Today’s Veterinary Business recently published an article praising relief vets to the moon and back! Big thank you to author Lauren Catenacci, Ph.D. Read “8 Ways to Bond With a Relief Veterinarian” by clicking here. Below is a summary of the article.
Catenacci wrote about how relief vets offer long term solutions to the problems of short staffing, exhaustion and burnout. A recent survey (Galaxy Vets, Relief Rover) showed that 68% clinics use relief vets because they’re short staffed. Another 9% use them during periods of high demand and 23% employers hired relief vets primarily to give their core team members well-deserved breaks.
The article also emphasized the importance of long term relationships with relief vets (sweet!) and described many ways to nurture and retain good relief vets. (Note: According to 58% of surveyed relief vets, a big part of retention is an attractive practice culture.)
Tips on building long term relationships with relief vets:
- establish expectations by sharing core values, protocols, and communication strategies
- book your trusted relief vets far in advance and honor your commitments to build trust
- develop an onboarding process — the article lists many ways to do this
- integrate relief vets into practice culture and let them know they belong
- provide relief vets with mental health support to help combat loneliness
- show interest in who your relief vetes are, not just the work that they do for you
- consider offering relief vets a custom benefits package
- talk about the future — relief vets may be searching for the perfect fit
- ask for feedback — relief vets often have fresh perspectives
- maintain the relationship — treat them as one of the team
Read the full article in all its glory at https://todaysveterinarybusiness.com/8-ways-to-bond-with-a-relief-veterinarian.
All you employers looking to build these relationships, we’re here to help! Learn more about how we help by clicking here or you can sign up directly here. Feel free to contact us anytime at [email protected].