the veterinary space… especially the clinical veterinary space.
For example, when you reconsider your career as a veterinarian – not once, but twice – what might that look like and what’s life like on the other side?
This episode is personal and emotional. If you’re standing on a bit of shaky ground right now, hopefully you’ll find Jade’s journey both insightful and hopeful.
If you’re standing on VERY shaky ground please call or text 1737 and chat with someone who won’t judge you. That’s 1737.
Today’s episode doesn’t talk about suicide but it is about burnout. And hope and recovery.
I’m with locum Companion Animal Veterinarian - Dr Jade Hackney – a graduate from the…
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Nov 7, 2022
Climate Change Ambassador - NZ Vet Association - Dr Jane Ough - pt 2 - ep 106
This is the second of the two part series with Dr Jane Ough – Companion Animal Veterinarian at South Wairarapa Vets – who’s wearing her very new New Zealand Veterinary Association Climate Change Ambassador’s hat.
If you haven’t listened to the first part – *105* – I recommend you do that, to give you context for today’s continuation of our chat.
We join the conversation where Jane expresses how worried she is that not enough people are taking steps to offset their own carbon footprint ramifications and global warming.
She also talks about more initiatives South Wairarapa Vets have implemented and the responses she’s getting from both staff and clients.VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for mo…
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Oct 31, 2022
Climate Change Ambassador - NZ Vet Association - Dr Jane Ough - pt 1 - ep 105
Today we’re with *Dr Jane Ough* – *Companion Animal Veterinarian* at *South Wairarapa Vets *– who’s wearing her very new *New Zealand Veterinary Association Climate Change Ambassador*’s hat.
This is the second time Dr Jane has been on Paws Claws Wet Noses.
You can listen to her previous episodes *87*, *88 *and *89 *– where she introduced the climate change initiatives South Wairarapa Vets has implemented.
Today, Jane talks about how the NZVA Climate Change Ambassador volunteer position came about and some of the first steps the Vet Association is taking to find out more about its own carbon footprint.
She also talks about more initiatives South Wairarapa Vets have implemented and the responses she’s getting from both staff and clients.
We start the conversation here with me asking Jane what she’s been up to since the last time we caught up, which was before the NZVA Conference in June 2022.
I think you'll be equally impressed by her passion (even if you don't agr…
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Oct 24, 2022
Prof John Munday continued - world first RAS research to treat cancer in cats and dogs - pt 2 - ep 104
The second in the two part series where *Professor John Munday *talks about his world-first RAS research to treat cancer in cats and dogs. *
*After graduating, he worked for 2 years in a mixed animal practice in Whangarei.
He then returned to Massey and completed a PhD.
After completing his doctorate John then did a 2-year residency in veterinary pathology at Michigan State University before working as an assistant professor at the University of Georgia for 4 years.
It was at this time he decided to return home and joined the veterinary pathology department at Massey University.
In addition to teaching the veterinary students, Prof Munday also developed a research interest in cancer in animals.
This includes investigating the causes of cancer in animals as well as developing ways to better predict how cancers will behave in animals.
More recently, he started investigating ways that cancers in animals can be treated… although he’s quick to remind people he’s not a veterinar…
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Oct 17, 2022
Prof John Munday - world first RAS research to treat cancer in cats and dogs - pt 1 - ep 103
*Professor John Munday is a Massey University graduate.
*After graduating, he worked for 2 years in a mixed animal practice in Whangarei.
He then returned to Massey and completed a PhD.
After completing his doctorate John then did a 2-year residency in veterinary pathology at Michigan State University before working as an assistant professor at the University of Georgia for 4 years.
It was at this time he decided to return home and joined the veterinary pathology department at Massey University.
In addition to teaching the veterinary students, Prof Munday also developed a research interest in cancer in animals.
This includes investigating the causes of cancer in animals as well as developing ways to better predict how cancers will behave in animals.
More recently, he started investigating ways that cancers in animals can be treated… although he’s quick to remind people he’s not a veterinary oncologist so that his main interest is in investigating completely novel new ways…
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Oct 10, 2022
Dr Megan Alderson - The Vet Thrive Collective - Veterinary Mental Wellbeing - ep 102
Dr Megan Alderson, Companion Animal Veterinarian + principal and partner of the Strand Veterinarian in Parnell, Auckland, New Zealand, introduces her new initiative *The Vet Thrive Collective*.
In this episode Dr Megan and Julie talk about the six shields (tenets) that form part of the Vet Thrive Collective wellbeing programme:
* *Breathe*
* *Rest*
* *Nourish*
* *Flow*
* *Forgive*
* *Compassion*
Dr Megan (and Dr Francesca from last week) will be presenting at the *NZVA Wellbeing and Business Symposiums *in Christchurch, NZ, in November 2022.
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck*
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, *please get in touch with Julie* because this is something VetStaff can help you with.
*How to shine online as a good employer*
If you’d like to shine online as a good empl…
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Oct 3, 2022
Vet Clinic Client Research with Dr Francesca Brown - part 2 - ep 101
*Continuing on from episode 100 is part 2 of Dr Francesca Brown's research about what vet clinic clients want.
*
The importance of training front line staff.
Regard staff training as an investment, not a cost.
A valuable strategy vet clinics can copy from dental clinics to help improve their bottom line.
How important (or not) is pet insurance?
How the 20 / 80 Pareto Principal plays out in clinic and how you can implement strategies to get more clients like the 20% you currently have who’re bringing in 80% of your turnover.
The importance of putting the fee where it should be (intellectual property and capital) not with meds.
What to do when clients have referred to Dr Google.
The similarities between vet clinics and midwifery clinics that affect the bottom line and clients having a positive experience.
What would have been helpful for Dr Francesca to have heard / been taught, as a vet student.
What clinical auditing could look like to help improve vet clinic client satisfac…
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Sep 26, 2022
What do vet clinic clients really want? Dr Francesca Brown research - ep 100
*Dr Francesca Brown* is a veterinarian who graduated from Massey University’s class of 1998.
Since graduating and gaining experience in clinical practice she moved to education and then leadership in Allied Veterinary Professional education, at both Otago Polytechnic, as the Head of the School of Veterinary Nursing and nationally as the Chair of the Educational Standards committee for Allied Veterinary Professionals.
Over her career Dr Francesca’s seen first-hand, and through her network of colleagues in the industry (both vets and allied veterinary professionals), the significant challenges faced to personnel.
Today she talks about one of her most recent research projects – which she expects to publish in early 2023 – Veterinary Client Storytelling.
*Dr Francesca wanted to know “what’s important to clients when they visit a vet clinic”. *
Dr Francesca discusses the following questions and top level ‘more research required’ topics:
*What can clinics do to improv…
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Sep 19, 2022
5 steps to creating an Employer Value Proposition (EVP) that attracts high performers
*EVP – Employee Value Proposition – the tacit understanding about how an employer treats its employees*
What an employer promises its employees goes beyond the legal requirements of being paid for the work done (by the employee) and the health and safety obligations employers have.
It’s about whether your clinic allows a blind eye to be turned when someone’s bullied … or a sexist, ageist or racist comment is made … it’s about whether you might experience an eye-roll because you’re taking your break but no one else does …
In addition, your clinic’s EVP covers the monetary and non-monetary benefits it provides to its employees.
*5 components of EVP – Employee Value Proposition*
* *Remuneration (or compensation) package*
* *Benefits*
* *Career Development*
* *Clinic Environment*
* *Clinic Culture*
*6 steps to EVP development and implementation at your vet clinic*
* *Identify what your clinic currently offers*
* *Get feedback from employees (past…
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Sep 12, 2022
4 ways to create a vet clinic culture worth celebrating - 098
When you – or your team – show up for work at your vet clinic, what is it you want them to *feel and think* about working at your clinic?
Do you – or they - feel excited or exhausted? Delighted or filled with dread? Full of optimism or cynicism?
Culture exists whether you like it or not.
Whether the culture at your clinic is positive or negative, you’ve still got a cultural vibe happening.
Signposts indicating whether the culture at your clinic is positive or negative include employee turnover, absenteeism (eg, sick days), productivity and engagement levels.
A positively-cultured vet clinic will have low employee turnover and absenteeism and high productivity and engagement levels.
A negatively-cultured clinic will have the opposite – high turnover and absenteeism and low productivity and engagement levels.
People leave workplaces because of the people.
Before you can start working on the four steps to celebration-worthy clinic culture though, you need to answer five…
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Sep 5, 2022
How to increase staff retention at your clinic by 82% - 097
*Here are six make-sense steps to help increase staff retention at your clinic by 82% and increase staff engagement by 70%
*
*Onboarding* is the bridge between the final stage of recruitment and the first step in employee engagement.
Onboarding is more than asking your new hire to fill out a whole bunch of forms on their first day.
Onboarding is a systematic process to ensure your newest employee believes they've made the right decision to accept your job offer!
The 6 Cs of onboarding (reference Dr Tayla Bauer) are:
* *Compliance*
* *Clarification*
* *Confidence*
* *Connection*
* *Culture*
* *Checkback*
#LoveYourVetNurse 2022 competition results - Leader Board Week 3:
*3rd place - Levin and Horowhenua Vets
2nd place - Te Aroha Vets
1st place - Hamilton Small Animal Vet Centre*
*https://www.vetstaff.co.nz/news-media/vet-nurse-awareness-week-2022/**
*
VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses
Disclaimer: This pos…
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Aug 29, 2022
Dr Cath Watson - Companion Animal Veterinarian - Healthy Pets New Zealand - pt 3 of 3
What is "constructive dismissal" - 101 employment law overview with Julie South.
Dr Cath Watson - Chair of Healthy Pets NZ talks about ways supports can get involved in fundraising.
Cath talks about "Dogs Day Out" and Kerikeri artist Tessa Smith. Julie South announces last week's leader board in the VetStaff annual "Love Your Vet Nurse" competition in honour of Vet Nurse Awareness Week 2022.
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck*
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, *please get in touch with Julie* because this is something VetStaff can help you with.
*How to shine online as a good employer*
If you’d like to shine online as a good employer to attract the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic please *get in touch with Julie* because this is something *VetCli…
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Aug 22, 2022
Dr Cath Watson - Companion Animal Veterinarian - Healthy Pets New Zealand - pt2 095
Part 2 of 3 chats Julie South had with Companion Animal Veterinarian and Chair of Healthy Pets New Zealand, Dr Cath Watson.
This week Julie and Cath chat about some of the research that Healthy Pets NZ has undertaken.
#LoveYourVetNurse annual competition in honour of Vet Nurse Awareness Week - Julie announces the leader board results after the first week of competition.
It's the best competition VetStaff has ever run - the enthusiasm from clinics has been almost overwhelming!
*Kotahikanga* (unity/togetherness)
*Matautanga* (continuous drive to learn)
*Manakitanga* (human:animal bond)
*Haporitanga* (family community bond)
*Kaitiakitanga* (we are the voice, we are their guardian)
Enter the *LoveYourVetNurse* competition today!VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet…
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Aug 15, 2022
Dr Cath Watson - Companion Animal Veterinarian - Healthy Pets New Zealand - pt1 094
*Dr Cath Watson*, BVSc - Companion Animal Veterinarian - has worked in a range of practices, both in here in Godzone Aotearoa New Zealand and in the United Kingdom. She’s been a locum, an employee, and a business owner.
Right now, Cath’s based in Central Otago but travels the country as a locum.
The reason Cath and Julie South of VetStaff are talking today is because of Cath's involvement in *Healthy Pets New Zealand* – a really special New Zealand research charity.
In her spare time, Cath has a passion for anything outdoors and loves exploring New Zealand's back-country by foot, bike, kayak or skis.
*Healthy Pets New Zealand*
Healthy Pets NZ is a registered charity that supports research into improved health and welfare for kiwi pets.
Established by the *Companion Animal Branch of the New Zealand Veterinary Association* in 1998, Healthy Pets is a team of volunteer veterinary professionals consisting of veterinarians, researchers, veterinary nurses and educators. Each is pa…
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Aug 8, 2022
6 things to consider before you accept the counter job offer - 093
Before you start looking for your next vet or vet nurse job – there are some things you need to do first – to avoid heartbreak and stress further down the track.
*In summary*
Get clear on why you’re considering a new job. If you like where you are, give your current clinic the opportunity to meet you in the middle. If you’re a good vet or nurse and you match the culture and vice versa, they’ll want to keep you.
Giving them the opportunity ahead of you looking elsewhere is the right thing to do.
If that doesn’t work and you end up in a counter-offer situation then here’re the six Qs to ask yourself:
*#1 - Why the counter offer now?*
*#2 - Will earning more money fix what’s wrong?*
*#3 - At face value is staying at your current clinic, the best clinic for you? *
*#4 - Is accepting the counter offer the best decision for your career – in the long run?*
*#5 - How will your relationship with your co-workers change? *
*#6 – Why are you leaving? Really? Revisit y…
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Aug 1, 2022
7 attributes of great team players - 092
*7 attributes of great team players
*
1. Understand their role
2. Embrace collaboration
3. Hold themselves accountable
4. Committed to their team
5. Flexible
6. Optimistic and future-focussed
7. Can be relied upon and trusted
*Johari Window + 56 adjectives
5 things to compare yourself to every day*VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck*
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, *please get in touch with Julie* because this is something VetStaff can help you with.
*How to shine online as a good employer*
If you’d like to shine online as a good employer to attract the types of veteri…
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Jul 25, 2022
5 great leadership skills to develop in your vet clinic and life - ep 091
*What makes a great leader? *
*Are people born natural leaders or can leadership be developed and taught?*
*What’s the difference between a LEADER and a MANAGER?*
*Did you realise that when you, or someone on your team is a great leader (or not) it affects your clinic’s ability to attract and recruit great vets and nurses?
Three differences Leadership vs Management
1. Process **vs** Vision*
*2. Organising **vs** Aligning*
*3. Position vs Quality*
*Five Qualities of Effective Leaders *
Here are five leadership attributes and qualities that effective leaders have in their personal and professional lives. These are men and women who inspire others to take action and set a course for future success.
*1. Become more self-aware and prioritise personal development.*
*2. Focus on developing others*
*3. Encourage strategic thinking, innovation, action and diversity*
*4. Ensure you’re ethical and civic-minded.*
*5. Practice effective cross-cultural communication*
*Companion…
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Jul 18, 2022
WORD POWER - how one small word can undermine your authority & leadership - ep 090
One small word - four different situations when you probably don't even realise you're using it + examples of how to swap to a statement more empowering and powerful (without being bossy or aggressive).
A world first (as far as we can tell) initiative from VetStaff - we're looking for pilot veterinary clinics to be part of our Beta Launch.
You don't have to be an existing VetStaff client to participate. If you want to DIY your own recruitment then this new initiative is perfect for you. To find out more email *julie@vetstaff.co.nz*.
E*veryone and everything we do at VetStaff is underpinned by two core beliefs.
The first is that we believe all veterinary professionals deserve to work at a vet clinic job of their dreams where they’re respected and valued.
The second is that all vet clinics deserve to have engaged and motivated employees working for them who love Monday mornings.
If that sounds like the type of recruitment agency you’d like to work with, then please check us out…
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Jul 11, 2022
Pressure is not Stress + Dr Jane Ough - pt 3 of 3 - more winners - ep 089
*Pressure is not Stress* - *Nick Petrie* - Presenter at the NZVA 2022 Conference - VBB session
*Nicholas Petrie**
*What "human rumination" is.
Julie shares one of the ways she gets out of downward rumination spirals when she recognises them playing out in her life.
Nick Petrie's White Paper - *Pressure is Not Stress - 4 steps to be resilient in disruptive times*
*Dr Jane Ough -* Companion Animal Veterinarian and Conservationist - part 3 of 3VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck*
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, *please get in touch with Julie* because this is something VetStaff…
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Jul 4, 2022
Vet Salary Data + Chocolate Tuesday Winner + Conservation with Dr Jane Ough - pt 2 of 3 - EP 088
*VETERINARY CLINIC SALARY DATA*
*Dr Mark Hosking*, CEO of Franklin Vets, is a member of the NZVAs Veterinary Business Branch – the VBB.
At the recent NZVA Conference he introduced BBVet, an Australian company which runs a series of surveys tailored to the New Zealand veterinary profession.
Clinics that contribute to the data, will have access to high quality benchmarking information to be able to make meaningful decisions in their businesses.
Having quality, reliable data enables business owners to drive better business decisions. For example,
* When it comes to wages and salaries – are you in the race or totally off the pace?
* Fees survey – make sure you don’t get left behind! And
* Profit and expenses survey – can you do better?
If your clinic contributes to this data, you’ll be able to participate in, and receive benchmarking information from, a series of professional and independently run surveys tailored to the New Zealand veterinary profession and you can…
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Jun 28, 2022
Conference Competitions and Conservation + Dr Jane Ough - pt 1 of 3
*Dr Jane Ough* is a Senior Companion Animal Veterinarian at South Wairarapa Veterinary Services.
Dr Jane’s time and pathway to the veterinarian she is today is quite different from the usual career path of veterinarians.
She’s from the BVSc Massey class of 1982.
Today, Dr Jane enjoys orthopaedic surgery especially mending broken farm dogs.
Dr Ough became concerned about climate change when her two daughters were children. She gained a diploma in Environment and Sustainability when her children were little, through the Open Polytech in 2010.
Dr Jane is a passionate conservationist. And I mean passionate! She and her partner Jeremy have retired two thirds of their small farm in the Wairarapa and covenanted it with the Queen Elizabeth II Trust.
Working one day a week for QE2 for 2 years Dr Jane said improved her understanding of native forest regeneration. She now spends this day a week on her own covenant, and, working with the local catchment group, helped set up and is helpin…
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Jun 20, 2022
Iain McLachlan - CEO and Registrar - New Zealand Veterinary Council - pt 3 of 3
*The third and final episode with Iain McLachlan – CEO of the New Zealand Veterinary Council.*
We talk about:
* *the veterinary shortage, *
* *the nursing shortage, *
* *why the NZ VC doesn’t include two of the world’s top 10 veterinary science universities in its List of Recognised Institutions, *
* *when it's going to update that list of Recognised Institutions, *
* *what clinics can do if they absolutely cannot manage their after-hours obligations, and *
* *what “limited registration” means.*
Today Iain and I talk about:
* *How VCNZ is helping kiwi vet clinics employ vets whose overseas qualifications aren’t recognised here.*
* *How VCNZ is supporting NZ clinics get more vets working under what’s known here as Limited Scope Registration.*
* *What needs to happen for allied veterinary professionals and VNs to be able to do more in-clinic that helps free up Registered Veterinarians so they can do more of the work that legally, they’re the only one…
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Jun 13, 2022
Iain McLachlan - CEO and Registrar - New Zealand Veterinary Council - pt 2 of 3
The second of three episodes with Iain McLachlan – CEO of the New Zealand Veterinary Council.
We talk about:
* *the veterinary shortage, *
* *the nursing shortage, *
* *why the NZ VC doesn’t include two of the world’s top 10 veterinary science universities in its List of Recognised Institutions, *
* *when it's going to update that list of Recognised Institutions, *
* *what clinics can do if they absolutely cannot manage their after-hours obligations, and *
* *what “limited registration” means.*
Today Iain answers the questions about:
* why the Council won’t allow an overseas qualified vet with considerable years of expertise in their chosen field – for example as a dairy vet or equine vet – work in NZ without requiring them to sit additional exams covering species they have no intention of working as a veterinarian in.
* What Iain would say to overseas qualified veterinarians who have to sit the AVE exams and answer questions about species they have…
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Jun 6, 2022
Iain McLachlan - CEO and Registrar - New Zealand Veterinary Council - pt 1 of 3
Today we start the first of three episodes where Iain McLachlan – CEO of the New Zealand Veterinary Council – and I, talk about the veterinary shortage, the nursing shortage, why the NZ VC doesn’t include two of the world’s top 10 veterinary science universities in its List of Recognised Institutions, when is it going to update that list of Recognised Institutions, what clinics can do if they absolutely cannot manage their after-hours obligations, and what “limited registration” means.
Back in April this year, VetStaff conducted its annual Veterinary Sector State of the Nation Survey – the results are interesting.
For example, one third of the respondents said they weren’t earning enough to live on and were going backwards financially, one third said they were earning just enough to live on, but not enough to contribute to a rainy day savings account, and one third were earning enough and were able to contribute to a rainy day savings account.
Now, when you hear thos…
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May 30, 2022
8 questions vet clinics need to ask (with answers) before working with a recruitment agency - ep 083
*Part 2 of the "Qs to A recruitment agencies before working with them" series.
*
This episode specifically for the vet clinic - the HR manager, the Practice Manager, Lead Veterinarian or Veterinary Nurse who's charged with "recruitment" inside a vet clinic.
In this episode Julie South of VetStaff details the questions you need to ask and the answers you need to listen out for.
The questions are:
*1. Is the agency a specialist or generalist? Check out their website*
*2. What exactly do you get for the fee they charge? *
*3. Does the agency get the job seeker’s permission to send YOU THEIR CV?*
*4. Referees – who does them?*
*5. Contract negotiation*
*6. After the new employee starts*
*7. Professional coaching for the first three months after the new employee starts*
*8. Protect your clinic’s brand by hiring the right recruitment partner*VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses
Disclaimer: This post contains affilia…
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May 23, 2022
9 questions vet med professionals should ask a recruitment agency before working with them
Not all recruitment agencies are created equal. Some recruitment agencies use the "spray and pray" method. They'll get a job-seeker's CV, then spray it all over town (to their database) and leave it to the employer - the vet clinic - to do contact the CV owner, set up the interview, interview, and negotiate direct.
Recruitment agencies that do this could be breaching the NZ Privacy Act, which states that a recruitment agency needs to seek permission to share info from the job seeker before releasing it. I'm not sure a "global disclaimer" is quite what the Privacy Commissioner has in mind with "get permission to share info".
Sending your CV all over town is nothing you can't do yourself. But if you want more support, coaching, negotiating input and then onboarding support at your new job, you need to find a recruitment agency that does this as standard.
VetStaff is a full-service recruitment agency - it means we do all of this and more.
*
Here are 9 questions job seekers should ask a…
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May 16, 2022
Dr Ashley O'Driscoll - pt2 of 2 - Large Animal Veterinarian + Emergency Veterinarian + Paw Print Home Euthanasia Service
This is part 2 of a 2 part series with Dr Ashley O'Driscoll, DVM, BSc.
Dr O’Driscoll has worked in several New Zealand veterinary clinics – on both Islands - as a pet and farm animal veterinarian since moving here in 2010.
As you’ll pick up, Dr O’Driscoll has a strong interest in animal welfare – she started the Waikato’s first home euthanasia referral service for dogs in the Waikato – as well as working for MPI and the SPCA in animal welfare.
As well as being a large animal vet (she loooooves cows!), she’s also a Certified Body Condition Score Assessor. The Body Score Assessor Certification Programme was designed to help rural professionals help standardise condition scoring across New Zealand. It was developed as part of the Transforming the Dairy Value Chain Primary Growth Partnership programme, led by commercial partners, including DairyNZ and Fonterra, and partnered by MPI.
In addition, Dr O’Driscoll also picks up a couple of shifts a week at the Animal Emerg…
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May 9, 2022
Dr Ashley O'Driscoll - Large Animal Veterinarian + Emergency Veterinarian + Paw Print Home Euthanasia Service
Dr O’Driscoll has worked in several New Zealand veterinary clinics – on both Islands - as a pet and farm animal veterinarian since moving here in 2010.
As you’ll pick up, Dr O’Driscoll has a strong interest in animal welfare – she started the Waikato’s first home euthanasia referral service for dogs in the Waikato – as well as working for MPI and the SPCA in animal welfare.
As well as being a large animal vet (she loooooves cows!), she’s also a Certified Body Condition Score Assessor. The Body Score Assessor Certification Programme was designed to help rural professionals help standardise condition scoring across New Zealand. It was developed as part of the Transforming the Dairy Value Chain Primary Growth Partnership programme, led by commercial partners, including DairyNZ and Fonterra, and partnered by MPI.
In addition, Dr O’Driscoll also picks up a couple of shifts a week at the Animal Emergency Centre, where she’s worked in the ER for the last ten years or so…
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May 2, 2022
VetStaff Vet Sector State of the Nation Survey 2022 - findings overview
This *VetStaff *survey was run over four weeks - promoted via FB, Insta, LI and this podcast.
Respondents were guaranteed anonymity. However, if they wanted their clinic to go in the draw to win lunch they needed to complete contact info so we could organise the delivery if their name was pulled out of the hat.
Fifteen respondents chose to remain totally anonymous.
Random lucky dip draw from all respondents.
*Vet Farm Pet Clinic - *Warkworth
*Animal Referral Centre* – Snapper Rock, Auckland
*Carevets Beach Rd* – Pahurehure, Papakura
*The Strand Veterinarian* - Parnell
*First Vets* – Whanganui
There were 124 respondents.:
43% veterinarians
43% veterinary nurses
6% veterinary technicians
6% non-clinical support staff
4% Practice Managers
*by clinic type:*
49% GP Companion Animal clinics
32% Mixed Animal clinics
5% Equine only
5% Dairy only
balance exotics, referral and after hours emergency clinics.
*Qualifications:
*85% NZ tertiary qualification
15% overseas tertiary qualif…
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Apr 25, 2022
4 case studies of successful pay raises for vets and vet nurses
VetStaff does more than flick job seekers' CV onto vet clinics like their competitors - who then leave the job seeker to negotiate everything for themselves.
VetStaff helps clinics with reputation misinformation - for example the false rumour of CCTVs in restrooms!
*Case Study #1*
* 6-month new grad looking for her second job
* VetStaff were given five days to organise a job interview
* in four days they had three interviews
* job offer was signed within a week
* $21kpa increase on what she was earning
* Clinic didn't realise job offers could be made up the way this one was
*Case Study #2*
* Locum vet who wanted a permanent position
* Was being pressured to sign an offer the vet had arranged themselves
* VetStaff organised two job offers over a long weekend - both at $30kpa more than the original offer
*Case Study #3*
* Vet wanted to negotiate a pay increase at her annual review
* didn't know what she was worth or where to start
* Julie sent her away wi…
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Apr 18, 2022
Dr Krispin Kannan - Large Animal Veterinarian - ep 077
*If you’re a recent or new vet science graduate of Massey University then regardless of where you’re working in New Zealand, you’ve probably heard of, or met, Krispin as he’s been quite involved with Massey’s MMI for vet students over the years. *
MMI is part of the Massey BVSc pre-selection programme – they’re the 8 Multi Mini Interviews potential vet science students go through.
Krispin’s been on the panel where students get to go a round of 8 short, structured interviews lasting 8 minutes each.
Krispin started working for the Veterinary Enterprises Group Limited – VetEnt – straight out of Massey in December 2010 in Te Awamutu as a Large Animal Veterinarian.
In February 2019 he was appointed the Production Animal Business Manager – a position he held until mid-2021.
Krispin took some time out by doing a bit of locum work until March 2022 before returning to VetEnt to be part of its Integrated Solutions Business Development team.
Krispin says Integrated Bus…
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Apr 11, 2022
Dr Karli Houston - Marathon Running Fundraising Small Animal Veterinarian
*Dr Karli Houston is a marathon running, fundraising, companion animal veterinarian. *
Karli was born in the US to two kiwi parents.
Karli has a raft of qualifications behind her … she studied biology and theatre arts at the Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania, then Human Nutrition at the University of Maryland before moving to Palmerston North and to complete her Bachelor of Veterinary Science at Massey.
Since graduating from Massey in 2012, Karli’s worked at Franklin Vets in Auckland, New Zealand. Her favourite areas of practice are rehabilitation and working dogs.
Karli has since gone on to complete her CCRP certification - (Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner) through the University of Tennessee.
Karli Houston is a vet, a mum of two, a wife, a daughter and a marathon runner.
Today, Karli shares what she loves and doesn’t love so much, about being a small animal veterinarian.
Why she chose the *Queenstown Marathon*.
What made her realise why she’s a far bette…
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Apr 4, 2022
11 veterinary grad first job interview questions new grads should ask at job interviews
*Being interviewed for your first job straight out of vet school and university isn’t the same as being interviewed for your second or third job. *
Here’re 11 questions for new grads to ask at your first job interview and for clinics to think about when they’re interviewing new grads. These 11 questions apply pretty equally to vets, nurses and techs.
*Get yourself an agent to represent you
*
Someone who knows:
* employment law
* the veterinary sector in your area
* the good and not-so-good vet clinics
* how to negotiate
* about clinic culture
* salary expectations for new grads
If a clinic pushes back and tells you they'd rather invest a recruitment agency's fee into your career ask them what that would look like. I (Julie South) haven't ever seen a new grad earning a salary that's reflective of a recruiter's fee being added to it!
* support - what does this look like and mean?
* reasonable time - what's their definition of this?
* sole charge - when? what…
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Mar 28, 2022
15 Job Interview Questions Job Seekers Can Ask Vet Clinic Interviewers
At job interviewers, hiring managers / interviewers usually ask "do you have any questions you'd like to ask?".
Many people mumble something like "you've answered all my questions" [which may be true] or "no - no questions".
Here are 15 questions across three top level subjects to help job-seekers level out the balance of interviewing "power" that can be assumed at a job interview.
The main question topics relate to the:
* *vet clinic role*
* *vet clinic's vision; and*
* *vet clinic culture*
It’s important to remember that attending a job interview is a two way exchange of information. It’s easy to think the employer has all the power. However, in today’s market that’s questionable.
I (Julie South) believe both parties have equal power when everything is balanced out.
VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at n…
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Mar 21, 2022
How to use the STAR framework to answer behaviour-based job interview questions
When someone asks you to “tell me about a time when …..” this is where the STAR methodology kicks in.
*S*ituation
*T*ask
*A*ction
*R*esult
Everyone dreads the "tell me about a time when you................." type interview questions because they usually don't know how to answer and/or aren't sure what the interviewer is looking for.
This episode answers both of those questions and includes relevant examples taken from vet clinics.
*Other episodes referred to in this episode:
**Episode 39 - Emotional Intelligence – why it’s critical to professional and personal success*
*Episode 40 - six ways emotionally intelligent people lead**
Words to listen out for:*
* and
* um
* like
* er
* absolutely
* so
* well
VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet…
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Mar 14, 2022
9 behaviour based job interview questions for veterinary professionals
*9* *behaviour focussed job interview questions* that job seekers roll their eyes at, and interviewers feel they must ask.
One vet told me a couple of years’ back that she declined a job because she didn’t like the soft and fluffy questions “someone from HR” asked her.
In the vet’s opinion the questions she was asked did nothing to prove or disprove she was a good vet. Which is a fair comment.
However, what behaviour focussed job interview questions help uncover or determine is *fit* – will the fit between the job applicant and the hiring clinic be a match made in heaven or an absolute disaster.
*Questions for the vet clinic to ask the vet med professional
These *9 behaviour based questions are for the clinic to ask the job applicant.
If you’re an HR or Practice Manager, here are nine main questions + follow-up questions you can ask interviewees.
If you’re a vet or nurse considering your next move, and you’ve got an interview or two coming up, then this is for…
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Mar 7, 2022
Veterinarian Dr Helen Beattie - Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa - life after the NZ Veterinary Association - part 3 of 3
*Veterinarian Dr Helen Beattie on:*
* life after Chief Veterinary Officer at the New Zealand Veterinary Association
* Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa - VAWA
* some of the amazing opportunities Helen experienced as CVO NZVA
* some more of the amazing people Helen worked with as CVO NZVA
* what's next and where to from here
Part 3 of the three part series getting to know Dr Helen Beattie now that she's no longer the Chief Veterinary Officer at the New Zealand Veterinary Association.
*Part 1 - episode 069 - some career highs and lows**
**Part 2 - episode 070 - some conflict, tension and moral distress**
**Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa **
Helen being interviewed on "**Lately**"
Helen being interviewed on the **Rural Roundup podcast*VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
*…
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Feb 28, 2022
Veterinarian Dr Helen Beattie - Conflict, Tension and Veterinary Moral Distress - part 2 of 3
*Veterinarian Dr Helen Beattie on:*
* Conflict, Tension & Moral Distress
* Books Helen's reading and recommends
* Inspiration & aspirational parenting
* + a bit of philosophical discussion
Part 2 of a multi-part series getting to know Dr Helen Beattie before she became known to New Zealand's veterinarians in her role as Chief Veterinary Officer at the New Zealand Veterinary Association.
*Part 1 - episode 069 - some career highs and lows**
Books Dr Helen Beattie is reading or has just finished reading:*
*Shuggie Bain* by Douglas Stuart: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52741293-shuggie-bain
*Roar - How to Match Your Food and Fitness to Your Unique Female Physiology for Optimum Performance, Great Health, and a Strong, Lean Body for Life* by Dr Stacy Sims
https://www.penguin.co.nz/books/roar-9781623366865
*Women Don't Owe You Pretty* by Florence Given: https://www.whitcoulls.co.nz/product/women-dont-owe-you-pretty-6548712
*Top level topics Helen talks about:*
* *Som…
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Feb 21, 2022
Veterinarian Dr Helen Beattie - early career highlights - foot and mouth + M.bovis response teams
*Dr Helen Beattie* grew up on a South Island Central High Country station before going to Massey University. Her veterinary career started off in a mixed animal clinic in North Otago.
Helen’s OE included working on the UKs foot and mouth response in the UK. From there she came home to Godzone and bought a companion animal clinic in Dunedin.
From clinic ownership Helen ventured into teaching vet nurses at Otago Polytechnic. Not standing still on the education front, Helen picked up the books herself to become a warranted animal welfare inspector whilst employed as the Director of Animal Welfare at SPCA Otago.
If you didn’t know who Dr Helen Beattie was at the beginning of the current Covid-19 pandemic, you sure would have heard about her come March/April 2020 because Helen was the NZ Vet Association’s Chief Veterinary Officer – burning the candle at both ends helping kiwi vet clinics navigate the ins and outs of staying open and safe whilst NZ was declared a State of Emergenc…
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Feb 14, 2022
Vet Clinics as Critical Services, Isolating at Work and How to Pay Employees (or not)
This week we’re looking at what vet clinics need to do to navigate Phase 2 of Omicron, what payment options you have for employees who get sick and then a lesson I had last week which, as Shania Twain would say – didn’t impress me much!
At 11:59pm on Tuesday 15 February NZ officially moved into Phase 2 of the Omicron Response framework.
In short, this means that positive cases need to self-isolate for 10 days (can self-release after day 10 if no symptoms for 72 hours).
Close contacts need to quarantine for seven days (test on day five)
RAT testing acceptable with PCR follow-up
However, for vet clinics who’re registered as a Critical Service, vaccinated team members can actually continue to work provided they’re asymptomatic.
Hopefully, by now your clinic has registered itself as a critical service. This is important because it means you can stay open for business should someone on your team be exposed to the virus.
The registration process is being facilitated by MBIE…
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Feb 7, 2022
NZs borders open - how it impacts vet clinics and overseas qualified vets working in New Zealand
*How NZ vet clinics and overseas qualified vets are impacted *
In real terms, what difference does this make? In some cases, it’s going to make a HUGE difference, in others, not-so much.
What was MIQ – which those clinics fortunate enough to have vets enter NZ over the last 18 months or so – had the pleasure – she says, in air quotes, of footing the bill for that – well that’s still going to happen just under a different name and with a different look.
SELF ISOLATION is going to kick in instead of government-provided MANAGED ISOLATION facilities. This means that if you’re a clinic bringing a new-to-NZ vet into the country – funding isolation will probably still be required as the visa is tied to the employer.
I’ve heard quite a few stories recently of clinics that’ve had signed employment offers with overseas vets but then our government has changed the rules which has delayed their entry here. The latest rule change requirement is that all family members must b…
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Jan 31, 2022
Vet Clinic Employee Engagement - pt 2 - 7 questions to ask in line with Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
So far, we’ve looked at the *cost of employee turnover – episode 64* – how to lower the cost of churn – employee turnover by starting an *Employee Retention Investment Fund* at your clinic.
Last week we looked at the *5-P questions – Pride + Place + Possibility + Permanency + Propel*
Today we’re looking at the next series of seven survey questions - in line with *Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs* - you can ask your team – or yourself – to check the State of the Nation at your clinic.
This episode is especially for PM, HR and Regional Managers who want to get a bit of a feel for how aligned your team is to your clinic’s brand, vision and mission … in other words, your clinic’s raison d’être.
If you’re the owner or principal of a vet clinic and similarly want to know how aligned and/or affiliated your team is to your clinic’s brand, vision and mission – your raison d’être – then this is for you as well.
And if you’re a vet or a nurse at a clinic who…
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Jan 24, 2022
Vet Clinic Employee Engagement - the 5P questions - ep 065
*Vet Clinic Employee Engagement Index Questions*
*The second of a multi episode series focussed on helping vet clinics retain the top performing vets and vet nurses in your clinic and then how to attract more vets and vet nurses just like them.
Recent Employment Relations Authority determination around Restraints of Trade
*If you’ve been listening to Paws Claws & Wet Noses for a while you’ll have heard me comment quite a few times that Restraint of Trade clauses *can* stand up in a court of law *provided they’re worded correctly*… just this week there was a high-profile case with a journalist who made the headlines – Tova O’Brien.
O’Brien took the dispute to the ERA – the Employment Relations Authority – which involved a three-day hearing - after mediation failed.
She lost her ERA case with her former workplace - and was ordered to pay $2,000.
O'Brien contested a restraint of trade clause in her contract with Discovery, would prevent her from launching her new b…
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Jan 17, 2022
Vet Clinic Employee Turnover - how to calculate the real cost - ep 064
*Vet Clinic Employee Turnover Costs & Composition*
Today’s show is the first of a multi episode series focussed on helping vet clinics retain the top performing vets and vet nurses in your clinic and then how to attract more vets and vet nurses like them.
Specifically, today, we’re going to be looking at the cost – because it is - of employee turnover. I think the numbers might surprise you – because we’re going to be talking in real terms.
When you lose a team member it comes with a very definite measurable COST.
The only time losing a staff member can be regarded as an investment is when it’s the case of one bad apple contaminating the rest of the barrel; one team member whose rotten attitude is at risk of causing everyone else on your team to leave.
*The following points / questions are answered today:*
How would your team answer the weekend BBQ "what do you do" question?
Vet clinics that pay high and disrespect their staff are bribing them
It takes years to turn…
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Jan 10, 2022
Vet Nurse of the Year 2021 - Margie Rutherford - part 2 of 2
*Margie's dreams, aspirations and how vet clinics can pay their vet nurses more
*
This is the second of two episodes where I catch up with Vet Nurse of the Year 2021 Margie Rutherford of The Strand Veterinarian in Auckland’s Parnell.
If you haven’t listened to last week’s *episode – number 63* – I highly recommend you go and listen to that show before you listen to this, as it gives context.
Today, Margie shares some of her dreams and aspirations for vet nurses.
She talks about the changes she’d like to see to help stop the exodus of vet nurses leaving the industry, tangible and real steps that all clinics can put in place to help not only show they appreciate and value nurses more, but how they can pay them more too.
The habits that nurses and clinics need to form around patient care, the differences that show up when nurses are encouraged and supported to develop their professional areas of interest, the CPD courses she’s done and enjoyed and what’s on her horizon…
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Jan 3, 2022
Vet Nurse of the Year 2021 - Margie Rutherford of The Strand Veterinarian
*Vet Nurse Margie Rutherford's Visions for Veterinary Nursing in New Zealand
Margie Rutherford, BSC, BVT - Vet Nurse of the Year 2021*
Episode 1/2 where Vet Nurse Margie Rutherford and I chat about her visions for veterinary nursing in New Zealand.
Margie was awarded the *NZ Vet Nurse of the Year 2021* .
She was one of 16 nominations for Vet Nurse of the Year.
According to NZVNA President, Amy Ross, one of the things that really stood out to her in the nominations was the time and care that all of the nominees spent, not just looking after the wellbeing of their patients, but also the wellbeing of their team.
In this episode Margie shares some of her ideas on how to have a sustainable veterinary profession in NZ from a people perspective … how it’s essential to have a distinction between having a professional life and a personal life …
Every year, during the first week of October, the NZVNA celebrates Veterinary Nurse Awareness Week (VNAW), culminating on the awarding of V…
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Dec 27, 2021
the SMARTER SWOT way for veterinary professionals to live the life they want
The step-by-step framework that's guaranteed to help you live the life you want.
Using the SMARTER SWOT framework I designed about 20 years ago to help clients live their lives to the full contributing their special difference to the world - at work and at home.
If you’ve set New Year's Resolutions before and failed – this is for you – because we’re not going to be setting NY resolutions.
If you’ve set goals before and feel like you’ve failed and they’re a waste of time – then this is for you too - because if you implement this framework you'll succeed.
And if you’re sick of living or working or being the way you are – whatever that looks like for you – then this is for you too - because this shows how you have the power to change.
These two frameworks can be used in pretty much any situation where you want to go from place A to place B.
*The first framework - the SWOT analysis with a twist that makes success possible:
S*trengths
*W*eaknesses
*O*pportunitie…
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Dec 20, 2021
Vet clinic toxicity - 10 warning signs and how to recognise vet clinic toxicity at the job interview
*A vet clinic's workplace toxicity negatively impacts a clinic’s ability to ever become an Employer of Choice. *
*10 things - 10 warning bells - to look out for at the vet clinic job interview
*
Vet Clinics need to deal with what’s *not* working first in order to become a Vet Clinic Employer of Choice.
Here are 10 questions to ask and the answers you're looking for:
* *Does the leadership team inspire trust or does it rely control?*
* *Why is the position vacant?*
* *What were the warning signs at your last clinic?*
* *What initial impressions did you have at the interview?*
* * What are your values?*
* *Does your personality fit into the team?*
* *Do the people – the leadership team and/or the influencers there – practice what they preach?*
* *What’s their onboarding process?*
* *Do you like what you see?*
* *Could you see yourself working there? *
*LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
*
*Episode 37 - 15 signs it's time to look for another veterinary clini…
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Dec 13, 2021
Vet clinic employer branding + vet clinic employer of choice + vet clinic employer value propositions for better recruitment outcomes
*How to become a Vet Clinic Employer of Choice so that you create your own clinic's wait list of highly engaged and motivated top performers.
*In today’s job-seeking world, job interviews are just as much about the clinic doing the interviewing as about the clinic being interviewed.
Recruitment – as we know it today - is a reactive process. It’s the thing – the hunt - that follows an event – the resignation.
And it’s the hunting that’s hard work.
Because hunting is usually done under pressure, against an ever fast-ticking clock: the resignation period.
The hunting ground of today’s recruitment process is the *jungle* we know as social media and the internet.
The external forces are Facebook’s and Google’s algorithms, organic search rankings and ever-increasing digital advertising costs.
I believe *recruitment* is a *reactive* thing – a reactive process…
Taking the reactive thought one step further, surely that means if something is *reactive*, it must ha…
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Dec 6, 2021
Vet Clinic Employment Law 101 - Constructive Dismissals + Personal Grievances + Workplace Bullying
*Vet clinics experience high staff burnout, high staff turnover, some (sadly) have reputations for allowing toxicity within the team to continue, infect and affect everything that happens inside that clinic.*
*Constructive Dismissals*
* What conditions need to be met for the Employment Court or Tribunal to confirm constructive dismissal took place,
* Two questions that need to be answered,
* What remedies are available
* A couple of examples of Constructive Dismissal which have been upheld in court and
* What being "disadvantaged" at work means
* Triangular situations
*Employment Personal Grievances*
* What a Personal Grievance case looks like
* The process for initiating a personal grievance (PG)
* Mediation - where to get it for free and what to do if it doesn't work
*Workplace Bullying*
* Different types of bullying and what they could look like
* Employer's responsibility to keep employees safe from harm at work
* What workplace bullying is and what it…
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Nov 29, 2021
11 Employment Law Myths Debunked for Vet Clinic Employers and Employees
*Lately I’ve seen a few vets and clinics get caught out by believing one of the many urban myths that surround employment law in NZ so today, we’re going to put 11 of them to bed so, hopefully, YOU don’t get caught out by them too. *
We’re going to look at the employment law myths that I’ve heard in relation to:
· Written contracts – or lack thereof
· Getting fired and how many warnings are required
· References – what’s required / obligatory / nice to have
· What an employer can and can’t deduct from an employee’s pay
· What “authority” employers have over an employee’s social media account
· How annual leave is calculated in relation to returning from parental leave
· And restraints of trade – this one I hear just about every.single.week!
Remember – I’m not an employment lawyer – the small print in this episode is always consult with your trusted legal advisor because your situation will be unique. If you don’t know who you can call…
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Nov 22, 2021
Vet clinic Sustainability - Q&A with Sophie Kennedy of The Strand Veterinarian - ep 056
*This is the fourth episode in the sustainability series and today we’re with Sophie Kennedy of The Strand Veterinarian in Parnell, Auckland, New Zealand.*
Sophie is the dedicated receptionist at The Strand Veterinarian who’s just recently been charged with the responsibility of project managing the clinic’s sustainability initiatives.
As you’ll hear – unlike many clinics where reception duties form part of a vet nurse’s responsibilities, at The Strand Veterinarian, Sophie’s sole focus is customer and support staff care.
If you haven’t listened to episode 30 yet I recommend you do – that’s where *Dr Megan Alderson of The Strand Veterinarian* shares some of her goals, as well as trials and tribulations towards having a healthy and sustainable workforce.
*Sophie's 8 Vet Clinic Sustainability baby steps anyone can take*
* *Turn off the lights when you don’t need them on. *
* *Bring your lunch in a recyclable container. *
* *Use a recyclable coffee cup or s…
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Nov 15, 2021
Large Animal Veterinarian + Sustainability Lead at Zoetis NZ - Kristen Baxter - sustainability steps in the kiwi vetmed industry
*In 2019, Zoetis NZ set up a new internal group to examine environmental, social and governance aspects of its business, with a focus on driving long term business sustainability. *
In practice, Large Animal Veterinarian Kristen Baxter’s responsibilities have been primarily focused on improving the environmental footprint and looking at all areas of the product life cycle - from packaging, to transport, and to then managing product waste.
Wearing her sustainability hat, Kristen looked at the human contribution, including air and vehicle travel, and office management.
Last year – in 2020 Kristen set up the first progesterone device waste management programme in the North Island, and this year – which Kristen talks about today, the first teat sealant tube collection and recycling programme – which aims to collect back millions of tubes from farmers and vet clinics.
Kristen has a Bachelor or Science – Agriculture – cum laude from McGill University in Montreal with a major…
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Nov 8, 2021
Vet Clinics and the pandemic - are patients being treated better or worse (pt 2) + doggie dancing with Dr Paolo Lencioni - ep 054
*Dr Paulo Lencioni – a companion animal vet turned computer coder turned practising accountant specialising who now works with vet clinics to grow their practices answers the question **“The impact of the pandemic – vet clinics are busier – but are we treating our patients better or worse?”*
If you haven’t listened to the *first part yet*, then I recommend you do because it gives context to today.
We continue with the findings in the report commissioned by *Profit Diagnostics* – one of Paulo’s businesses – together with *Virtual Vet Nurse* – one of Dr Steve Merchant’s initiatives. [*Dr Steve Merchant founded IndieVets*]
The report’s entitled “*The impact of the pandemic – vet clinics are busier – but are we treating our patients better or worse?”*
*You can get your free copy of the report here*.
*Today we talk about:*
* what Paolo’s most profitable client clinic is doing that others aren’t which includes removing psychological ceilings and j…
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Nov 1, 2021
Vet Clinics and the pandemic - are patients being treated better or worse...? ep 053
*Veterinarian Dr Paolo Lencioni - co-author of September 2021 Vet Clinic Practice White Paper **“The impact of the pandemic – vet clinics are busier – but are we treating our patients better or worse?”
**Today is part one of a two parts where I caught up with Dr Paulo Lencioni – a Companion Animal Veterinarian turned computer coder turned practising accountant specialising in vet clinic practices - mostly in Australasia but spanning a few global continents.*
If you’ve been listening to *Paws Claws & Wet Noses* for a while, you may remember that back in April I had the pleasure of catching up with *Dr Steve Merchant of IndieVets* in *episode 25*.
Steve and I talked about *IndieVets* – where independently owned vet clinic can go, for, among other things, collaboration.
In September Steve sent me a white paper report that was commissioned by *Profit Diagnostics* – one of Paulo’s businesses – together with *Virtual Vet Nurse* – another of Steve’s initiatives.
*…
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Oct 26, 2021
Sustainable Vet Practices - 6 easy to implement differences you can make in your vet clinic in 6 months - 052
*Sustainable Vet Clinic Practice - CeeJay Donovan of Massey Vets in Palmerston North - chats about her 6 in 6 - six easy to implement sustainable practices she implemented at Massey Vets in six months and the differences she noticed.*
For international listeners that’s the on-campus clinic of the Veterinary Science Faculty of New Zealand’s Massey University.
CeeJay has a Bachelor of Veterinary Technology from Massey, a Certificate in Science and Technology from Massey as well as a Certificate in Captive Wild Animal Management from Unitec in Auckland.
If you’ve listened to the previous two episodes on sustainability, you’ll have heard CeeJay’s name mentioned a few times – especially in relation to the social media initiatives she’s kicked off Sustainable Vet Practice – NZ communities on both FB and Insta – so go follow and connect there.
We also talked about some of her big picture goals such as
* *finding a way to compost cat poop without exposing the environme…
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Oct 19, 2021
Vet and Vet Clinic Immigration New Zealand matters | visas | MIQ | ep 051
When it comes to matters "immigration" in New Zealand there are all sorts of changing scenarios - almost weekly.
Licensed Immigration consultant Katy Armstrong of IntoNZ chats with Julie South about what's news.
Here's what Katy and Julie talked about:
Julie's *petition to have two MIQ spaces allocated each week to vets issued visas by Immigration NZ*
* Is the median wage expected to change? If so:
* What difference is that going to make and when does it kick in?
* For vets wanting their Permanent Residency what:
* Visa do they need to be on to get that?
* When can they start applying?
* Who’s eligible?
* Is it just a visa or is there an entry date / arrival date criteria too?
* Long Term Skills Visa – is that still a thing?
* Skilled Migrant Visa – what is that? Does this apply to vets?
* What are processing times, do you know?
* How many vets have so far been approved under the “*June 50”*?
* How many vets have been approved *this year*?
* D…
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Oct 11, 2021
Companion Animal Vet Dr Liza Schneider - Holistic Vets - Vet Clinic Sustainability - 050
*Veterinarian Dr Liza Schneider is one of New Zealand’s leading authorities in holistic animal healthcare. *
In 2003 Liza established – what is today – award-winning *Holistic Vets* in Tauranga – located in New Zealand’s spectacular Bay of Plenty region.
Holistic Vets is a fully integrated veterinary practice combining conventional veterinary medicine and surgery with complementary therapies. This was the first of its kind in New Zealand.
Liza is also the founding trustee of *ARRC Wildlife Trust* – that’s the *Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre*.
The ARRC is a charitable trust which provides veterinary care and services to rehabilitate wildlife and has been the recipient of community awards.
Education is a key focus of ARRC, especially of children. To help achieve this ARRC has produced a series of children’s books illustrating the human impact on wildlife and what children can do to help.
As you’ll hear today, throughout her veterinary career, Liza has sou…
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Oct 4, 2021
Vet Clinic Sustainability - Q&A with Drs Francesca Brown, Rose Unsworth, Liza Schneider - where and how to start with being a sustainable vet clinic
*Vet Clinic Sustainability - three vet panel discussion on what vet clinics can do to start or further their sustainability journey
GUESTS:*
*Dr Francesca Brown:
*Head of Programmes and Principal Lecturer, Vet, Nursing Education and Chair, Educational Standards committee at Otago Polytech *
*Previous guest episodes:
*Episode 28**
**Episode 29**
Dr Rose Unsworth - Companion Animal Veterinarian
*Complementary Veterinary Medicine Branch of the NZVA. Rose has also featured twice as a guest on Paws Claws & Wet Noses:
*Episode 09*
*Episode 21**
Dr Liza Schneider - Companion Animal Veterinarian
*Prinicipal and* *owner of award winning Holistic Vets in Tauranga.
Liza established Holistic Vets in 2003.
You’ll hear more about Liza’s journey next week.*
*
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck*
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch…
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Sep 27, 2021
Veterinarian Lucy Scott - Behaviour Vet - A Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Veterinary Behaviour - ep 048
Guest: Dr Lucy Scott - New Zealand Registered Veterinarian from the Massey Veterinary Science class of 2015 recently branched out into veterinary behavioural work and starting her own behaviour business.
Lucy started off in a rural mixed animal practice – where she spent six years before pursuing her dream of making a difference in animals’ lives through behaviour modification and training.
Lucy uses positive reinforcement training with her own animals and introduced fear-free principles into her former practice.
This year - 2021 - she sat her Australian College of Veterinary Scientists Membership exams in Veterinary Behaviour and started her business Veterinary Behaviour Services NZ.
*Lucy's website**
**Julie's Parliamentary Petition to Get2VetsNZ*VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
*Companion…
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Sep 21, 2021
vets and vet clinics - attitude of gratitude + kiss your brain in gratitude for wellness
*Vets and Vet Clinics: how to incorporate an attitude of gratitude in your life for well health
*
I’ve noticed the light of positivity in my mind dim over the last couple of weeks, and if I’m feeling it, then I know that others must certainly be a little shaky too.
Since that episode I’ve had a few people ask me how can they have an attitude of gratitude – what does that look like – as part of their lives? The conversation usually goes something like this:
I journal.
What does journaling look like?
Or
Who’s got time to journal?
Or
How do you start?
Or
What’s the purpose of that?
So today I’d like to share what journaling looks like for me – there’s no right or wrong way to journal – the important thing is to just do it.
*
What does it mean to practice gratitude?
*
Put simply, gratitude means the state of being grateful.
It involves expressing thanks or appreciation for something, from a gift to life itself.
Gratitude is an active state – you have t…
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Sep 14, 2021
Vet clinic internet and cyber security protection flaws and fixes - ep 046
Vet clinics: how secure is your website or internet system?
Do you have a recovery or contingency plan if you're the victim of a cyber attack?
What aspects of your vet clinic practice are vulnerable?
Today Julie South looks at:
* *how to protect your vet clinic against a DDoS attack, *
* *internet failure contingency plan(s) *
* *how to recognise phishing scams & emails*
* *latest password management recommendations*
* *identity theft*
* *free wifi dangers*
VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck*
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, *please get in touch with Julie* becau…
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Sep 7, 2021
Vet Students - smart money advice questions with Janet Natta - pt 2 of 2 - ep 045
*Vet Science Student Q&A - part 2 of 2
*
Although today’s episode specifically answers Massey students’ questions, as you’ll hear, the information Janet shares is relevant to just about most people.
Because her profession requires full disclosure – which you can read in its entirety at smartmoneyadvice.co.nz I’ll just go over the top level stuff.
*Qualifications *
* Bachelor of Business Studies - Massey University
* Diploma in Business endorsed in Personal Financial Planning - Massey University
* Authorised Financial Advisor (FSP no 67543)
*Professional Membership / Roles *
* Institute of Financial Advisers - Waikato Branch Secretary and former member of The National Council
* Financial Advice NZ – Committee member, Waikato/BOP
She’s also held roles on National Investment Advisory Committees for The National Partnership and Advanced Investment Solutions
* *
*Experience *
Janet’s owned her own business since 2008. She worked in it as a part time employ…
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Aug 31, 2021
044 - Positive Mental Attitude Through Covid Lockdown for VetMed Professionals
M*indset – how to stay sane when your world appears to be spinning out of control crazy through Covid Lockdown
**Language of Appreciation at Work - Questionnaire**
*During Lockdown last year, I uploaded a questionnaire onto VetStaff’s website to help employers / employees discover how people like to be appreciated at work. It’s a free questionnaire – you don’t have to provide your email or anything like that, takes about 5 minutes to complete, and helps you discover how you like to be appreciated at work.
I recommend all teams complete it – that way everyone can talk the* language of appreciation* that each individual person understands.
Topics this week:
*How to get out of getting stuck in the negatives
9 ways to stay positive during the coronavirus pandemic
5 ways to mental hygiene
5 rules to live by to find your spark*
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitmen…
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Aug 24, 2021
043 - part 2 of 2 - how Dr Jocelyn Birch Baker attracts and embraces part timers to run a profitable smooth operating vet clinic
*Julie South interviews Jocelyn Birch Baker of Smooth Operating Vets + High Street Veterinary Clinic in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
*
Jocelyn’s vision at *Smooth Operating Vets* is to ensure all veterinary women have the opportunity to work in a team where everyone knows their talents and calmly does their very best in an encouraging and supporting place…. That women can return to veterinary practice after the birth of their babies with the skills, knowledge and confidence they need, to work in clinics that are supportive and flexible … where everyone works together - like a community - to achieve everyone’s goals.
Over the course of her career, Jocelyn’s experienced many areas of the veterinary profession – from the cattle industry through to mixed and small animal clinics.
She’s held positions on Australian national and state boards and committees and has taken time out of her career to raise her children.
Today, as the owner of *High Street Veterinary Surgery…
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Aug 16, 2021
042 - How to embrace and retain part time vet mums at your veterinary clinic with Dr Jocelyn Birch Baker of Smooth Operating Vets - part 1/2
*Julie South interviews Jocelyn Birch Baker of Smooth Operating Vets + High Street Veterinary Clinic in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
*
Jocelyn’s vision at *Smooth Operating Vets* is to ensure all veterinary women have the opportunity to work in a team where everyone knows their talents and calmly does their very best in an encouraging and supporting place…. That women can return to veterinary practice after the birth of their babies with the skills, knowledge and confidence they need, to work in clinics that are supportive and flexible … where everyone works together - like a community - to achieve everyone’s goals.
Over the course of her career, Jocelyn’s experienced many areas of the veterinary profession – from the cattle industry through to mixed and small animal clinics.
She’s held positions on Australian national and state boards and committees and has taken time out of her career to raise her children.
Today, as the owner of *High Street Veterinary Surgery…
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Aug 10, 2021
041 - Massey University Vet Science student Q and A - recruitment and first job questions
This week Massey University Veterinary Science students asked Julie South questions relating to their first job interview & recruitment.
*The questions asked were: *
W*hy should we go through a recruitment agency when we can get a job ourselves – doesn’t it just cost the clinic more to use an agency and won’t they then hold that against us? Is it money they could have paid us instead?*
*Is it okay to ask about salary at the job interview?
I've heard from several vets over the course of my placements comment that they found an experienced vet at their first job to mentor them, and that they partially based their first job decision on that. *
*How should I go about this? *
*Is this a common thing new grad vets think about? *
*Is it important or crucial to my development as a new grad? *
*How do you balance finding a good first job with your partner's limited work locations?*
*How would you approach asking a clinic you've done placement at if a job might be available? (When…
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Aug 3, 2021
040 - Emotional Intelligence - 6 ways to lead as an emotionally intelligent leader
*EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE - EQ - part 2 (of 2)
*
*Strategies to become more emotionally intelligent
6 ways emotionally intelligent people lead*
#1 – Learn more about the inner workings of YOU
#2 – Get an honest & objective assessment of YOU – from people you trust who’ll tell you how you are, not how you want to be
#3 – Journal & Track – discover cause & effect
# 4 – Listen
#5 – Putting yourself in the other person’s shoes
#6 – open yourself up
*NB: in the podcast I talk about my own experiences of "honest and objective feedback", "listening" and "opening myself up"*
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck*
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, *please get in touch with Julie* because this is something VetStaff can help you with.
*How to shine online as a good employer*
If you’…
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Jul 27, 2021
039 - EQ - Emotional Intelligence - 12 statements low EQ people make
Today we’re looking at *emotional intelligence* (EQ) and how essential having a high EQ score is to your professional and personal success and development.
In today’s workplace - workplace performance and career success, and even employee health, which were once thought to be a function of someone’s IQ – or intelligence quotient - are, in fact, tied in with EQ – or someone’s emotional intelligence.
If you’re unfamiliar with EQ - it’s each person’s ability to recognise, understand, and manage their emotions and those of others. The emotional Intelligence Quotient (EQ) is the measure of that ability.
That’s what today’s podcast is all about. Developing and improving your EQ will not only help your personal relationships and life but will also dramatically improve your professional life as well. VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I…
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Jul 20, 2021
038 - Dr Yvonne Clark - Companion Animal Veterinarian | Volunteer Veterinarian | New Zealand - similarities and differences as a veterinarian
Has the idea of volunteering your amazing veterinary skills - either as a veterinarian or veterinary nurse - kinda got you a little bit excited?
If so, then Dr Yvonne Clark's experiences - on beautiful holiday-resort islands - Sardinia in the Mediterranean and Rarotonga in the South Pacific - will give you a bit of an insight into what volunteering is like.
Dr Yvonne Clark is a companion animal veterinarian who originally qualified in Australia.
She's worked in the UK, Australia, Sardinia, NZ and the Cook Islands.
She talks about some of the differences and similarities of working in New Zealand compared to other countries.
She also talks a little bit about what it's like as a locum companion animal veterinarian.VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - c…
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Jul 12, 2021
037 - 15 signs it's time to look for another veterinary clinic job
*15 signs it’s time to change jobs + 4 next steps*
1. By the time Sunday night comes around, you’re in “dread mode” – you dread going to work on Mondays
2. Time drags – you struggle to immerse yourself and be in the zone like you used to
3. Little things start getting you down and you no longer believe in the clinic like you used to … favouritism, perhaps things don’t get fixed fast – it’s always been like that but now it starts to get you down … there’s never any money for upgrades – that didn’t bother you before but now it’s really starting to grind you down.
4. There’s no sense of team or unity and it feels like everything is about to implode. There’s no leadership – everyone’s pulling in different directions and/or allowed to get away with blue murder – tardiness, not following SOPs, lateness, questionable ethics, bullying
5. You feel like you’re not growing professionally and there’s little chance of anything changing in the near fu…
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Jul 6, 2021
036 - veterinary clinic employee exit Interviews + off-boarding + recent immigration & employment news
*The WHAT, WHY, WHEN & HOW to conduct EXIT INTERVIEWS at your Veterinary Clinic
Questions to ask at Exit Interviews*
* *What is their reason for leaving?*
* *Do you feel you had opportunities for growth or promotion within this clinic?*
* *How well do you believe your work was recognised and appreciated?*
* *Do you feel you were given adequate training and assistance?*
* *How fairly were the rosters / after hours / on call requirements distributed among you and other veterinarians / peers?*
* *Working conditions and culture?*
* *Workplace policies?*
* *Tools and equipment?*
* *How do you feel you were treated by the lead vet / your manager?*
* *What did you enjoy most about working here?*
* *Have you been thinking about this for a while? What could we have done differently?*
* *What was the one-thing that finally brought about your decision to leave?*
* *What do you think would make this clinic a better place to work?*VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recru…
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Jun 29, 2021
035 - 15 questions to ask veterinary professionals at job interviews to determine whether they'll MESS or MESH with your clinic
Asking good quality questions gets you good quality answers
In this episode you'll discover 15 questions veterinary clinics can ask job applicants to help them determine whether the *new-hire will mess or mesh with your veterinary clinic team*.
Determining and hopefully, matching clinic values, is imperative if you want your next new hire to mesh with your existing team.
The alternative is to hire someone who messes with your team - usually because of a total mis-match in values and integrity.VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck*
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, *please get in t…
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Jun 20, 2021
034 - How to Recruit, Retain and Rouse Generation Z in Your Veterinary Clinic
*Gen Z are those grads who started entering the workforce a few years ago.
*
*They’re also called the i-Gen – as in iPad and iPhone and Zoomers.
*
*Generational “personalities”
*
Generational personalities don’t come so much from the actual year someone was born – or the span of years – but from events that a generation of people – a cohort – experience as they grow up at a certain time in society’s history.
It’s these significant events that shape the values of a cohort.
It shapes how they live, work, and interact with others. There’s always a huge and significant defining moment in time that starts a generation.
For example, Covid-19 will draw the line in the sand between the Zoomers and this new generation. Maybe’ll it’ll be called Gen-C as in Covid.
Today, though, I want to talk about Generation Z – sometimes known as the i-Generation.
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*Ho…
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Jun 14, 2021
033 - Dr Bryan Gregor - Veterinarian and host of The VetPodcast - part 2 of 2
This is part 2 of my catch up with (retired) veterinarian *Dr Bryan Gregor*.
If you’ve been listening to my podcasts for the last 7 episodes or so, you’ll have heard me talk about the fan girl moment I had when *Dr Bryan Gregor* – show host of the *VetPodcast* called me out of the blue to talk ‘podcasting’.
The Vetpodcast and Paws Claws & Wet Noses have complementary audiences - plus we're both a bit geeky when it comes to things podcast-y.
As I’ve said a few times, The VetPodcast is where Paws Claws & Wet Noses dreams of being when it grows up.
Today Bryan and I talk podcasting so if you’re thinking of starting your own podcast then this show is definitely for you.
Your podcast can be about anything that interests you – it doesn’t have to be veterinary-based.
One of the things I’m regularly amazed at is the personal talent that exists inside a vet clinic in someone’s private lives. Some people do absolutely amazing things. They have really interesting hobbi…
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Jun 8, 2021
032 - Dr Bryan Gregor - Veterinarian and host of The VetPodcast - part 1 of 2
If you’ve been listening to my podcasts for the last 6 episodes or so, you’ll have heard me talk about the fan girl moment I had when *Dr Bryan Gregor* – show host of the *VetPodcast* called me out of the blue to talk ‘podcasting’.
This is part 1 of 2 of my catch up with Dr Bryan.
The Vetpodcast and Paws Claws & Wet Noses have complementary audiences - plus we're both a bit geeky when it comes to things podcast-y.
As I’ve said a few times, The VetPodcast is where Paws Claws & Wet Noses dreams of being when it grows up.
Today Bryan and I talk podcasting so if you’re thinking of starting your own podcast then this show is definitely for you.
Your podcast can be about anything that interests you – it doesn’t have to be veterinary-based.
One of the things I’m regularly amazed at is the personal talent that exists inside a vet clinic in someone’s private lives. Some people do absolutely amazing things. They have really interesting hobbies and skills that have not…
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Jun 3, 2021
031 - Richard Howard - Pathways NZ - new Immigration New Zealand Employer Accreditation requirements - bonus episode
*This is a bonus episode because Immigration New Zealand recently announced that, effective 1 November 2021, employers who have migrant workers (visa holders) on their staff will now require to be accredited under the new Immigration New Zealand requirements.*
In this episode *Richard Howard - Licensed Immigration Consultant - of Pathways New Zealand *(based in Hamilton and Wellington) answers questions and helps allay fears some clinics may have.
Richard recommends making sure you've got all your immigration-worker I's dotted and T's crossed well before the new rules come into effect.
*SHOW LINKS:
**Richard Howard - Pathways NZ*
*Register of Licensed Immigration Consultants in New Zealand*VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or…
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May 31, 2021
030 - Dr Megan Alderson - The Strand Veterinarian - her journey to implementing mental wellness in her veterinary clinic
*Dr Megan Alderson of The Strand Veterinarian in Parnell, Auckland, New Zealand, talks about implementing various wellness progs into her veterinary clinic - her trials and tribulations.
*Dr Megan is very open and forthcoming with the information she shares:
* *what's worked and didn't work*
* *her clinic's budgets and *
* *how much she budgets for staff wellness and wellbeing*
She also shares how her personality style worked against her, until she realised she needed to change her approach (which she did).
VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck*
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment do…
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May 22, 2021
029 - Dr Francesca Brown - Healthy Vet Professionals = Healthy Vet Clinic Bottom Lines
Part 2 (of 2) with *Dr Francesa Brown* on how to have a healthy vet clinic and a healthy bottom line.
*Dr Brown covers:*
* What KPIs to measure
* Where to start in supporting your team to be / get / stay healthy
* What questions to ask
* How to implement and how not to implement
* Johari Windows
* The real and true cost of staff turnover
She also asks for input / support / information as she gets ready to start her next research project.
VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck*
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, *please get in touch with Julie* because this is something…
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May 18, 2021
028 - Dr Francesca Brown - is it possible to have healthy staff AND a healthy bottom line in NZ veterinary clinics? - part 1 of 2
*This week is part 1 of a two-part series with Dr Francesca Brown of Otago Polytechnic.*
If you don’t know Dr Francesca, she’s a veterinarian who graduated from Massey University’s class of ’98.
After graduating and gaining experience in clinical practice Francesca moved to education and then into leadership in Allied Veterinary professional education, at both Otago Polytechnic, as the Head of the School of Veterinary Nursing and nationally as the Chair of the Educational Standards Committee for Allied Veterinary Professionals.
Over her career Dr Francesca has seen first-hand and through her network of colleagues in the industry - both vets and allied veterinary professionals - the significant challenges personnel face.
If you’re attending the combined Vet Nurse and Vet Conference this year in Christchurch – coming up in June 2021 – be sure to register for Dr Francesca’s presentation as part of the business track.
Today – and next week – Dr Francesca shares her…
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May 11, 2021
027 - MindfulMay - ezyVet - mindfulness introduction webinars - May 2021
The veterinary practice management software company *ezyVet *launched *MindfulMay* as a way to give back to the global veterinary sector.
Starting in May 2021 with two webinars, ezyVet wants to create a worthwhile resources (veterinarian to veterinarian) that helps make a positive difference.
In this episode Julie South catches up with Pip and Lance from the marketing department of ezyVet in Auckland, New Zealand.
*Mentioned in this episode:
*
*ezyVet Mindful May*'s resource page: * https://www.ezyvet.com/mindfulmay**
Dr Sarah Hoggan* - webinar presenter: *https://californiaveterinaryspecialists.com/staff/sarah-hoggan/**
Dr Megan Alderson* - webinar presenter: *https://www.thestrandvet.co.nz/about/**
Dr Shalsee Vigeant - *webinar presenter: *http://www.animalemergency.co.nz/**
Episode 25 - Dr Steve Merchant *of IndieVets: *https://pawsclawswetnoses.fm/episode/025-dr-steve-merchant-indievets-q-and-a/*
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **…
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May 3, 2021
026 - Questions you can and cannot ask your colleagues or job-seeking candidates when interviewing them
*Did you know there are questions you just can’t ask your coworkers … your colleagues... at work …? *
I’m not talking being PC-on-steroids type subjects, I’m talking Privacy Act breaches – and that’s what this episode of PCWN is all about.
If you’re tasked with hiring OR you’re a job-seeker who’s considering your next career move OR you’re someone, like me, who often has to open their mouth to change feet, then this episode is definitely for you.
*Check out episode 013**
Email for you to request copy of Qs Matrix Julie referenced: julie@vetstaff.co.nz
NZ Acts of Parliament referenced:*
· *The Employment Relations Act 2000*
· *The Human Rights Act 1993, and*
· *The Privacy Act 2020
Check out **episode 025** & free lunch competition.
Upcoming shows:
*
Dr Francesca Brown, BVSc, Otago Polytech
Dr Bryan Gregor, The Vet Podcast.
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang fo…
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Apr 26, 2021
025 - Dr Steve Merchant - IndieVets Q&A
IndieVets - the collaborative and expanding group of independently owned and operated kiwi veterinary clinics - opened its doors early in 2021.
Its ethos is "*local vets for local pets*".
*Julie asks Steve:
*
* What does he say to those people who think he sold out on the whole local thing because he created, then sold, Pet Doctors to an Aussie ASX corporate?
* Will he sell IndieVets? How can he guarantee that?
* Why should independently owned and operated clinics join IndieVets - what's in it for them?
* How much does it cost to join?
*FREE LUNCH LUCKY DIP GIVEAWAY CONTEST - for NZ Veterinary Clinics
*To honour *World Veterinary Day* - which got a bit overshadowed in New Zealand with Anzac Day commemorations, VetStaff is giving away a free lunch to one lucky kiwi veterinary clinic.
To enter simply answer two questions correctly and email your answers to *julie@vetstaff.co.nz:
Question #1
*What did Steve say was on first page of the IndieVets agreement?
*Question #2
*…
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Apr 20, 2021
024 - Covid-19 Vaccination Roll Out - what to do and not to do - how to be a Good Faith Employer
*This episode is to help veterinary clinic employers AND employees navigate the troubled waters of Covid-19 vaccination rollouts
*
Given there’s been a bit of talk in the media lately about vaccinations and testing – or lack thereof - and the government’s commitment to get Godzone Aotearoa New Zealand’s population vaccinated this year, today’s episode is all about the Covid-19 vaccination rollout and how to manage it in your clinic.
*
In this episode:*
* can someone decline to give "vaccination" information to their employer?
* What to do if they do - what are your options?
* As a kiwi veterinary clinic - what do you need to do to ensure you've done everything right and you don't end up with some kind of employment law or privacy law case being taken against you?
* Do you have to have the jab?
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck*
This i…
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Apr 13, 2021
023 - Dr Alejandra Arbe-Montoya - Veterinarian Moral Distress, Moral Conflict & Conscientious Objection
*Dr Alejandra Arbe-Montoya a PhD candidate from the University of Adelaide and Julie South discuss:*
* *Why veterinarians are leaving clinical practice,*
* *Moral Distress** – what it is and why it needs to be included as part of the curriculum at vet school,*
* *How setting personal boundaries can help when you find yourself morally distressed,*
* *What types of communication you need to practice,*
* *How to handle **Moral Conflict**, and*
* *What being a **Conscientious Objector** means in the veterinary context.*
When Dr Ale's not doing her PhD research, she works as an emergency and critical care companion animal veterinarian in Adelaide, Australia.
A few years back, Ale was close to calling it quits on her veterinary career. She’d had enough and wanted out. Not any more - today she's a staunch advocate in improving veterinary wellbeing in-clinic!
VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses
Disclaimer: This po…
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Apr 6, 2021
022 - Negotiating Like A Pro - Never Split the Difference - Chris Voss - book introduction
*Does the thought of negotiating have you breaking out into a sweat or in hives?
*
Would you rather do anything but negotiate?
Many veterinary recruitment deals are lost - the dream candidate, the dream job - because the veterinary clinic or the candidate - didn't know how to make the job happen.
There are many cases for using a professional recruitment agency in your veterinary clinic's hiring process.
For me - Julie South - one of the really important aspects of when a recruitment agency comes into its own (and very definitely earns its fees) is in the times when negotiation is required.
Imagine losing your prime dream candidate because you didn't know how to get the deal across the line?
Imagine feeling that your dream job isn't worth negotiating for - that you're not worth the effort - how sad is that?
In this episode Julie South introduces some of the negotiation tactics and strategies she uses and she backs them up with expert negotiator Chris Voss - author of "Never Split…
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Mar 30, 2021
021 - Dr Rose Unsworth - what it's like working in New Zealand as an overseas qualified veterinarian
*What's it like working in New Zealand as an overseas-qualified veterinarian?
*
This episode is the first in the library collection about what it’s like for an overseas-qualified veterinarian to work in New Zealand as a veterinarian. Because, as I’m sure you know, not all overseas qualified veterinarians can actually work here as a veterinarian without re-qualifying first.
*Dr Rose Unsworth and I talked about all sorts of things: *
* the differences in pet insurance uptake and how that manifests in-clinic,
* different induction processes for locums at different clinics,
* and the varying health & safety rules and regs in different parts of the world.
If you’re listening to this show and you’d like to work as a veterinarian in New Zealand please get in touch with me - I’ll put all of my contact details on the show notes page for this episode – but if you have pen and paper handy right now, you can email me at *julie@vetstaff.co.nz*.
Likewise, if you’re an oversea…
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Mar 22, 2021
020 - Hnry App | James Fuller | accounting service especially for self-employed locums | contractors
*Today’s show is especially helpful for existing locums of any kind: veterinarians, nurses and vet techs as well as the clinics that hire them. *
If you’re a locum, you’ll seriously want to listen to today’s show because it could save you a whole bunch of financial grief and headaches.
If you’re listening from Australia – or when the borders open up you’ll be heading off and working in Australia – then this is for you as well.
This *app* takes away all the financial compliance headaches. You know the sort I’m talking about - – making sure you’ve put enough money aside to cover your tax, ACC, expenses, invoicing, getting paid, raising invoices, paying yourself.
In this episode Julie South and James Fuller chat about:
* *do you need to have a limited liability company?*
* *are you paying (or setting aside) too much money for your tax?*
* *how do you know how much tax to pay?*
* *what if you're "known" to the IRD or ATO?*
* *do you need to protect your…
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Mar 16, 2021
019 - 6 ways veterinary clinics can improve the ROI on their job advertisements
*In today's episode:*
My thoughts on whether I think we have a veterinary shortage (or not).
The shift I've noticed in the last nine months or so - since we've come out of AL4 Lockdown in 2021.
Examples of a few job offers I've been involved in this year where each job-seeker has been over-the-moon with the offer of employment.
One of the benefits of using a recruitment agency if you're a job seeker
What needs to happen when you want to work only three or four days/week.
Employee engagement (or disengagement) - what happens - the good and the bad.
What to do if you get bad reviews from *Indeed* and/or *Glassdoor* job board websites.
Glassdoor's policy of not removing negative reviews - even if they're untrue.
The *Deloitte Global Millennial Survey 2019* - some findings and how they might impact your recruitment results.
* *Millennials* - 13,416 participated in the survey across 42 countries (including NZ) - 49% said they'd quit their job within 2 years if they had a choice.…
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Mar 9, 2021
018 - Dr Jasmin Klocker | Open Letter CVE & AVA | veterinary shortage | some solutions
*This week I want to start a conversation, a discussion – with YOU. I want to know what YOUR thoughts, opinions and ideas are on a letter I received over the weekend.*
It’s an *Open Letter* written by a practicing veterinarian in a small town who tragically lost her veterinarian husband to suicide three years ago.
The full text of *Dr Jasmin's letter* is on episode 18's *Paws Claws Wet Noses* show notes page for this episode so you can read it yourself.
It’s written to the Veterinary Practitioners Boards of Australia, the Australian Veterinary Association and anyone else who cares to read on… and is sent by Dr Jasmin Klocker – a mixed practice veterinarian in NSW.
The Australian CVE – the Centre for Veterinary Education - will invite comments from the AVA and the Veterinary Boards which will be published in Issue 303 in June 2021. So if you want to contribute / participate in that conversation you can virtually head over the Ditch and do that there.
In this letter Dr J…
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Mar 2, 2021
017 – Compassionomics - the revolutionary scientific evidence that caring makes a difference - book review
At the beginning of this year, I had the opportunity of catching up with a VetStaff locum for lunch.
We solved all the problems currently facing the veterinary sector and the world.
Over lunch, Dr Sam shared a book she’d read called *Compassionomics* – a book designed to answer a few questions – one of which was “does taking time for compassion make doctors better at their job?”
I’m a Kindle woman, so I bought the Kindle version. It’s also available in paperback and Audible versions. I’ll include all links to where you can buy the book, if you’re interested, on the show notes page for episode 17 at PawsClawsWetNoses.fm.
The full, official, title is *“Compassionomics: the revolutionary scientific evidence that caring makes a difference.”*
I like meaty books and at 375 pages, this sure gave me something to get my teeth into. The book was published in 2018 by Fire Starter Publishing.
Apart from the fact Dr Sam said it was a good book, I bought it because I wond…
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Feb 22, 2021
016 - for Veterinary Professionals - the $1,500 Virbac Rural Women New Zealand Animal Health Graduate Grant
*If you're a new veterinary graduate - veterinarian, veterinary nurse or veterinary technician thinking about, or already living in, rural New Zealand then this podcast is for you because you could be eligible to apply for the $1,500 Virbac Rural Women New Zealand Animal Health Graduate Grant.
Links and people mentioned in today's show
**Virbac New Zealand
**The team** - Katie Turner - Digital Product Manager
**Virbac's values
**
**Rural Women New Zealand
**Rural Women New Zealand current Board
**Rural Women New Zealand - **values
**Rural Women New Zealand - **different funds and grants
**Virbac Rural Women New Zealand Animal Health Graduate Grant - **apply online*VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info…
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Feb 16, 2021
015 - new Covid-19 subsidies & payments + border crossing requirements - February 2021
*Given that Covid-19 has been brought front-and-centre back into our lives and our businesses this week, I thought it might be a good idea to have a chat about the latest business subsidy available to clinics – and thus their teams – this week, what to do if one of your team members tests positive – the subsidy available to you, and then what you need to do if you or someone in your clinic needs to cross different alert level borders.*
The government has recently made changes the suite of financial support available on account of the pandemic’s impact on Godzone’s businesses.
*In today’s episode we’re going to cover:*
* The Covid 19 Short-Term Absence Payment subsidy – this affects employees and self-employed contractors
* The Covid-19 Leave Support Subsidy, and
* How to get the paperwork so that you or your team can cross borders
This episode is helpful for employees, self-employed locum contractors, HR & Practice Managers and clinic owners.
On the financial…
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Feb 11, 2021
014 - Covid-19 vaccine rollout - can employers mandate - the jab or my job?
*Now that there’s talk the Covid-19 vaccine being rolled out in Godzone Aotearoa New Zealand – and with a bit more of a concrete timeline than we’ve had before, can your employer give you an ultimatum – the jab or your job?*
Employers cannot force medication or any kind of medical choice onto staff. If they do, they’re breaching the NZ Bill of Rights Act.
Many employers offer flu jabs free of charge – these are solely at the discretion of each individual employee whether to accept or not.
However, the Covid-19 vaccine is going to be free anyway – because the object of the game is to strive for herd immunity in NZ. So that leverage doesn’t exist with this vaccine.
As an employee, you have the personal right to refuse (or decline) on a number of fronts. They are:
* *personal choice, *
* *health, *
* *beliefs or religion, *
and all of these mean you're protected by law against being disadvantaged or discriminated against if you choose not to have the vaccine.…
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Feb 9, 2021
013 - Reference Checks - 9 questions to ask | what you can and cannot do - or ask | NZ law
*Reference (and background) checking - why you absolutely must see it as an investment rather than a cost*
* why you should do it – even when you think you can’t spare the time,
* what questions to ask,
* what answers might raise some red flags,
* what to do with those red flags, and
* what you can and cannot do in relation to reference checking and NZ law
In Godzone Aotearoa New Zealand there are some things you absolutely cannot do in relation to reference checking potential new recruits and things you absolutely must do.
Reference checking is protected and/or governed by three different Acts of Parliament:
* *the Employment Relations Act 2000,*
* *the Human Rights Act 1993, and*
* *the Privacy Act 2020 *
We’ll take an in depth look at the 9 reference check questions I always ask every referee so you can understand what types of answers or responses raise red flags and then how to handle those.
You'll understand why I ask the questions I do and how to ac…
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Feb 2, 2021
012 - Dr Vanessa Johnson | imposter syndrome | handling stress | attitude journal | mental health
As you’ll hear from Vanessa’s accent – she’s not a kiwi - she left her family and friends in Canada to come to New Zealand 8 years ago to fulfil her dreams of studying in NZ to become a veterinarian … she’s lived here ever since!
Vanessa is a recent Massey University graduate with 3 years experience who works in a busy South Auckland practice as their fulltime companion animal veterinarian.
When she’s not working, she keeps active at the gym, and enjoys learning Japanese and water-colour painting.
Dr. Vanessa’s partner is a nurse who’s about to undertake the daunting challenge of med school this month.
Vanessa believes having a great support network and forming good mental health habits is instrumental to success.
Today we’re going to learn of some of the good mental habits Vanessa has formed and the benefits she’s noticed from having them as part of her life.
She shares what she does when she notices thoughts of Imposter Syndrome, negativity and the importa…
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Jan 26, 2021
011 - mindsets: how to recognise, maximise & materialise the growth (vs fixed) mindset to grow your veterinary clinic
*Today’s episode is about the importance of having a GROWTH MINDSET vs a FIXED MINDSET and how to use take that approach to bring about positive change in your life and veterinary clinic.
E*ither you’ve got a *growth mindset* or you’ve got a *fixed mindset*.
They were coined by Carol Dwek, an American Psychologist, about 6 years ago. Dwek earned her PhD in Social and Developmental Psychology from Yale University.
She coined the terms *fixed mindset and growth mindset* to describe the underlying beliefs we have when it comes to learning and intelligence.
According to Dwek, when students believe they can get smarter, they understand that *effort* makes them stronger. Therefore they put in extra time and effort, and that leads to higher achievement.
* You'll be able to recognise the three common misconceptions:*
* "I already have it and I always will"
* "It's just praising and rewarding effort"
* "all you have to do is espouse a growth mindset and good things will hap…
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Jan 15, 2021
010 - Veterinary profession compassion fatigue | tips and strategies to cope | positive psychology | mindfulness
This is the fourth episode (004) in the series supporting the parliamentary petition at *GetVets.NZ**.*
Today we look at some strategies to help you counter *compassion fatigue* – both as an individual veterinarian and, if you’re a clinic owner or practice manager, a few different things you can implement in your clinic.
We hear an excerpt from a Ted-X talk, as well as a couple of sound bites from veterinary professionals and we’re going to finish up with some positive psychology and mindfulness strategies for implementation.
According to Australian Psychologist Dr Nadine Hamilton, the best way to tackle the unique nature of veterinary stress that can lead to anxiety, depression and suicide is to use evidence-based research to create an intervention able to have a scientifically measurable positive impact on wellbeing.
As you know, working in the veterinary profession can be a rewarding, challenging and demanding career. It requires a passion for animals, excellent interperso…
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Jan 12, 2021
009 - Dr Rose Unsworth - locum stresses in clinic and in life pre- and during border closures
This is the fourth episode in the series supporting WHY I’m launching a parliamentary petition requesting the government to designate veterinarians as *critical workers* to let more into NZ to help the dire shortage we have right now.
You can sign the petition online at *getvets.nz*. *All online signatures ate 100% confidential*.
Late last year I received a letter from a very globally experienced companion animal locum veterinarian.
In the letter Dr Rose Unsworth shared the overwhelming demand for her and her husband's locum services - demands greater than they can meet.
Where forty years on we still have a crisis on our hands. No individual should have a personal connection to five colleagues who have committed suicide (those are the ones I can name personally, I know of many more).
That clinics are having to turn away clients because they simply cannot cope with the number of patients walking through clinic doors.
*Dr Rose Unsworth* is the mother of twin daughters, four mini…
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Jan 4, 2021
008 - veterinary superpowers + NZVC Workforce Survey + MPI + veterinary shortages - part 3
This is the third podcast in the series giving the background info as to why I’m supporting NZs veterinary sector by petitioning NZs parliament to change the classification of veterinarians to that of *critical workers* because the way it is now isn’t working.
In this week’s episode we’ll talk about some of the other absolutely critical roles veterinarians play in the NZ economy because being a vet isn’t all cuddles and kisses from fur babies or on-farm herd pregnancy testing.
Veterinarians play a critical role in helping to keep our country safe as well as making sure the food you eat, the milk you drink and the eggs you crack to make the typical kiwi bacon and egg pie, are all safe.
As I’ve mentioned more than a few times over the last couple of weeks, I’m *petitioning the NZ parliament* to change the classification of veterinarians to *critical workers – *just like their human doctor counterparts.
To practice as a veterinarian in NZ you need an Annual Practising…
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Dec 29, 2020
007 - Compassion Fatigue - what you can do to help your favourite veterinary professionals alleviate this condition - veterinarian shortage - part 2
*This week we look at some of the mental stresses that your favourite veterinary professionals are under so you can get a better understanding of what it’s like to walk a few kms in their shoes.*
This episode touches on some painful issues - like suicide.
[You don’t have to listen to those facts if you don’t want to. I’ll let you know before we get to those so you can stop listening at that point.]
We'll compare the cost of human medicine vs animal medicine.
You'll understand - hopefully - why all those veterinary tests are essential to animal care & welfare.
In this episode we'll talk about how stressful and hurtful it must be to hear day-in & day-out that veterinary professionals don’t care enough because they won’t work for free.
Compassion fatigue in veterinary medicine is a result of veterinary clinicians – doctors and nurses - taking on the emotional burden of the sad and bad things that happen to their animal patients.
It’s a form of mental trauma, resulti…
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Dec 22, 2020
006 - Veterinarian shortage in NZ - some causes and some effects - part 1
*The first of a multi-part series looking at the dire veterinarian shortage New Zealand faces.
*
This shortage impacts the humans doing the caregiving - the veterinarians, their colleagues and families, the animals and the animals' owners.
New Zealand is home to approximately 4.35 million companion animals - almost as many pets as there are humans!
In this series you and Julie will catch up with veterinary professionals to hear what it’s like working on the front line in some of New Zealand’s veterinary clinics and hospitals, while our borders are closed to entry from overseas-qualified veterinarians.
*If you'd like to know more about the petition Julie mentioned in this episode you can find it on the **Parliamentary NZ Website**. If you'd like to sign please be assured that online signatures are confidential.*
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck*…
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Dec 15, 2020
005 - how to calculate Christmas & New Year Statutory Holidays - watch out for the fish hook this year
*If your clinic is open 6 or 7 days a week, then this episode is for you because calculating public holidays isn’t as straight forward for 6 and 7-day clinics as it is for Monday-Friday clinics.*
We’ve got four days of statutory holidays coming up: Christmas Day + Boxing Day and then one week later, New Year’s Day + the Day After New Year’s Day.
In this episode I’ll tell you *how* to calculate the upcoming statutory holidays and which days are classified as “holiday”.
*This episode is for employees, not self-employed locums. *
If you’re unsure whether you’re employed as a locum (or not) then you may find Ep 001 of *Paws Claws & Wet Noses* helpful as that’s where I talked about the different legal classifications and tests of what an employee is and what a self employed contractor is according to NZ law.
*So what about if someone’s on call? What happens then?*
The answer to that question is it depends.
When an employee is on call, the payment of wages and th…
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Dec 8, 2020
004 9 ways to get "Hire Ready" in 2021 - tweaks & changes to make / include on your CV & LinkedIn profile
*9 ways to get "Hire Ready" in 2021 by starting today*
Today we’re going to look at how you can get hire ready in 2021.
*This episode is for you if: *
*1. you think it’s about time you had a pay rise and you’re planning on asking for one; or*
*2. you think it’s about time you changed employers – it doesn’t matter why – what’s important is the thought is going through your mind; or*
*3. you think it’s about time you had some more work life balance, so you’re going to become a locum veterinarian; or*
*4. you’re after work-life balance and are going to start looking for part time jobs.*
*9 WAYS TO GET HIRE READY - UPDATE YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE &/OR YOUR CV*
*#1 – your profile photo*
*#2 –* *your contact details *
*#3 – your personalised LI URL*
*#4 – your professional title or label
#5 – LI profile matches that of your CV
#6 – correct grammar and punctuation
#7 – highlight & emphasise the impact you’ve made *
*#8 – list your SKILLS sep…
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Nov 20, 2020
002 Veterinary Locums - is being a veterinary locum for you?
*Are you wondering if locuming’s for you?*
If you’re thinking of chucking in your day job to pick up the Instagram-glamorous lifestyle of the footloose and fancy free, high rolling life of the locum, then this episode is for you!
Here are *11 considerations* I recommend you take into account before you rush to hand in your resignation:
*#1 – unpredictability *
*#2 – admin*
*#3 – follow up and follow through*
*#4 – have lots of referees*
*#5 - >3 years post grad experience*
*#6 – you need to be a people person*
*#7 – travel & nights away*
*#8 – you need to be able to say “no” *
*#9 – money in the bank – Rainy Day Funds*
*10 – nowhere to call home*
*#11 – test drive a new job*VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - c…
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Nov 20, 2020
003 Veterinary Locums - why do locums earn more than employees?
*Why do locums earn more?*
This is the third of a three part series about locuming – whether it’s for you or not – things to consider.
This week we’re going to look at why it *appears *locums earn more per hour than employees doing the same job inside a clinic.
This episode is for you if you’re about to start out as a locum or you’re employed at a clinic and maybe feeling a little resentful because a locum might, at first glance, be earning a truckload more per hour than your clinic is paying you.
*This is Julie South - host of Paws Claws and Wet Noses.*
I hope you found this helpful. If it was, you can help us by giving us a thumbs up and making a comment on the social platform you first heard this – Facebook, LinkedIn or YouTube. Listeners liking through thumbs up helps more people find us.
If you’re listening via YouTube, please hit that subscribe button and ring the bell – thanks!
If you’re on Facebook, like our page is truly helpful – thank you!
If yo…
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Nov 19, 2020
001 - Veterinary Locums - the difference between Independent Self Employed Contractors and Employees
This is the first in a 3-part series about *veterinary locums* – either working as one or hiring one in your clinic.
This episode is purpose built if you're a veterinary professional who's already a locum (or thinking about becoming a locum) and to veterinary clinics that hire locums.
*Employees and independent self-employed contractors each have different legal rights.*
It’s important you know what these are and that you’re being hired (or doing the hiring) using the correct criteria as it relates to you.
It covers the four legal tests that differentiate between an employee and an independent self employed contractor and how to know which one applies to you.
*Companion Animal Vacancy at **Vet Marlborough* - contact *Julie South** or **Tania Bruce* for more info.
*How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck*
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, *please get in touch with Julie* because this is something V…
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