Paws Claws & Wet Noses | Vet Podcast
Julie South of VetStaff
Subscribe
For veterinary professionals (veterinarians and veterinary nurses + veterinary support staff) working or wanting to work in New Zealand. This podcast helps veterinarians | businesses | jobs | business | personal growth. Julie South - your show host - tackles frequently asked, yet unanswered, questions relating to veterinarian recruitment, being a veterinary locum, business growth - sales, marketing and social media, personal development. Your success as a veterinary professional starts in the gap between your ears. Julie South tackles some of the tough veterinary recruitment and employment questions in a way that's easy to understand. Julie South does veterinary recruitment different - she's New Zealand's veterinary sector *matchmaker* - finding dream jobs for job hunters and finding model employees for veterinary clinics.
Available episodes
Newest first
Oldest first
6 days ago
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
playlist_add
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*
playlist_add
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 at vetstaff.co.nz
*
playlist_add
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
playlist_add
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 have all of this info for the very reasonable monthly subscription of just $69pm.
The only way you can access the info is by contributing to the surveys and you'll be able to:
* Have the option to participate in any survey that the NZVA and BBVet offers
* Get access to interactive graphics and scenario planning, and if you want it,
* Get access to a hard copy PDF report
The Veterinary Business Branch of the NZVA has worked with BBVet to ensure the survey structure and questions are suitable for the New Zealand veterinary market.
You can “cut and dice” the data - for example by species or region. Obviously, the more participants there are, the more valid and useful the information will be.
And just in case you’re wondering, the NZVA has been in touch with the Commerce Commission. The Association has received general advice that it’s acceptable to run this survey, providing the information is not promoted or used as a way to organise price fixing or collusion.
The NZVA may use the information gathered to foster conversations in the advocacy space.
The only people who will be able to see your individual data will be BBVet, who need to do so for administration purposes.
The NZVA will be able to access macro information only (no site-specific information) which will be important for its advocacy work.
No-one will be able to view any scenario planning you do at a site level.
To find out more about BBVet and the man behind everything, you can visit the main website at http://www.*mpvconsulting.com.au/*.
To register your clinic’s contribution to the salary data, visit *portal.bbvet.net/nz/**
Dr Jane Ough - pt 2 of 3
#ChocolateTuesday's winner
Click here: **To enter the #ChocolateTuesday lucky dip draw*
playlist_add
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 helping South Wairarapa Veterinary Services take Climate Crisis Action to run a more sustainable business. VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses
playlist_add
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 ones who can do whatever it is. *
* *He explains what VNs and Techs can legally do in NZ now.*
* *We talk about consumer education and who can do what to help with that – especially around the expectation / perception of fees. *
* *He talks about what VCNZ does and what its “job” is.*
* *And then we wrap up with what Iain’s been doing as a way to manage his mental health and stress levels. *
Tune in to hear about the last development and changes taking place at VetStaff. And just in case you didn't know:
there are two basic beliefs everyone at VetStaff has and which underpin everything we do – and that is
* *we believe that all veterinary professionals deserve to work in a job of their dreams where they’re valued and respected and*
* *we also believe that all veterinary employers of choice deserve to have the best staff – ones who’re engaged, committed and are excited about going to work each day.*VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses
playlist_add
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 no future intention of working in.
* How and why the Australians are involved.
* Why can’t the AVE exams be held in NZ to help allay the Covid-induced backlog of overseas qualified vets waiting to sit those exams in Brisbane.
* What Iain would say to overseas qualified vets who’re seeing reports in the NZ media about the shortage we have here of veterinarians but they’re unable to help alleviate the situation because they cannot legally practise as a Veterinarian.
* What the smaller vet clinics can do when they’re absolutely overloaded and cannot handle another night of being on call.
* And we talked a bit about the business opportunity for a telehealth after hours service or overload service to be started and/or expanded in NZ.VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses
playlist_add
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 those numbers it’s pretty easy to think that given two thirds of the respondents were going backwards financially or were earning just enough to survive, that the mix of respondents must have been two-thirds vet nurses and one third vets.
After all, it’s no secret that nurses’ pay rates really do need some serious increases beyond just the CPI.
However, that wasn’t the makeup of respondents at all. In fact, the split of vets and nurses came in exactly equal with 42.7% of the respondents being vets and exactly 42.7% were nurses.
The balance of just under 15% was made up of admin staff – like PMs and HR managers as well as veterinary technicians.
I haven’t crunched the numbers that deep, but it’s kinda fair to surmise that there are some vets who aren’t earning enough to contribute to their rainy day emergency fund.
The Vet Council cannot control pay rates – that’s not its function. Yet I was surprised by the number of respondents who somehow thought that was a power the Council had. I asked lots of other questions of Iain that came from the survey, but I didn’t raise the question of pay rates because it’s beyond his and the Council’s control.
Iain McLachlan is the CEO & Registrar of the New Zealand Veterinary Council. He’s responsible for leading and managing the Council as well as carrying out the functions of the Registrar, as set out in the Veterinarians Act 2005.
The New Zealand Veterinary Council is NZ vet sector’s governing body. It’s responsible for the governance of the organisation and, ultimately, for making sure functions per the Veterinarians Act are carried out and adhered to.
The Council has a team of eight staff and seven council members.
The eight staff are led by Iain as CEO and Registrar. He’s supported by Veterinarian Dr Seton Butler – the Council’s professional adviser.
Iain and his team report to the Council’s seven Council members.
Three of the Council members are elected by veterinarians, two are lay people appointed by the Minister of Agriculture – currently Damien O’Connor, MP, one member is a veterinarian also appointed by the Minister and the seventh member is the Academic Programme Director of the undergraduate veterinary programme at Massey University.
Iain reports to a collective team of brains, experience and credibility.
Mr Iain McLachlan is a practising lawyer – that means he holds a practising certificate from the NZ Law Society and has been admitted to the bar as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand. Just like it’s an offence for someone to call themselves Veterinarian when they don’t hold a practising certificate, so too is it an offence to call yourself a practising lawyer when you don’t hold a practising certificate.
As VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses
playlist_add
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
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
Apr 18, 2022
Dr Krispin Kannan - Large Animal Veterinarian
*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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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
playlist_add
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
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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.
*…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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.*
*
playlist_add
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
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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*
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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"*
playlist_add
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
playlist_add
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
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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
playlist_add
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.
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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
playlist_add
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
playlist_add
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
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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/*
playlist_add
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.
playlist_add
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
*…
playlist_add
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?
playlist_add
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
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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.…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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.…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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.*
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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
playlist_add
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…
playlist_add
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.
playlist_add