https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/001/nonclinical/en-USTelligent Community 10https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/001/nonclinical/m/meetings/156693Fri, 07 May 2021 14:39:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:c2e4d4e8-64a0-4e71-afbd-1d9c375f0256Arlo GuthrieThis is a recording of a zoom meeting held on the 5th May 2021 for VetSurgeon.org and VetNurse.co.uk members in which Simon Biles from Moore Scarrott discussed IR35 and its implications for veterinary locumshttps://www.vetnurse.co.uk/001/nonclinical/m/meetingsFri, 07 May 2021 14:38:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:5237d209-148d-46e0-98ed-4e5a5b630d5fhttps://www.vetnurse.co.uk/001/nonclinical/Wed, 21 Nov 2018 10:21:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:bbf158eb-f58b-484d-abb1-0af593a3fbebhttps://www.vetnurse.co.uk/nonclinical/occupational/w/vet-practice-survival/95/talking-it-through?CommentId=708d9b67-8310-4a8c-a7cc-f0472d045017Sat, 10 Nov 2018 22:07:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:708d9b67-8310-4a8c-a7cc-f0472d045017lucy sullivanI would love to use this page for one of my assignments. Would it be possible to obtain the year it was written please?https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/nonclinical/occupational/w/vet-practice-survival?CommentId=b7f45a95-6154-479e-8d30-210e20a19b67Thu, 18 Jan 2018 17:20:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:b7f45a95-6154-479e-8d30-210e20a19b67charlene leeIs this guide still available? nothing comes up? Thankshttps://www.vetnurse.co.uk/nonclinical/occupational/w/vet-practice-survivalWed, 07 Dec 2016 08:32:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:55efa87c-6847-4a19-9c16-21d0b5f98314Welcome to the Practice Survival Guide by Vanessa Bird VN. This offers guidance for the non-clinical aspects of working in practice. Some chapters, such as 'Office Equipment' are aimed at those who are new to life in practice. We hope that somhttps://www.vetnurse.co.uk/001/nonclinical/occupational/w/vet-practice-survival/71/promoting-clinicsWed, 07 Dec 2016 08:32:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:84dcb92a-c493-4217-b094-043a0b232be6Arlo GuthrieAnyone who has attended a George Cooper (veterinary marketing guru) seminar will be aware of the importance of giving your service a name. As George says, the word "clinic" does tend to create the impression of something fairly serious and not much fun. It is our aim to provide a service that is not only useful and informative, but pleasurable. Clients are often stressed at the surgery since they associate their visits with the anxiety that accompanies having a poorly pet. We should endeavour to educate them into realising that a visit to the surgery can be a very positive experience and that we are there for every aspect of their pet's needs - not just the medical ones. It is very difficult to strike a balance between a name that sounds drab and a name that is downright naff. The nearest we got was "The Pet Healthcare Adviser Service". A new service is pretty pointless if your clients are unaware of its existence! Here are some ideas to help you to market the clinics: Word of mouth - easy and free! You may be working on reception and notice a large, panting Labrador sprawled out over the floor. Use this opportunity to offer to weigh the dog. Having a chart available showing ideal breed weights is a good back up. Explain the problems associated with obesity, but do try to be tactful! Once you have the client's trust, it is then time to impart information regarding the nursing clinics and how the weight reduction programme can help. The veterinary surgeons can also help to promote the service during their consultations. Business cards - to create a professional image. These need not be formal. The idea is to create the impression that by attending the nursing clinics, the client is experiencing a privilege. Our nursing appointments are always free, but the clients don't know this! By handing over a card stating "Nursing Clinics - Free Attendance for 1 Year!" the clients really do feel that they are getting something special. This is something for the client to keep in their purse or wallet with the name and contact number of an experienced nurse who they know they can call for advice when needed. Posters - a smart and striking design displayed in the consulting rooms, waiting and reception areas can be effective. Always laminate these to avoid them becoming torn and dog-eared (laminating sheets are available from any large stationary company - you don't need to buy an expensive machine). Posters can also be displayed in local pet shops and rescue centres. Flyers - professionally printed designs work best. Send these out with vaccination reminders and invoices to newly registered clients. You can include them in welcome packs, puppy and kitten packs and post-operative advice packs. Make sure they are also available in a leaflet rack in the waiting room and consulting rooms. Website - if your practice has a website, make sure there are pages devoted to the nursing clinics. We operate our nurse's pages in the format of a question and answer forum covering a variety of subjects. Other promotion - please refer to the chapter "Marketing".https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/nonclinical/occupational/w/vet-practice-survival?CommentId=bcbfa5c1-2a5b-4daa-bcef-28c5e89de7d1Wed, 24 Feb 2016 13:46:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:bcbfa5c1-2a5b-4daa-bcef-28c5e89de7d1SarahbeeeeHi, I can't see the practice survival guide e.g. office equip. Thanks.https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/001/nonclinical/occupational/w/vet-practice-survival/62/practice-makeover-beforeSun, 30 Nov 2014 20:11:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:f9857ef3-013e-4d17-a068-8c4c673df990Arlo GuthrieIn 2002, Novartis Animal Health held the Practice Waiting Room Makeover competition. The objective was to show how the science of point of sales marketing could be used to maximise opportunities in the waiting room. Novartis hoped that the lessons learned during the makeover would benefit the whole profession. The winner was Woodlands Veterinary Practice in Cheltenham. Theirs was a fairly typical set-up, with a haphazard approach to product display, a slightly tired look, and the inevitable food display. Entrance to the practice was via the door to the right of the reception desk in the 'Looking Right' picture above. The two brown doors in the same picture lead to the consulting rooms. At the end of the room in the 'Looking Left' picture, you can see the entrance to the lab, and an unused (locked), second door to the street on the left. The following main problems were identified: Haphazard product display: products displayed on free-standing shelf units, none of them priced. None of the products were highlighted in any way. A few bottles of this here, and a few tubes of that there. The area by reception frequently became congested, as people exited the consulting rooms and walked straight into the arms of clients settling the bill. Although the waiting room was tidy and clean, it felt quite cold and uninviting. Not helped by old fluorescent lighting, tired ceiling panels, and a drab carpet. White walls gave the practice a cold, uninviting atmosphere. Information about veterinary services was restricted to one noticeboard, next to the food stand. £15,000 was spent on transforming the practice, and whilst it may well be that you don't have that sort of budget at your fingertips, many of the lessons learned during the Practice Makeover Competition can be carried out on a much lower budget. Just 'moving things around' can make a huge difference.https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/001/nonclinical/occupational/w/vet-practice-survival/63/practice-makeover-afterSun, 30 Nov 2014 20:10:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:e49cea79-7d36-4d3c-b517-155d1db9de79Arlo GuthrieAnd here is the same practice, post makeover. What a difference! Note that these photographs were taken soon after the main work had been completed, and there were still some final flourishes to be added. The main areas Novartis addressed were: New colour scheme to give a warmer feel, whilst remaining fresh, clean and professional. Carpeting used in the lower footfall areas, with durable, tiled, non-slip flooring in high traffic areas. Ceiling tiles removed and ceiling skim plastered. Halogen lighting installed throughout. Reception zone moved to the opposite end of the practice, to remove conflict with patients exiting from consulting rooms. Reception zone included glass-fronted and locked cabinets behind the desk, in which to display and store POM products. Retail zone created, and situated where all clients would come into contact with it. Retail zone included a tailor-made display area, with downlit cubby holes in which to display items that would highlight certain products and services at the practice. These included an integral shelf to store leaflets with further information. In the waiting zone, space constraints limited the type of seating it was possible to use. However, new, more heavily upholstered wooden chairs (some with armrests), replaced the old ones. In the waiting zone, space constraints also meant that there was little opportunity in this case to provide tables with reading material at this practice. A children's zone was created in the space freed up by moving the reception desk.https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/001/nonclinical/occupational/w/vet-practice-survival/68/plump-pets-club-handoutSun, 30 Nov 2014 20:08:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:0b6d5d51-1c3e-440e-ad3b-8cd88df4f940Arlo GuthrieTHE PLUMP PETS CLUB – HELPFUL HINTS TO HELP YOUR PET LOSE WEIGHT Now that you have decided to help your pet to lose weight here are some useful tips to guide you. Whenever you are tempted to give in or cheat try to remember the risks associated with obesity. You may feel mean at first - but give your pet an alternative to a food reward. A game with your dog or cat is far healthier, and as your pet's fitness level improves, games will become even more fun! 1. Change your pet’s diet to our recommended restricted calorie food. Your pet will feel hungry if you just suddenly reduce his diet. A hungry pet will be unhappy, and start begging and bin raiding, so any change in diet must be introduced gradually. Prescription calorie control diets contain more water and roughage than regular pet foods, and this will help your cat or dog to feel full and content. Advice will be given by your Pet Healthcare Adviser. 2. You don’t have to cut out titbits – just remember that the more titbits you give, the less food you should give your pet at meal-times. Giving a treat is rewarding for both animal and owner, and providing the treats are healthy ones (such as a Pedigree rice bone for dogs, or a small piece of reduced fat ham for cats) they can still be a part of your pet’s daily routine. Carrots and apples may also be offered to dogs, but you must be honest with your Pet Healthcare Adviser as to exactly how many treats you like to give – otherwise the diet plan will be unsuccessful. Remember that if your dog eats one chocolate digestive biscuit, it's equivalent to you eating the whole packet! 3. Adapt your pet’s routine long-term. If you have ever been on a crash diet yourself, you will know that as soon as you start eating normally, the weight creeps back on. The key is to make life-style changes and aim for gradual weight loss rather than expect a dramatic improvement in a short space of time. In the wild, it is natural for cats and dogs to hunt at dawn and dusk, and to work for their meals. We can aim to recreate this scenario by feeding two smaller meals (even three if need be) and hide the food around the house and garden in unusual places. Placing the food at the top of a staircase is a great way to get a lazy animal moving! 4. Always weigh the amount of food that you have been instructed to give. Use the special measuring cup provided and don’t leave it to guesswork. Buying a smaller sized feeding bowl may fool your pet into thinking the portion is bigger (it has a psychological benefit to humans, so give it a go!). Feed your weight-watching pet away from other pets, and out of temptation’s way when you are preparing food or eating yourself. 5. Exercise is an important part of any weight loss programme. Our Pet Healthcare Advisor will have discussed an exercise regime with you. Remember to gradually increase the amount of exercise for your dog or cat. Frequent, short walks or game playing sessions are far more beneficial than a single hike or mad dash around the garden. 6. Suggested exercise for dogs: Tug of war – with a Ragger (a rope with knots at both ends available to purchase from the surgery). Swimming – fantastic if you live near a beach, but physiotherapy pools, especially for dogs, are becoming more popular. Fetch the Kong – these are honeycomb-shaped, indestructible toys made by the Company of Animals that provide hours of fun due to their unpredictable, bouncy nature. Floating Kongs are available for games in water, and you can even hide food in them (see 3). 3-4 brisk 20 minute walks per day (but build this up gradually if your dog has previously been a couch potato!). Feed your dog at the top of the stairs (see 3 – and make sure he or she is downstairs first!). Attend a training class – great revision for your dog and a chance for both you and your pet to meet new friends. 7. Suggested exercise for cats: Chasing games, with feathers and dried fish attached to a piece of wool or string. Cat nip extravaganza – this really gets most cats in the mood for a bit of rolling, purring and pussy ecstasy. Catnip spray is available and can be squirted on a scratching post to encourage use. Kitty Kong games – the Kitty Kong is a mad, purple, mouse-shaped object that bounces unpredictably and has the bonus of being hollow. You can either stuff it with the catnip impregnated sheets provided, or fill it with part of your cat’s daily food allowance (see 3). Feed your cat at the top of the stairs (see 3 – and make sure he or she is downstairs first!). Assault courses! Cats that are allowed outdoors, and that are hungry enough can be encouraged to get up to all sorts of unusual activities. Why not devise a small series of objects that your cat is encouraged to jump onto or inside (e.g. tree stumps, cardboard boxes, Ikea paper bags etc.) all for a tiny food reward. Don’t go overboard with the rewards as heavy exercise + food = poorly tummies and less of a main meal later!).https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/001/nonclinical/occupational/w/vet-practice-survivalSat, 22 Nov 2014 11:10:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:7fef8bcc-f435-493e-b459-4a7b43ecc21cArlo GuthrieWelcome to the Practice Survival Guide by Vanessa Bird VN. This offers guidance for the non-clinical aspects of working in practice. Some chapters, such as 'Office Equipment' are aimed at those who are new to life in practice. We hope that some of the tips and advice in later chapters, such as Marketing, will come in handy for the seasoned professional.https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/nonclinical/occupational/Thu, 13 Nov 2014 20:39:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:07827f75-7c88-4e88-b088-72737c0750f4https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/001/nonclinical/occupational/w/vet-practice-survival/67/plump-pets-clubThu, 21 Aug 2014 00:11:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:d32359fd-a379-4c71-bc4a-a90f70b8f85dDiane WoodFortunately, cats and dogs are far too sensible to ruin their health with booze and fags - but allowing your pet to become obese is as bad. The "Plump Pets Pack" is designed to be handed out at the first consultation of a weight reduction programme. Mark your packs clearly "cat" or "dog" since the diet food samples and exercising instructions will differ. You might include any of the following in your packs: There is an abundance of pre-printed literature available from both Hills & Waltham relevant to their respective weight control products. If your practice favours only one diet manufacturer, use only the leaflets relating to this product. If a choice is offered, it is far better to allow the pet to decide upon the brand (after all, they're the one's who are going to have to eat it!) and include feeding guides for both. Measuring cups for the diets will not fit into the wallets, but make sure they are to hand ready to give to the client during the consultation. Free samples of the dry diet foods . These are not available in a pre-packed form, but it is easy to make your own with small grip-seal bags and customised stickers made on Microsoft Word. Free sample of a healthy, low fat treat for dogs such as Pedigree Light & Tasty rice bones. Samples again are not available pre-packed, but try making your own. If Waltham know that you are actively promoting their products, they are usually willing to help out with some freebies (chat up the rep!). Diet cat treats are few and far between, so why not offer a small pack of cat nip or a ping bong ball? (cheap and cheerful, but always appreciated). A graph (available from either Hills or Waltham). There is nothing that a client likes more than being able to see their pet's progress from week to week (but do warn them that pets invariably reach a plateau at some stage on their diet just like their human counterparts). Discount vouchers for the diet food (again, available periodically from Hills & Waltham - ask your rep). A certificate of achievement (this looks great with "before & after" photos attached so get your practice to invest in a Polaroid, or better still, digital camera. Content of this nature is ideal for your website). A personalised diet plan for the individual animal - include an introduction, helpful hints, information about the diet foods and other relevant merchandise (plus photos of the products and costs).https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/nonclinical/occupational/w/vet-practice-survival/98/equipment?CommentId=6dbf0c68-d2e2-4a6b-a766-0a5c63f05183Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:24:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:6dbf0c68-d2e2-4a6b-a766-0a5c63f05183megan cowdreyDo you mean Surgical Spirit, think Meths has other uses!https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/nonclinical/occupational/w/vet-practice-survival/77/party-bags?CommentId=1efe0f77-8a1d-43e4-975c-2f14c24e9018Sat, 25 May 2013 17:36:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:1efe0f77-8a1d-43e4-975c-2f14c24e9018Kayleigh CharmanThis is a brilliant article! I've been doing research for our own puppy parties and there is hardly any information out there! Please tell me how you went about contacting Athena for the dog tags? I can't seem to find a website for them?https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/nonclinical/occupational/w/vet-practice-survival/19/pet-insurance?CommentId=44873b35-a6dd-4971-8612-0c84e4e983c3Tue, 12 Feb 2013 16:09:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:44873b35-a6dd-4971-8612-0c84e4e983c3Helen BeeforthI would love to know more about insurance to answer thos questions for clients - but where do I start without pushing a particular company? Thanks - Helen.https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/nonclinical/occupational/w/vet-practice-survival/93/moving-home?CommentId=b2a5a8af-2c22-4c53-8283-abe2dad89c43Sun, 12 Aug 2012 22:14:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:b2a5a8af-2c22-4c53-8283-abe2dad89c43sarah Hallwe also reccomend feliway and zylkene at least a week before the move and at least 2 weeks once they have mooved.https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/nonclinical/occupational/w/vet-practice-survival/101/final-suggestions?CommentId=84fd5e0a-5e2c-4918-9e54-24af3be86408Mon, 19 Apr 2010 20:19:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:84fd5e0a-5e2c-4918-9e54-24af3be86408Heather BarlowAs a qualified Pet Bereavement Counsellor might I suggest we recommend the Blue Cross/ SCAS telephone support line to our clients. The service is free and open 12 hrs every day. I volunteer as a telephone supporter for this organisation 12 hours per week and the service is very busy and very empathetic as everyone who volunteers for the service has suffered pet bereavement.https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/nonclinical/occupational/w/vet-practice-survival/63/practice-makeover-after?CommentId=f961278b-76d3-478c-83b0-d066ae26bdc2Sat, 30 Jan 2010 23:20:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:f961278b-76d3-478c-83b0-d066ae26bdc2Frecklestill interested in your decision to use carpet - a small thing i know but the nurse in me is calling out INFECTION CONTROL!?