In this episode of Endless Journeys, the hosts discuss the challenges faced by veterinary professionals, including the lack of support from peers, the impact of social media on their reputations, and the importance of compassion and understanding in the field. They share personal experiences and emphasize the need for mental health support and community within the veterinary profession. In this conversation, Michelle and Jenn discuss the divide between general practice and emergency veterinarians, highlighting the lack of support and understanding between the two fields. They explore the challenges faced by emergency veterinarians, including the backlash they receive from general practitioners and the emotional toll of euthanasia. The importance of mutual respect, support, and understanding in the veterinary profession is emphasized, along with the need for mental health resources and therapy for veterinary professionals. The conversation concludes with a call for unity and respect for the diverse paths within veterinary medicine.

Chapters

00:00 Chill and Spill: Wine and Conversations

10:50 Veterinary Medicine: Social Media and Support

22:22 Judgment in Vet Med: Mistakes and Misunderstandings

33:19 The Impact of Social Media on Veterinary Professionals

34:20 Understanding the Consequences of Public Backlash

36:37 Support and Accountability in Veterinary Medicine

40:18 The Need for Compassion in Criticism

46:13 Navigating Mistakes and Learning from Experience

52:06 The Importance of Professional Support

58:06 Emergency vs. General Practice: A Culture Clash

01:03:48 Respecting Different Veterinary Specialties

01:07:42 Understanding Mistakes in Veterinary Medicine

01:11:29 Navigating Financial Constraints in Veterinary Care

01:14:44 The Importance of Support in Veterinary Community

01:20:39 The Impact of Social Media on Veterinary Professionals

01:25:59 Mental Health and Support Systems in Veterinary Medicine

01:35:32 Respecting Diverse Roles in Veterinary Medicine

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veterinary medicine, social media, support, judgment, wine, mental health, veterinary community, euthanasia, emergency clinics, burnout, veterinary medicine, emergency care, general practice, euthanasia, veterinary support, mental health, veterinary community, respect, professional differences, veterinary technicians

In this conversation, we discuss the importance of effective communication within veterinary teams, the need for tailored workshops to enhance client communication, and the empowerment of veterinary technicians through education. They explore the challenges of travel charges, the significance of trust in professional relationships, and the evolving roles of technicians in providing patient care. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of continuous learning and collaboration to improve veterinary practices and foster a supportive work environment.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Veterinary Insights

42:24 Sharon's Journey in Veterinary Medicine

44:52 Challenges in Veterinary Care and Communication

50:32 Building a Business in Veterinary Training

58:56 Addressing Common Clinic Challenges

01:05:53 Success Stories from Workshops and Training

01:14:41 Trust and Accuracy in Drug Calculations

01:16:06 The Underutilization of Veterinary Technicians

01:18:21 Building Trust and Teamwork in Veterinary Clinics

Links from this episode

Sharon's Website

https://rvtseminars.com

Sharon's Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/rvtseminars

Calendly: https://calendly.com/

Stripe: https://stripe.com/?utm_campaign=AMER_US_en_Google_Search_Brand_Stripe_EXA-20839462206&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_content=720048964694&utm_term=stripe&utm_matchtype=e&utm_adposition=&utm_device=c&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20839462206&gbraid=0AAAAADKNRO7bhxWsDXYF4Zt6Wtb2AbxPM&gclid=CjwKCAjwt-_FBhBzEiwA7QEqyKB1DelA8sEAeH7skj67GUTcTemtjcSL65N1hJ3fo9y0eiymL-KdaBoCAWYQAvD_BwE

Our Links:

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577179454685

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Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-kretz-659b12303/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-crew-lvt-7a9270366/

Join the Unattached Vet Tech Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/655721712955548

veterinary business, communication, veterinary field, support community, business ownership, veterinary training, work environment, veterinary challenges, veterinary technicians, veterinary medicine, veterinary communication, technician empowerment, client relationships, veterinary education, trust in teams, workshop tailoring, travel charges, patient care, veterinary practices, technician roles

In this conversation, we discuss the importance of effective communication within veterinary teams, the need for tailored workshops to enhance client communication, and the empowerment of veterinary technicians through education. They explore the challenges of travel charges, the significance of trust in professional relationships, and the evolving roles of technicians in providing patient care. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of continuous learning and collaboration to improve veterinary practices and foster a supportive work environment.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Veterinary Insights

42:24 Sharon's Journey in Veterinary Medicine

44:52 Challenges in Veterinary Care and Communication

50:32 Building a Business in Veterinary Training

58:56 Addressing Common Clinic Challenges

01:05:53 Success Stories from Workshops and Training

01:14:41 Trust and Accuracy in Drug Calculations

01:16:06 The Underutilization of Veterinary Technicians

01:18:21 Building Trust and Teamwork in Veterinary Clinics

Links from this episode

Sharon's Website

https://rvtseminars.com

Sharon's Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/rvtseminars

Calendly: https://calendly.com/

Stripe: https://stripe.com/?utm_campaign=AMER_US_en_Google_Search_Brand_Stripe_EXA-20839462206&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_content=720048964694&utm_term=stripe&utm_matchtype=e&utm_adposition=&utm_device=c&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20839462206&gbraid=0AAAAADKNRO7bhxWsDXYF4Zt6Wtb2AbxPM&gclid=CjwKCAjwt-_FBhBzEiwA7QEqyKB1DelA8sEAeH7skj67GUTcTemtjcSL65N1hJ3fo9y0eiymL-KdaBoCAWYQAvD_BwE

Our Links:

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577179454685

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Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-kretz-659b12303/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-crew-lvt-7a9270366/

Join the Unattached Vet Tech Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/655721712955548

veterinary business, communication, veterinary field, support community, business ownership, veterinary training, work environment, veterinary challenges, veterinary technicians, veterinary medicine, veterinary communication, technician empowerment, client relationships, veterinary education, trust in teams, workshop tailoring, travel charges, patient care, veterinary practices, technician roles

In this episode of the Vet Tech Odyssey podcast, Jen and Michelle discuss the implications of a recent case involving a woman who impersonated a nurse, treating thousands of patients without a license. They explore the importance of credentialing in veterinary medicine, the differences between licensed and unlicensed technicians, and the need for higher standards in the profession. The conversation also touches on personal experiences, the challenges faced by veterinary professionals, and the importance of celebrating the contributions of licensed veterinary technicians. Ultimately, the hosts advocate for better recognition, respect, and standards within the veterinary field to ensure the best care for patients.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Medical Fraud Discussion

02:51 The Case of the Imposter Nurse

07:56 Comparing Medical and Veterinary Standards

12:56 The Importance of Credentialing

17:16 Personal Experiences and Patient Safety

20:21 The Role of Assistants vs. Technicians

24:10 Ego and Professional Standards

30:00 The Impact of Unlicensed Technicians

35:05 Celebrating Professional Achievements

39:56 Celebrating Veterinary Technicians: A Call for Recognition

46:54 The Journey to Licensure: Sacrifices and Standards

54:39 The Importance of Standards in Veterinary Medicine

01:02:54 The Reality of Burnout in Veterinary Care

01:10:21 Advocating for Change: The Future of Veterinary Medicine

01:18:31 Valuable Insights from the Episode

Links from this episode

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/07/us/florida-nurse-arrest.html - New York Post Article

Our Links:

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veterinary medicine, vet tech, credentialing, nursing standards, veterinary education, animal care, veterinary assistants, medical ethics, veterinary profession, patient safety

Takeaways

Burnout is a common issue in veterinary medicine. Setting boundaries is crucial to prevent burnout. Self-care should be prioritized in the veterinary field. Emotional investment in clients can lead to burnout. Relief work can be both rewarding and challenging. Communication with clients is key to managing expectations. Taking breaks is essential for mental health. Navigating difficult client relationships is part of the job. Establishing a work-life balance is important for well-being. Veterinary professionals need to support each other.

Summary

In this episode, Michelle and Jen discuss the challenges of burnout in veterinary medicine, sharing personal experiences and insights on how to manage emotional investment in clients. They emphasize the importance of setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The conversation also touches on the unique challenges faced by relief workers in the veterinary field and the need for open communication with clients.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Weekly Updates 06:07 Highlights and Lowlights of the Week 12:09 Burnout in Veterinary Medicine 23:50 Setting Boundaries to Prevent Burnout 35:31 Establishing Boundaries to Prevent Burnout 41:29 Recognizing and Addressing Burnout 50:36 Setting Healthy Work Boundaries 57:20 Managing Client Expectations and Communication

veterinary medicine, burnout, self-care, relief work, emotional health, veterinary technicians, client relationships, work-life balance, veterinary podcast, veterinary professionals

https://serenity.vet/blog/new-study-launches-to-investigate-burnout-among-relief-veterinarians/

https://thebirdbath.io/

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-crew-lvt-7a9270366/

Join the Unattached Vet Tech Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/655721712955548

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Jessi Hurd to explore the sensitive and vital topic of end-of-life care and animal hospice. Jessi, an expert in the field, shares her invaluable insights and experiences to help pet owners understand how to compassionately care for their beloved animals during their final stages of life.

What You'll Learn:

• The fundamentals of animal hospice and its importance in providing comfort and dignity to pets.
• Emotional and practical guidance for pet owners facing end-of-life decisions.
• Tips and strategies for supporting both pets and their families through this challenging journey.

Join us for a conversation that promises to be both enlightening and deeply moving, offering guidance and support for anyone navigating this difficult but essential aspect of pet care.

Where to find Jessi to connect:

Website

https://www.compassionatepetcareup.com/

https://uppetmemorials.com/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/cpcoftheup

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/cpcoftheup/

Our Links:

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Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-kretz-659b12303/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-crew-lvt-7a9270366/

Join the Unattached Vet Tech Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/655721712955548

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Jessi Hurd to explore the sensitive and vital topic of end-of-life care and animal hospice. Jessi, an expert in the field, shares her invaluable insights and experiences to help pet owners understand how to compassionately care for their beloved animals during their final stages of life.

What You'll Learn:

• The fundamentals of animal hospice and its importance in providing comfort and dignity to pets.
• Emotional and practical guidance for pet owners facing end-of-life decisions.
• Tips and strategies for supporting both pets and their families through this challenging journey.

Join us for a conversation that promises to be both enlightening and deeply moving, offering guidance and support for anyone navigating this difficult but essential aspect of pet care.

Where to find Jessi to connect:

Website

https://www.compassionatepetcareup.com/

https://uppetmemorials.com/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/cpcoftheup

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/cpcoftheup/

Our Links:

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577179454685

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Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-kretz-659b12303/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-crew-lvt-7a9270366/

Join the Unattached Vet Tech Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/655721712955548

We have another disruption within our industry leading to another hot topic. This week the company The Vets announced their sudden closer without much notice to staff. What does this mean in terms of stability for vet techs in the industry? Is it safe to solely rely on any company or clinic for long-term secure employment? Or should we take this as a warning to always be preparing ourselves to be able to move on to our next project at any given moment? This is a great topic to digest as we discuss blissful compliance verses putting your future first above your current employer.

https://news.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=210&catId=612&Id=12771401

https://www.myvetcandy.com/blog/2025/7/26/mobile-veterinary-service-the-vets-abruptly-ceases-operations-leaving-clients-and-staff-in-limbo

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-crew-lvt-7a9270366/

Join the Unattached Vet Tech Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/655721712955548