Survey Concludes That Vets And Practice Managers Lack Staff Management Skills
330 people were asked by the Veterinary Management Group and the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons to rank their confidence in a list of management and leadership skills. Those asked were both leaders and non-leaders, with the non-leaders ranking how they felt their manager would rank. Both groups were also asked to rank the skills in priority order.
The results show that the responses with a large amount of “not confident” were monitoring and evaluating performance, regularly providing and seeking feedback, and creating development plans and opportunities for others. The responses with the most confident were communicating clearly and effectively, building trust, and providing rationale and explaining why.
The also results show that communicating clearly and effectively was the most important skill of all and creating development plans and opportunities for others was prioritised the least.
If you think that you are struggling with leadership skills then take a look at our Leaders program specifically designed to give you the tools and knowledge to lead a high performance and happy team https://vetxinternational.com/veterinary-leadership-training/
AVMA Releases New Pet Euthanasia Guidelines
The American Veterinary Medical Association has updated its guidelines on the euthanasia of animals. Last updated in 2013, the significant updates include the following: “…methods, techniques, and agents of euthanasia have been updated and detailed descriptions have been included to assist veterinarians in applying their professional judgment. Species-specific sections have been expanded or added to include more guidance for terrestrial and aquatic species kept for a variety of purposes and under different conditions. Where possible, appropriate flowcharts, illustrations, tables, and appendices have been used to clarify recommendations.”
The guideline can be found here https://www.avma.org/sites/default/files/2020-01/2020_Euthanasia_Final_1-15-20.pdf
https://www.dvm360.com/view/avma-releases-new-pet-euthanasia-guidelines
RSPCA NSW Outlines Bushfire Relief And Recovery Plan
With the Australia bushfire still raging and devastating the local wildlife, the RSPCA have outlined their relief and recovery. This plan includes funding for four major points:
Immediate response in communities: $1.3 million
Emergency assistance fund: $1 million
Mobile emergency response unit and infrastructure: $1.2 million
Wildlife welfare program: $500,000
RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman said: “We are here to give support to those animals and owners whose lives, homes and futures have changed beyond measure as a result of this disaster,”
British Veterinary Association Announces New Board Chair
Steve Anderson Dixon has been announced as the new Board Chair for BVA. Dixon has previously served as a BVA Board Director since 2017, has nearly 40 years of experience in publishing and has spent the last five years engaged in the migration of print to digital publishing.
He said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed to Chair of BVA and look forward to working closely with the Board, executive team and officers in supporting and championing the UK veterinary profession. Vets are exceptional professionals and one of the most trusted professions in the UK and they, along with their teams, are carrying out vital work every day to safeguard animal health and welfare and protect public health. It’s a privilege to be associated with such a body of professionals.
https://veterinary-practice.com/news/2020/bva-announces-new-board-chair
New Action Plan Offers Guidance To Veterinary Professionals For Tackling The Scale Of The Pet Obesity Problem
With it being National Obesity Awareness Week, The BVA, BVNA, British Veterinary Zoological Society (BVZS) and BEVA have produced 30 recommendations for how the veterinary industry can work to help the problem of obesity in animals.
Daniella Dos Santos, BVA President, said: “As veterinary professionals we have a huge part to play in managing and preventing obesity in companion animals. This is a serious and growing issue that can cause or exacerbate a wide range of health and welfare problems, so it’s incumbent on us to give clients clear and consistent advice and support to help their animal maintain a healthy weight.
The recommendations can be found here: https://www.bva.co.uk/take-action/our-policies/companion-animal-obesity-dogs-cats-horses-donkeys-and-rabbits/
Free Mindfulness Apps Worthy of Your Attention
Do you have trouble practising mindfulness? Well if you want a helping hand here is a list of some great apps to guide you through the process.
