Competitive Job Market Gives Rise To Shady Recruitment Tactics

Veterinary shortages in the UK have put an immense strain on practices across the country. So much so that businesses are resorting to underhanded tactics to snag recruits.

In an anonymous quote from the Vet Times, a practice owner recounted when one of her employees was headhunted- at work. 

‘The card was hand-delivered to our office and went into her tray, she opened it in front of the rest of us thinking it was a thank you card and it was a personalized card with a picture of the practice, her name, and a big question mark’ she said. 

‘She has said that she feels really violated by this; that they invaded her safe space within the practice, tricking her almost.’

‘It’s very unprofessional. It’s not how neighboring practices should be dealing with one another, and it’s left me with a sour taste for the whole profession now.’

With more and more practices struggling to recruit and retain employees, tactics like this are becoming increasingly common. 

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AVMA Makes History With First Two Female Presidential Candidates

For the first time in the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) 158-year old history, the race for president has been exclusively female. 

Dr. Grace Bransford (former AVMA vice president) and Dr. Lori Teller (chair of the AVMA board of directors) raced head-to-head to win the prestigious position. Although Dr. Lori Teller snatched the vote earlier this week, both candidates were historically unique. Dr. Lori Teller is the first president to have raised a child while in practice, and Dr. Grace Bransford could potentially become the first Japanese-American president in 2022. 

Teller has pledged to focus on workforce issues at both a veterinary and support-staff level. 

‘If nothing else, the pandemic has driven home that veterinarians are busy, and it has escalated burnout’ Teller said. 

‘What can we do in the short term and long term to have a steady workforce without having these fluctuations? It wasn’t too long ago that veterinarians were having a hard time finding jobs. Now the market’s just exploded, and there are too many jobs to choose from. We want a steady job market.’

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Virtual Care Claims Soar During Pandemic 

Soaring virtual care claims suggest that telemedicine is here to stay.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), pet health insurance programs, telehealth claims for online services, and phone/online consultations increased by 379% between March 2020 and Feb 2021. With no signs of slow-down, it seems that telehealth is here to stay.

‘The COVID-19 pandemic has changed much of our daily life, and pet owner behavior is no different’ says Wendy Hauser, DVM, assistant vice president of veterinary relations with Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group.

‘While many clinics and hospitals have adapted to limit exposure within their physical locations, it has become apparent telemedicine services have become part of the new normal and a convenient option for certain situations.’

Brexit Export Rules Exacerbate Veterinary Shortages

A drop in European vets due to Brexit export rules has exacerbated the already dire veterinary shortage. 

According to experts, the industry should brace itself for a dramatic drop in off-shore veterinarians; due to an increased language requirement instituted by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) due to Brexit export changes. The number of off-shore vets has already dropped dramatically by around 77.78% per month. 

‘Most European vets, although they meet all the technical standards and before 1 January 2021 could have come and worked here without any problem, they don’t have that level of English’ said Charles Hartwell, chief executive of Eville & Jones. Although these vets are proficient enough to practice, technicalities in the new standards have meant that many are required additional training. 

‘We need a load more vets to come into the system, the number of vets coming in from the European Union has collapsed.’

Although efforts are already being made to mitigate these shortages by the RCVS, it is further bad news for a sector already struggling with vet shortages. 

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Canadian Vet Struck Off For Accidental Euthanasia

A vet from Atlantic Canada has agreed to forfeit his license after accidentally euthanizing a dog. 

Sietse Van Zwol, DVM, previously had his license suspended; following a 2016 complaint where a dog died in his care. He has also been reprimanded on six occasions between 1992-2009. 

The Nova Scotia Veterinary Medical Association (NSVMA) received a complaint about the vet last August. Following an investigation, the province’s regulatory bodies complaints committee, alongside the vet, agreed that they would withdraw his license. 

‘I’ve been the registrar in Nova Scotia for the regulatory body for 32 years… and to my recollection, this is probably the first time this has occurred’ said NSVMA registrar Frank Richardson, DVM.

Alongside giving up his license, Van Zwol is to sell his practice within one year. 

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How To Reduce Stress At Work 

With workplace stress hitting record levels, what are some things vets can do to reduce it?

Create An End Of Workday Routine

A good evening routine can help you relax and recharge. It can be easy to eat everything in sight and lump yourself on the sofa- but is this optimal for your health? 

Perhaps try and give yourself a technology pause, turning off your phone past a certain time and picking up a book. Try to make yourself a decent meal a few times a week, or schedule some exercise. 

The bottom line is to optimize your happiness by putting it into your routine. 

Fully Disconnect From Work

You can’t recharge from work if you’re still in productivity mode. Turn off your email notifications, or even put your phone or computer away. 

Add Greenery To Your Workspace 

Studies show that plants and nature can seriously aid in stress relief. Pop some plants around your workspace, or try and take a walk in the park during your breaks. 

For more, click here.