Needing some advice!!!

RE: Needing some advice!!!

tessa — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 10:56:35 GMT

Another way to look at this behaviour and extension of probation = Great!

They have extended your probation so its easier to leave if you find another (better) role elsewhere, decide what it is you want and act on that (I am assuming that once your probation has passed you will have a longer notice period), sounds like somebody at that practice wants to control everything in the environment around them (micro manage), you will wear yourself out both physically and mentally, the writing is on the wall.

RE: Needing some advice!!!

Arlo Guthrie — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 10:03:13 GMT

Hi anon,

For what its worth (which may not be much, because I don't work in practice and never have), I think these sorts of problems are almost always down to bad communication.

And it's not just a question of sitting down at the table, but both sides actually listening to what the other side has to say.

I wouldn't say bad communication is usually anyone's fault, but the onus is surely on the employer to do their best to make sure its as good as it can be.

It's exactly what apache said. You need to sit down with management and discuss with them exactly what they expect.

Equally, you need to explain what you expect from them (make notes before). On that score, I think you need to be quite bold and say matter of factly that you wont be shouted at or undermined in front of colleagues. Don't beat around the bush. Speak plainly so there is no room for misunderstanding.

I don't know your circumstances. It is for sure an employee's market at the moment, so I would have thought it is quite easy to find another job. But you might be limited geographically. And anyway, you might find that if you can get everyone talking and create a more healthy culture, you might be able to mould this job to your own spec.

Good luck. I hope you have a very Happy New Year, and that returning to work after is not too awful (and more to the point, that with clear communication you can create a better vibe, and if not, find a better job).

RE: Needing some advice!!!

VetNurse Anon a/c — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 20:36:38 GMT

Hi Apache

Thanks for your message and yes it is a bit vague.

The changes I was talking about in my message are,

Clinical audits

Cleaning schedules to practice standards

I sorted the meth/ket books out as was a complete mess and now upto date and tally with computer.

Implementation of improved documentation such as hospital sheets, GA sheet as very basic and cant include vital patients parameters on old ones.

I deal with diary and sort cover, appointments etc

Rotas I obviously do.

I arranged for servicing for all equipment when I started such as x-ray which hadn't been serviced since 2017.

I updated the SOPs

I changed to a colour coding system for Cleaning which wasn't in place before.

I implemented cat friendly practice and suggestions such as a separated an area in waiting area for cats and training on friendly handling.

I have organised lunch and learns which never happened before.

The task I didn't complete on time due to staff shortage and emergencies etc was the stock take which I was in the middle of doing the following day when I was shouted at and told I was not allowed leave the building until finished

Oh and I organised when started becoming a training practice and sorted the university visit etc and started taking students as I am a Clinical coach and wanted to help other student nurses in their placements which funnily enough they was fine with as its free labour!

So I feel I have met what I would consider a Head vet nurse would do!

RE: Needing some advice!!!

Jill Challis — Wed, 28 Dec 2022 22:22:27 GMT

Personally, I would not bother sitting down to talk with the management. Colleagues who shout and throw things across the room deserve nothing but contempt. There are obviously reasons why the practice is running on locum nurses and after having been in the profession for 25 years, I can tell you now, those reasons are never good. It is true that a good vet nurse does not necessarily make a good manager as Apache rightly points out but you need to be given time to settle into a role, particularly if you have no prior management experience. It sounds very much like a practice still in the dark ages - a place where you simply won't be allowed to shine.

If you are making changes that are then being reversed behind your back, without any explanation as to why, then it is clear that your senior colleagues have no intention of negotiation, discussion or consultation with you. Without communication between colleagues this practice will never be a good place to work in.

There are lots of RVN jobs around at present though I appreciate that you may need to stay in one area but have you ever considered working for one of the major animal charities.The whole ethos is very different from private practice and nurses are utilised to the max - doing "nurses work". The conditions can be challenging, the work, demanding, but the emphasis for me, was always that the team supported each other through good and bad days. You are there for the animals not for the boss's wallet!

Get out and do it ASAP, especially if you are unhappy and your health is being affected - life is too short, believe me. RVNs have many transferable skills and whilst it is always sad if they leave the profession, it is not nearly as sad as being destroyed mentally and physically by pathetic employers. New Year, new start so tell them where to go, then either look for another vet nurse job or try something else.

Good Luck

RE: Needing some advice!!!

Mason8 — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 18:15:26 GMT

You are a grown adult being screamed at and underpaid. If you can't find a practice that looks out for people then I am sure you will be appreciated elsewhere in any range of vocations. You and your mental health are more important and you need to take care of your needs first ️

RE: Needing some advice!!!

apache — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 23:58:11 GMT

You are very vague in your post so precise advice is difficult to give. I'm happy you messaging me in confidence with more detail if that helps (confidentiality assured).

I think the first thing to do is sit down with 'management' and find out what exactly the limitations of your role are and how the hierarchy works in your practice/business. I am contemplating creating a head nurse role in our practice and I would expect any major decisions or changes being discussed with me first. I would expect a head nurse to run things like allocation of nurse jobs, making sure tasks done, handovers, general standards. You need defined parameters to work to.

The other major issue we have in the profession (vets just as much as nurses) is that we promote people to managerial roles with no specific skills or training in management. Just because your're a great nurse doesn't automatically mean you are a great head nurse. I think, again, you need more specific feedback about what they want from you and where you are letting them down - stop 'assuming'.

Pay may be an issue, but I think you need to be running an efficient team and management are happy - then discuss it. When your probation period is extended is not the time.