Finding Work-Life Balance as a Mobile Veterinarian

“Struggling to balance work and life as a mobile veterinarian? You’re not alone. Our demanding, unpredictable days often leave us overcommitted and burnt out. Discover practical tips to prioritize, delegate, and say “no,” fostering a healthier work-life harmony while providing exceptional care.”

Finding work-life balance as a mobile veterinarian can feel nearly impossible.

Despite the loving patients, supportive community, and medical mysteries that keep us returning for more – we often find ourselves overexerted and burnt out.

We’re no strangers to long, demanding, unpredictable workdays and patient needs.

We’re also no strangers to neglecting or compromising pieces of our personal lives for the job.

Chronically overcommitting is our forte. And a patient in need is our kryptonite.

As veterinary professionals, we’re naturally type-A, empathetic folks who aspire to make life a little better for our patients and their owners/parents.

Although we don’t like to admit it, the imbalance between work and home life is something we’ve normalized but not something we must continue to settle for.

So, how do you break the cycle?

Let’s not pretend it’s easy to do – it’s certainly not. But it is doable.

It helps to start small. We don’t have to eat the whole watermelon at once.

Making drastic changes can inadvertently have the opposite effect, causing added stress and overwhelm.

One of the most impactful and, inadvertently, most challenging things we can do is to say “no.”

Raise your hand if you struggle using this word …

If that’s you, you’re not alone

You may have heard the phrase “No is a full sentence”. It’s time we start using it as one.

Regrettably, veterinary professionals want to help in any way we can.

We hate to disappoint or feel like we’ve let someone down.

By saying “yes” to one thing, you may not realize that you’re saying “no” to another in that same breath.

For example, by saying “yes” to that last-minute, non-emergent appointment, you’re saying “no” to eating dinner with your family.

Saying “no” starts to become a little easier when you have a good grasp on your priorities and can delegate appropriate tasks to others.

If you could use a little boost in these areas, Try starting here:

• Prioritizing: Give this a try - find 15 minutes to sit down and intentionally think about your routine priorities.

• Start by taking a sheet of paper and drawing a line down the center.

• Label the left side “Professional” and the right side “Personal.”

• Take 5 minutes to brainstorm your professional priorities (patient appointments, inventory, etc.).

• Use the next 5 minutes to repeat the same exercise for the personal side.

• Take a look at your list. With a highlighter, highlight the ones that bring you joy.

• If by the end of this exercise, you're alarmed by the lack of joy you experience daily. It’s a good sign that it’s time to make some tweaks.

Delegate: Ask yourself: what tasks can I have someone else take over? These can be work-related tasks or personal ones. Do you have a team member looking for opportunities that you can empower to take on something new? Believe it or not, most of us find it easy to overfill our plates but struggle to take something off.

Let’s look at some ways to disconnect after a long day.

Use the alarm on your phone

You can wrap up your day by using the alarm feature on your phone.

Set an alarm for 30 minutes before you’re scheduled to finish and another for 30 minutes after.

When the first alarm goes off, start planning your exit.

If you’ve not started making your way home by the time the second alarm goes off… it’s time to go.

There will undoubtedly be days when you cannot abide by this rule, but for most days, try to make this a new personal rule (apply the 80/20 rule if you can)!

On the car ride home…

Whether just around the block or an hour-long trek back, it can be the perfect space to start disconnecting.

Consider this…

Listen to a podcast: find a podcast that helps you to switch your brain off from work mode. Do you love a good mystery, some comedy, or personal development? You can get a recommendation from a friend or search for topics you're interested in.

A quick hello: Use this time to connect with friends and loved ones. It doesn’t have to be lengthy, but you’d be surprised what a friendly voice can do to boost your spirits. Try to avoid work-related topics.

In your free time, if you haven’t joined one of the many online communities of veterinarians through social media sites, consider joining. (This can also be a small but helpful way to break up your day between appointments.)

Sometimes, just having a brief conversation (or even reading conversations) with those who wear similar shoes can be validating and relieving.

Remember…Your community needs you. 

Not only for the world-class veterinary care you provide but also for all the value you bring to the world outside of working hours.

Our selfless ambition to improve the lives of pets and their parents is often an unintentional bend toward perfectionism, which can negatively affect our mentality.

If you, or someone you know in the veterinary community, are struggling with ongoing overwhelm, burnout, anxiety, or depression, rest assured you have a shoulder to lean on. Here are just a few of the many resources committed to our well-being:

· NOMV (Not One More Vet): https://www.nomv.org/

· Vets4Vets: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/vets4vets/

· BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com/

If you’re looking for more suggestions for finding or maintaining a healthy work-life balance, check this article: Well-Being and Work-Life Balance for Veterinary Professionals. 

3 ways to Improve Culture and Reduce Compassion Fatigue in Your Practice

““Veterinary professionals face compassion fatigue, burnout, and poor culture. This blog offers practical tips for boosting team morale and well-being, reducing turnover, and enhancing your practice’s reputation. Learn how to start with good news, connect work to purpose, and gauge team happiness effectively.””

It’s undeniable that compassion fatigue and burnout are two of the highest-ranking issues working in the veterinary field.

Poor culture doesn’t fall far behind.

We’re constantly faced with the emotional toll of caring for sick and injured patients and distressed or grieving pet parents.

While it is essential to have empathy and compassion for the patients we care for, it’s equally important to take care of ourselves and support our teams.

Improving practice culture and team wellbeing is not easy and certainly doesn’t happen overnight.

Taking a step back to recognize the need for positive change in your hospital can help to:

• Decrease staff turnover & increase satisfaction

• Enhance your practice’s reputation

• Improve staff wellbeing & encourage work/life balance

There are lots of resources floating around about “how to improve team morale” and “what to do to prevent burnout.”

Many share advice like “set boundaries,” “focus on team wellbeing,” and “practice self-care.”

All of this is valid advice, but there’s a gap between what we’re being told and how to apply it.

So, let’s start to get a little more specific…

Here are three ways to improve culture and reduce compassion fatigue in your practice – AND – ways you can apply them.

1. Start with Good News!

Team culture significantly contributes to how you view and experience your work.

You can start to sway a more positive team culture by baking good news into the day.

Practices that start their day/shift with good news experience:

• Higher rates of engagement

• A better sense of team building, connection & community

• Increased emotional resilience

What type of good news are we talking about…

Choose your adventure here!

Good news could be related to work or professional development. (I placed my first urinary catheter yesterday!)

It could be something personal. (My partner and I just closed on our new house!)

It could be something that happened over the weekend or something they’re looking forward to. (I just booked a cruise for the end of the year!)

Or, good news can be sharing something new you’ve learned. (Yesterday, I realized that a group of geese is called a “gaggle”! Who knew?!)

What might sharing good news look like?

Good news can be sprinkled throughout your day wherever it makes the most sense to your practice. It doesn’t have to be lengthy or detailed—short and sweet will do the trick!

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Rounds: If your hospital does rounds at the start of each shift, ask each person to start by sharing good news before diving into patient updates.

• Team huddles: if your practice starts each day off with a team huddle, start the meeting by sharing good news! (Have a large staff? Consider asking for three volunteers each day to share to keep it brief)

• Whiteboard: don’t have daily gatherings with your team? Consider setting up a whiteboard in a common area (the break room, treatment area, etc.) and ask the team to write their good news at the start of their shift.

The Washington Post stated that 7/10 Americans suffer from negative news fatigue in their article “The Good News Effect. “

The article concerns what we often consume through news and social media.

While we can’t control what our team consumes through their many downloaded platforms, we can be intentional about bringing good news into their day.

Encouraging the brain to think about something positive, even during times that feel draining or overwhelming, can have a long-term effect on wellbeing.

2. Link work + Purpose

It’s a sad, common misconception that you need to be saving the world to feel like what you do is meaningful.

All too often, we hear phrases like “I’m just a receptionist,” “I’m just a Vet Tech,” or “I just work in general practice.”

We either lack pride or feel judged by our roles as if we have little value.

As veterinary leaders, we can help our teams (and often ourselves) flip the script.

Every role in the hospital holds value, and every person is important. It’s our job to empower our teams to take pride in their purpose.

How can we do that?

You can be creative with this one! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Create a “why” or “purpose” statement: reserve a little time at your next team meeting to give the team 5-10 minutes of silence to think of and jot down why they come to work every day. What’s fulfilling to them? What inspires them? What impact do they feel they make to the hospital or veterinary community?

• Create Vision Boards: this could be fun for a team meeting or outing activity and can be done the old-fashioned way (paper, magazines, scrapbooking material) or digitally, using a free digital creative space or even a Pinterest board. Have the team build their “vision” behind why they love their jobs and how they hope to see it grow.

Tip: These activities can be done individually and as a team.

For example, you may have each team member create individual vision boards and then create a team vision board as a group. A personal vision board might include their goal to learn how to perform an ultrasound and some photos of their pets since they’re their inspiration.

The team vision board might include photos of favorite patients, getting that new intensive care unit for the treatment area, and getting AHAA Certified.

3. Scraps in the bucket

Do you have a pulse on your team’s culture and overall happiness at work?

It can be challenging to gauge, especially in hospitals with a large staff or multiple departments.

Can’t I send out a survey?

Sure, surveys are undoubtedly helpful.

But what if you could get a pulse on how many good days the team experiences vs the not-so-great ones in a fun and interactive way?

Here’s an idea you can try:

Most hospitals have abundant scrap paper (even in the era of trying to go “paperless”). Why not put it to use, even after it’s been used?

• Put two buckets in a common area (near the lockers, breakroom, or the hospital’s exit in the back).

• Label bucket 1: I had a good day!

• Label bucket 2: Tomorrow will be better (or “I’ve not had a great day”, or simply “bad day”).

• Have the team crumple a piece of scrap paper and toss it into one of the buckets before they leave.

This can be a fun way to determine whether your team has more good days than bad or vice versa overall.

Don’t have a lot of scrap paper laying around?

First of all, bravo! Feel free to use an alternative. Some practices have used things like ping pong balls.

One practice got creative, buying two rubber dart boards and extra darts (the ones that won’t destroy the walls, of course) and placing them in the breakroom.

One was labeled “I had a great day” and the other “I had a bad day”.

All these activities can help foster a positive work environment, nurture team building, and bring a little fun into the mix.

Reducing compassion fatigue and improving culture isn’t a “one size fits all” solution; it requires an intentional approach and a gentle reminder that we’re all in this together. 

A Veterinarian Mental Health Companion Guide

““As a veterinary community, we prioritize patient care, but the job’s demands strain mental health. Recognize and address issues like compassion fatigue. Find support through NOMV, AVMA, and AAHA to ensure well-being. Remember, asking for help and prioritizing your health is okay.””

Caring for Pets, Coping with Stress: The Mental Health Challenges of Veterinary Professionals

As a veterinary community, we dedicate our lives to caring for our patients and prioritizing their well-being.

We have a deep passion for helping our patients and their parents, but often, the demands of the job can take a toll on our mental health.

From handling complex cases to managing the emotional burden of poor diagnosis and euthanasia, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and burnt out.

Not to mention the stress of owning, managing, and maintaining a successful practice.

The veterinary profession, where so many rely on your care, makes it even more crucial for veterinarians to have their own support system.

It's a tragic reality that suicide is a serious concern within the field, with 1 in 6 experienced suicidal ideation since leaving veterinary school.

It feels cliché to sy, “It's important to prioritize your mental health,” but just as you prioritize the health of your patients, your well-being is paramount to a fulfilling work life.

Compassion fatigue is a genuine issue that so many of our peers face…

…And unfortunately, it’s grown a sense of normalcy within our community.

Working in a high-stakes field like veterinary medicine can feel like it comes at a price, but recognizing signs and symptoms early within ourselves and our teams can help keep that cost low.

One of the most essential things leadership teams can do is acknowledge the existence of mental health and wellbeing issues in the profession and provide support and a sense of teamwork and community for their teams.

A shift happens when compassion fatigue and burnout start to kick in.

You may experience symptoms like:

• Decreased energy

• Overwhelming feelings of burnout/disengagement

• Generalized anxiety or depression

• Difficulty concentrating and sleeping

• Rumination about recent cases with unfavorable outcomes

• Thoughts of harming yourself to escape problems

These same symptoms are ones to watch out for in our peers, too. They can easily brush aside and chalk up to having a “bad week, month, or year.”

This is why it’s so important to recognize the warning signs and have some strategies in your back pocket to help curb the mental burden these symptoms cause.

To start, you may have to ask yourself or your peers some challenging questions.

• What might be the root of these symptoms?

• What’s within my control to change? What’s outside of my control?

• Am I putting more pressure/stress on myself than is necessary?

As you start to answer some of these questions, here are a few things that may help that are within the realm of your control:

• Avoid perfectionism– always seeking perfect solutions exacerbates stress and anxiety.

• Avoid comparing yourself to others– it’s said that comparison is the thief of joy. Comparison leads to envy and a lack of self-esteem. Focus on recognizing and continuing to strengthen your talents and skills.

• Set boundaries– Serving your clients is essential, but there’s a fine line between being helpful and allowing work to overstep into your personal life. Achieving a healthy work-life balance will promote your desire for longevity to continue the work that brings you joy.

• Prioritize yourself– Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether exercising, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in a hobby. Stop making excuses. Taking breaks and setting boundaries with work can help prevent burnout and replenish your mental and emotional reserves.

• Find connections: whether it's talking to fellow colleagues, seeking therapy, or joining a support group, having a safe space to share your feelings and experiences can make a world of difference.

In addition to seeking support and practicing self-care, there are resources available specifically for veterinarians dealing with mental health challenges.

Organizations like Not One More Vet,  the American Veterinary Medical Association, and AHAA offer resources, support, and access to mental health professionals who understand veterinarians' unique challenges.

NOMV emphasizes raising mental health awareness in the veterinary profession and research to reduce suicide rates of veterinary professionals. Through an online network, NOMV provides support and healing efforts to show you that you are not alone.

As part of their work, NOMV  also works with veterinarians to build a support network of therapists and other mental health resources.

Similarly, American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) provides well-being tools and resources such as:

•  Wellbeing Assessment for Veterinarians

• A self-care planning guide

• Steps to create a healthy working environment

• AVMA Journals Collection on Wellbeing

Promoting a healthy work culture of support and care increases productivity and feelings of self-worth. AVMA also informs veterinarians about how to receive help and encourages the use of preventative measures regarding mental and physical health.

You can also find a wealth of helpful well-being articles on the AAHA website geared toward mental health and well-being for the veterinary community (check out the AAHA Guide to Veterinary Practice Team Wellbeing).

Remember, it's okay not to be okay, and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

So, take a moment today to check in with yourself and your team and prioritize mental health.

We all deserve to feel supported, cared for, and valued.

Take this as a gentle reminder that you’re not alone in this journey, and resources and coping strategies are available to help you navigate the challenges of the job with compassion and resilience.

Overcoming compassion fatigue for Veterinarians

““Veterinarians often face compassion fatigue, stemming from the emotional toll of their work. Recognizing signs like burnout and emotional exhaustion is crucial. By setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care, vets can manage this fatigue. Learn practical strategies for maintaining your well-being and delivering exceptional care in our latest blog.””

Compassion fatigue is a genuine and often overlooked issue many veterinarians face in our work.

The demanding nature of the job, the emotional toll of caring for sick and injured patients, and the pressure to provide the best possible care can all contribute to feelings of overwhelm and exhaustion.

Thankfully, there are strategies that veterinarians can use to overcome compassion fatigue and continue to provide the high level of care that their patients deserve.

 First and foremost, it’s essential to recognize the signs of compassion fatigue (also known as empathetic distress) in ourselves and those we work closely with. These signs may include:

• Feelings of burnout

• Emotional exhaustion

• Cynicism

• Decreased sense of personal accomplishment

Once we recognize these signs, we can take steps to address and manage the things we’re most struggling with.

Setting clear boundaries is an act of self-compassion and respect.

Setting Boundaries is one of the best (often most challenging) strategies for overcoming compassion fatigue.

Learning to say no when feeling overwhelmed, giving yourself permission to take breaks, and prioritizing self-care are often frowned upon in our field.  

Veterinary teams are filled with caring, empathetic individuals who are notorious for overcommitting and overburdening themselves, making it difficult to set boundaries with colleagues and pet parents.

Setting some self-boundaries is a great place to start! Ask yourself:

• What limitations can I set around being contacted during personal time?

•  What can I delegate to a colleague or team member to reduce feeling overwhelmed?

•  How can I empower my team to handle challenging situations so I’m pulled in less frequently?

• What can I do to prioritize myself and the things that bring me joy?

Having even so much as a general answer to some of these questions can help you start to set some boundaries to reduce feeling overstressed.

How can you set boundaries with pet parents?

Setting a boundary with your clients can feel uncomfortable at first. To get started, you’ll need to identify the types of behavior you’ll tolerate and those you won’t.

For example, you might be willing to tolerate a pet parent sharing their frustration over an extended wait in the lobby.

Still, you’re unwilling to tolerate yelling, foul language, or verbal abuse toward you or your staff.

Next, you’ll need to kindly yet firmly communicate the boundary you’ve set. This part can feel a little uncomfortable if it’s not part of your daily practice.

For example, “Thank you for sharing your feedback, Mr. Smith. While I understand your frustration, my team and I will not tolerate abrasive behavior. I’d like to ask that you reduce your tone, or I’ll have to move on to my next appointment.”

Setting boundaries with your clients demonstrates compassion for your team, encourages respect from pet parents, and protects your mental health.

Tip: This can be a great team-building activity at a staff meeting.

• By allowing the team to collectively establish acceptable and unacceptable behavior (both internally and from clients), you empower each of them to have a voice. You can equip them with strategies to use when facing a difficult situation.

• Consider adding boundary-setting and reinforcement strategies to your next team huddle so your team feels prepared to enforce the boundaries you’ve agreed upon.

• Self-care is a close second for the best strategies to overcome compassion fatigue.

 Self-care means taking the time to prioritize your own physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Making daily choices to engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation, like:

• Exercise (going to the gym, rollerblading, dance, martial arts…)

• Hobbies (reading, coaching, golfing, DIY projects)

• Spending time with loved ones

All too often, we feel dedicating time to ourselves feels selfish, or “we’ll get to it tomorrow,” but over time, it harms our interactions with our staff, patients, and clients.

Studies have shown that regular self-care enhances Veterinarians' ability to continue caring for patients compassionately, safely, and more accurately (decreasing mistakes and enabling critical thinking).

Remember, it is not selfish to prioritize your well-being…

…it’s necessary to continue to show up as the best version of yourself for your patients and clients. If we don’t take a moment to recharge ourselves, we won’t have enough juice left to help those who need us most.

Want to learn more? Check these out:

· Stress Management and Resources for Veterinary Professionals

· Wellbeing and Work-Life Balance for Veterinary Professionals   

Wellbeing Resources Geared Toward the Veterinary Community

·       The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) hosts a number of CE-accredited trainings and webinars  and offers a free wellbeing assessment along with some helpful self-care tools   

·       Not One More Vet (NOMV) is an organization that works tirelessly to support the well-being of the veterinary community

·       Suicide and Crisis prevention Hotline offers free, confidential support for those in distress

Don’t allow yourself or your team to suffer alone. Don’t wait. Reach out. Speak up.  

Burnout vs. Compassion Fatigue in Veterinary Medicine

““Discover the differences between burnout and compassion fatigue in veterinary medicine. Understand how prolonged stress and emotional tolls from treating sick animals can impact well-being. Learn effective self-care strategies and leadership roles in maintaining a healthy work environment.””

Working in the field of veterinary medicine is incredibly rewarding.

We provide comfort and treatment to patients with illness, disease, and injury.

We’re privileged to nurse sick patients back to health and experience the joy of being reunited with their families.

…But our line of work also has its fair share of challenges.

One of the biggest obstacles that veterinary professionals face is the risk of burnout and compassion fatigue.

Both can significantly impact the mental and emotional well-being of those working in the industry, but it is important to understand the differences between them.

Let’s start with burnout.

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress.

In the veterinary space, feelings of burnout can occur when we are constantly faced with demanding workloads, long hours, and emotional distress from dealing with sick or injured animals. It’s chronic and happens gradually over time.

Burnout can lead to feelings of:

• Frustration

• Exhaustion

• Cynicism

• A sense of detachment/alienation from the job

Burnout can also manifest as physical symptoms…

You might see or experience symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, insomnia, and a lack of self-care.

 On the other hand…

…compassion fatigue is a specific type of burnout

Compassion fatigue (also known as empathy fatigue) occurs when individuals are regularly exposed to the suffering/trauma of others.

In our field, compassion fatigue can develop as a result of repeatedly witnessing the pain and suffering of patients, as well as the emotional toll of dealing with grieving pet parents.

Compounded stress results from an ongoing wish to relieve suffering from patients and pet parents (often followed by feelings of failure), which can lead to feelings of hopelessness, guilt, and a decreased ability to empathize with others.

The very nature of our work exposes us to the (often) sad reality of patient decline and owner distress or loss.

 Burnout and compassion fatigue are serious issues that can profoundly impact the well-being of veterinary professionals.

Veterinary teams must recognize the signs and symptoms of these conditions and take steps to prevent and address them.

 One way to combat burnout and compassion fatigue is through self-care practices.

Self-care means preserving time for personal well-being, such as:

• Regular exercise

• Healthy eating

• Adequate rest

• Actively participating in hobbies outside of work

• Spending time with friends and family

If you’re struggling with burnout and/or compassion fatigue, seek support from colleagues, friends, and mental health professionals immediately.

Building a solid support network can help us cope with the challenges of the job and prevent feelings of isolation and overwhelm.

Additionally, veterinary organizations and leadership teams play a crucial role in addressing burnout and compassion fatigue by offering resources such as:

• Counseling services

• Stress management workshops

• Flexible work schedules

As leaders, we need to prioritize our own well-being to help maintain a supportive and healthy work environment for our teams and empower them to continue providing the best care for our patients.

By recognizing the signs of burnout and compassion fatigue and taking proactive steps to address these issues, we enable our teams to continue making a positive impact in the lives of our patients and pet parents.

Learn more here - 3 Signs Of Compassion Fatigue In Veterinary Medicine

Wellbeing Resources Geared Toward the Veterinary Community

·       The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) hosts a number of CE-accredited trainings and webinars  and offers a free wellbeing assessment along with some helpful self-care tools   

·       Not One More Vet (NOMV) is an organization that works tirelessly to support the well-being of the veterinary community

·       Suicide and Crisis prevention Hotline offers free, confidential support for those in distress

Don’t allow yourself or your team to suffer alone. Don’t wait. Reach out. Speak up.  

3 Signs of Compassion Fatigue in Veterinary Medicine

““Discover three signs of compassion fatigue in veterinary medicine. Learn to recognize physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms like exhaustion, anxiety, and withdrawal. Awareness and early intervention are critical. Explore resources from AVMA and NOMV to support well-being.””

As Veterinary caregivers, we’re deeply motivated to serve our patients and deliver the best possible care. 

We’re no strangers to the phrase “we don’t deserve pets.” Their unwavering love and loyalty are gifts we’re so fortunate to experience.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) defines the human-animal bond as “a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and the animals that are influenced by behaviors that are essential to the health and well-being of both.”

This bond brings joy, warmth, and laughter to the workday, and being surrounded by like-minded, compassionate coworkers makes the work environment that much brighter.

But, with the stress of being understaffed, working long hours, and repeated exposure to trauma and grief…

…it’s easy for a bright environment to feel dark.

All too often, veterinary teams struggle with feeling overworked.

Pair that with bearing witness to abuse, neglect, and euthanasia… It’s easy to see why compassion fatigue is so common among our peers.

Compassion Fatigue is a result of extreme exhaustion unique to compassionate caregivers regularly exposed to loss or trauma.

There’s a growing awareness that caregivers of all kinds should make sure they make time to care for themselves.

Why?

It’s the same reason you’re told on a flight to put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others.

At the risk of sounding cliche, the phrase “you can’t pour from an empty cup” couldn’t be more accurate.

Like our feline patients, veterinary teams often hide signs of being overwhelmed. They often appear stoic, professional, and productive, which can make recognizing signs of compassion fatigue difficult.

The more we know about compassion fatigue, the better we can identify the symptoms…

…and step in to support our peers when they need us most.

Let’s take a moment to unpack three common signs of compassion fatigue to be on the lookout for: 

#1:  Physical signs

Compassion fatigue might physically present itself.

Let’s take Dr. Isaacs, for example.

Since her associate is on maternity leave, she’s trying to maintain 3x of her normal caseload, and this week, there’s been an unusual amount of euthanasia on the schedule.

You notice she’s been wearing the same scrubs for the past three days and hasn’t taken her usual lunch or snack breaks.

You overhear a client comment on her tired appearance during their pet’s physical exam. Dr. Isaacs casually shares that she’s not been sleeping well and has had intermittent headaches.

Little red flags are going up. She’s showing common physical signs that she’s experiencing compassion fatigue including:

• Exhaustion & headaches

• Changes in sleep patterns or appetite

• Lack of self-care

• Stomachaches & digestive changes

#2: Emotional signs

It’s not uncommon for compassion fatigue to appear more emotionally.

Take Ashley, for example.

Ashley has been a Veterinary ER nurse for 6 years and is well experienced. She has a great reputation for acting quickly, calmly, and rationally during patient crises.

Lately, you’ve noticed she’s been hypervigilant about her patients and hasn’t been as social with the team. When patient outcomes aren’t successful, she becomes easily overwhelmed, emotional, and negative.

Sudden mood swings or overreacting aren’t uncommon symptoms.

You might also witness:

• Increased anxiety or sadness

• Feelings of guilt or helplessness

• Difficulty concentrating

• Hypersensitivity or insensitivity to emotional experiences

#3 Behavioral changes

For this one, let’s talk about Daniel.

Daniel has only been a receptionist for a few months but has learned the ropes quickly.

Due to a recent heat wave, the hospital has seen an influx of patients suffering from heat-related complications, many of whom have had unfortunate and unexpected goodbyes.

Although Daniel has been very friendly and easy to work with up to this point, you notice his patience threshold decreasing. He often disappears to the breakroom for extended periods and has been very quiet during his shifts.

Since his time in practice has been so limited, it might surprise you to learn that he’s struggling with compassion fatigue.

He’s demonstrating common signs like:

• Isolation or withdrawal

• Irritability

• Lower tolerance to frustration

Compassion fatigue doesn’t have boundaries

It doesn’t discriminate against your time or experience in practice or the role you serve at the hospital.

If you’re experiencing some of the symptoms listed above, know you’re not alone. Do your best to be open and transparent with your team about your feelings and what you might need to recover.

As a leadership team, we want to foster a culture that supports the mental and emotional well-being of our employees.

At the very least, we want to ensure that our team is aware of and has access to resources that could significantly impact their well-being.

Wellbeing Resources Geared Toward the Veterinary Community

·       The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) hosts a number of CE-accredited trainings and webinars  and offers a free wellbeing assessment along with some helpful self-care tools   

·       Not One More Vet (NOMV) is an organization that works tirelessly to support the well-being of the veterinary community

·       Suicide and Crisis prevention Hotline offers free, confidential support for those in distress

Don’t allow yourself or your team to suffer alone. Don’t wait. Reach out. Speak up.