Your caseload and work schedule are busier than ever, which has led you to finish medical records and client communications at home. But now it seems like you never get a break from work, and you are having a more difficult time “turning off” your work brain at bedtime. Answer: Research demonstrates that maintaining work-life separation is a form of self-care because it fosters resilience and it allows for time to engage in non-work-related activities, which are important for wellbeing. While...

Recently you have felt more stressed than normal regarding your records and not being able to write them perfectly. You know that you set extremely high standards for yourself and in the past, this has helped you to excel. Nowadays, you find yourself so preoccupied worrying about what your co-workers will think if your records aren’t perfect that you have procrastinated writing them altogether. Now they are piling up and causing you massive anxiety. Answer: Perfectionism is a trait that many...

You miscalculate a patient’s drug dose by overlooking a decimal. The mistake was noted right away and thankfully the drug could be reversed so the animal was not harmed. Answer: Pet owners would rather know when a mistake is made, even when there is no harm done. Full disclosure of what happened ensures that trust is maintained in the veterinarian-client relationship. Try to sustain the belief that honesty and transparency strengthen these relationships. Apologize for the mistake and share...

A veterinarian in your practice has shared that she struggles with depression. You want to ask her how she is doing but you are worried about making her feel uncomfortable. Answer: It is important to regard conversations about mental health like any other conversation about a person’s physical health. If a person discloses that they have a mental illness, it is okay to check in with them regarding their disease. In this situation, asking “how is your mental health these days?” or “how are you...

The emotional side of being a veterinary professional can be quite intense! It’s hard enough having to deal with your own feelings, let alone those of your colleagues or clients. So how can you manage? Perhaps you're looking for ways to overcome negativity or anxiety throughout the workday when dealing with a variety of situations, some more difficult than others. In this Facebook Live session, veterinary wellness advocate Dr. Marie Holowaychuk answers more excellent questions regarding...

Sometimes not feeling like yourself may be a sign that it is time to consult a mental health professional. Or perhaps someone at your clinic has expressed the need for professional support... But where should you start? Also, have you ever wondered if there is a difference between experiencing burnout and depression? In this Facebook Live session, veterinary wellness advocate Dr. Marie Holowaychuk answers three excellent questions regarding wellness. Watch the recorded session now as she...

In these challenging times, it might seem especially difficult to set boundaries and maintain work-life separation. Our fast-paced reality might also make it feel impossible to remain grounded and focused while performing everyday tasks. In this first Facebook Live session, veterinary wellness advocate Dr. Marie Holowaychuk answers two excellent questions regarding wellness. Watch the recorded session now as she shares some amazing tips on how to recognize and manage burnout, as well as how to...

A co-worker of yours has shown changes in her behaviour that are impacting patient and client care. She is avoiding cases in the clinic, seems detached from the team, and is complaining of sleep problems at home. Answer: Compassion fatigue Compassion fatigue can affect any individual working in caregiving professions and is characterized by profound emotional and physical exhaustion that impacts a person in and outside of the workplace. Signs at work can range from dissociation and apathy to...

There seem to be more blog posts, articles, and documentaries on organization, clearing clutter, and tidying up living spaces. And with spring right around the corner, cleaning tends to be on people’s minds. Answer: Several studies back the premise that keeping things clean and orderly fosters physical and mental health. In fact, people with clean houses are healthier and more active than people with messy houses. Additionally, people who make their beds every morning are more likely to...