Introduction Veterinary practice can be a highly structured environment that provides an excellent career for all team members. Goal is to provide superb.

IntroductionVeterinary practice can be a highly structured

environment that provides an excellent career for all team members.

Goal is to provide superb medical care to patients and outstanding customer service to clients.

Workplace should be friendly, efficient and safe.All team members should take a part of

responsibility of care and must take initiative to provide the best care, whatever the position is within the clinic.

Veterinary TeamVeterinarian

Responsible for providing guidelines of medical care

Assistants and techniciansResponsible for following guidelines to provide

excellent care.

In Hospital PatientsReceive care from all team members

and all team members are responsible for ensuring patient safety and comfort.Patients may never be left in feces and

urineMust always have access to water and

food when allowedBe hospitalized in a warm,

comfortable environment

OutpatientsInclude those that visit for

exams, lab work, or other services.

Responsibility of team to provide services to clients and ensure that client receives the necessary services in a timely manner.

Medications, client instructions, and handouts should be supplied to the client when needed.

Other considerationsInternet

More and more clients find information on internet.

Should be encouraged to seed out practice with questions to supplement any information found on the internet.

Excellent customer serviceClients have expectations for prompt call backs

with results, etc.Veterinary clinics are ranked higher than

physicians in value that people place on them

Keys of ConsiderationsOpen communicationKnow that each role is importantRoles and duties should be outlined in

employee manual.Each team member should know place in

hierarchy.

StudentsCan function as observers or hold paid

positions.Include veterinary students, technician

students, high school, students, etc.

GroomersMay or may not be present in the clinic.

Have unique technical skills and must be cautious due to many hazards that are present.

Sometimes are a key link to noticing abnormalities on grooming cases.

Kennel AssistantsCritical to health care team.Should become familiar with cleaning

protocols as well as any hazards.Should be trained to detect emergency

situationsMust be able to interpret charts for correct

feeding protocols, etc.

Veterinary AssistantsHelp technicians and veterinariansShould excel at physical restraint, laboratory

skills, patient care, and client relations.Should have patience.

Veterinary TechniciansCritical to health care teamGraduate from a 2 year veterinary technology

program approved by the AVMA and must pass the VTNE and any state licensing examinations.

Allowed to perform certain duties not allowed by a non-licensed individual.

Generally assigned a patient by the veterinarian and follows protocols set forth by practice.

Critical for client communication and patient care.

Veterinary TechnologistsGraduate of a 4 year bachelor of science

program in veterinary technology by the AVMA.

Veterinary Technician SpecialtiesMay focus on particular area of patient care.Require specialized training in the area and

take another exam in that area of specialty.Internal MedicineEmergency and Critical CareDentistrySurgery and AnesthesiaEquineBehavior

Receptionists“Face” of the veterinary practiceGreet clients, detail and clarify invoices and

receive money.

Office ManagersResponsible for overseeing the staff and

running of the office.

VeterinariansOnly members allowed to diagnose, prescribe

and perform surgery on patients. Must be graduate of accredited school of

veterinary medicine.Must be licensed in state where they work

and pass both state and national examinations.

Practice ManagersMay or may not be present in clinic.Helps to keep entire team working together .May review records for completeness,

implementation of new business strategies.Educational requirements vary.

Hospital AdministratorsMay be veterinarian, technician, or a

business manager.Usually has complete authority over the

operation of the business and practice. Responsible for setting budgets, paying bills,

creating organizational structure, and planning events.

Programs to Enhance Staff EducationPrograms are available online and at

community colleges across the U.S.VSPN offers a lot of online resources. Animal Care Training videosLocal specialty and emergency centers

sometimes provide continuing educationManufacturer and distributors also provide

trainingExtent of training or continuing education

varies from state to state