Category Archives: Human Resources
Effective Team Training Embraces Differences
Many veterinary practices, like most small businesses, do not have a human resources (HR) department, and veterinarians and managers often overlook training while focusing on hiring issues that appear more pressing. An effective training program is an essential component of a successful practice and can help make the most of the existing team when executed […]
Read More5 Ways To Work Smarter; How To Conduct A Time Study
Pam gives helpful tips on how to manage inventory, update patient records, avoid missed charges, and streamline discharge appointments in 5 Ways To Work Smarter on DVM360. Along with working smart, working efficiently is important too. In How To Conduct A Time Study, Pam shares 5 ideas that will help you analyze your practice’s outpatient […]
Read MoreMinimizing Team Conflict
This article from Veterinary Team Brief looks at what causes conflict, along with how to prevent conflict and keep it to a minimum. It also provides six steps you can take towards conflict prevention. To view the article in full, you can either read it on Veterinary Team Brief* or download the PDF version. […]
Read MoreMake A Punctuality Pact With Team Members
My employees are always late to work. How can I stop this? Everyone is occasionally late for one reason or another, but there’s only one cause when it comes to chronic tardiness, says Pam Stevenson, CVPM, owner of Veterinary Results Management in Durham, N.C. “It’s a choice,” she says. And one that doesn’t honor employees’ […]
Read MoreThe Challenge Of Providing Multigenerational Benefits In Veterinary Practices
My newest article for Patterson Veterinary Insight* is now online! If you’re reading this via a mobile device, click here to read the piece. If you’re reading this via a desktop or laptop, either click on the photo above or click here to read it (pages 13-14). *Pamela Stevenson, The Challenge of Providing Multigenerational Benefits […]
Read MoreVeterinary Practice Managers
What Are the Different Types of Managers? Confusion surrounds this question. What is the difference between an office manager, a practice manager and a hospital administrator? The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association guidelines for the general duties of each position are listed below. These basic duties are an excellent tool to develop a program that fits […]
So You Need A New Health Care Team Member
How many times do we knowingly or unwittingly hire the wrong person for our team? Why does this happen? How can we avoid making the same mistake over and over again? One key to a successful hire is to have a clear definition of what your hospital expects from its health care team. Each team member […]
Read MoreStop Judging Clients
Some clients are difficult, but labeling them as such and guessing who will comply doesn’t help anyone, especially pets. Take a gavel to judgmental thinking and you’ll soon be letting clients—even the “bad” ones—off for good behavior. He approaches the front desk with a groan. Slowly bending down to pick up his toy poodle, the […]
The Money’s Where The Mouth Is
Q Should I receive compensation or bonuses for the dental procedures I’m specially trained to perform? “Compensation is typically based on a combination of training, performance, and credentials,” says Pamela Stevenson, CVPM, a consultant with Veterinary Results Management in Durham, N.C. So it’s reasonable for a team member who holds a specialty in dentistry and […]
I’m Sick Of Overtime!
Q. No one follows our time schedules—I regularly work at least 30 minutes after my shift was supposed to end. Is this fair? “Rather than asking, ‘Is this fair?’ I recommend tracking the reason your shift isn’t ending on time for 30 days,” says Pamela Stevenson, CVPM, a practice management consultant who owns Veterinary Results […]
Read MoreFeeling Underappreciated
Q. The doctor doesn’t recognize or appreciate me. How can I let her know everything I do? “You need to show the doctor results,” says Pamela Stevenson, CVPM, a practice management consultant who owns Veterinary Results Management Inc. in Durham, N.C. “For example, perhaps you reorganized the pharmacy to make it easier to locate inventory. […]
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Should I Fire My Veterinary Team Bullies?
When teams work well, things seem to go brilliantly. But what about when they don’t? In Should I Fire My Veterinary Team Bullies on DVM360.com, Pam answers a reader question on how to deal with team bullies.