Veterinary practitioners will experience client loss more frequently than any other kind of medical practice. Staff burnout is a major problem in retention of experienced talent. Offering workshops which allow the expression and support of difficult feelings can reduce/eliminate the negative impact of secondary trauma
Integrating Bereavement Services within a Veterinary Practice
Managing the impact of constant animal death on staff and valued clients is an essential component of a veterinary practice. Yet, too often planning is haphazard, inconsistent and leads to staff devoting inordinate amount of time and energy to the aftermath of animal companion loss. Integrating bereavement services supports staff retention, enhanced community relationships, increased client loyalty and overall profitiability of a veterinary practice through considered inclusion of essential services.
Individual Counseling Sessions for Staff Members
Sometimes, when cases are complicated by ethical issues between human clients and best practice considerations of those who care for them, staff members are left with feelings of ineffectiveness, guilt or anger. Who is the client? becomes a challenging question. The aftermath of such impasses can linger beyond the animal's death and impact morale of affected staff members, even causing them to question choice of profession at times.
Rapid intervention can reduce negative impacts and restore commitment to valued professional and ethical goals.
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