The influence veterinary practice management teams have on the welfare of veterinary nurses within the work environment

Abstract

There are many factors within a veterinary environment which can lead to poor welfare for veterinary nurses; this can lead to a number of negative consequences.

This investigation proposed a study to establish whether a relationship existed between how approachable, in terms of discussing mental and physical well-being, practice management teams are, and whether veterinary nurses would consider leaving the veterinary practice due to perceived poor welfare within the veterinary practice.

An online survey was to distributed veterinary nurses employed by Independent VetCare Ltd (n = 83) and results were analysed using chi-squared analysis on Microsoft Excel 2013®.

It was established that no significant relationship could be demonstrated between managerial approachability and perceived poor welfare being a considerate factor for leaving the veterinary profession.

Keywords:

• management
• occupational stress
• well-being

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Independent Vet Care Ltd. for their support with this investigation. Particular commendation must be awarded to Jen Clarke RVN, Nursing Development Manager, who was responsible for distributing the survey and supporting the development of this investigation.

The author would also like to acknowledge Stephen Mansbridge of Harper Adams University, and thank him for his contributions as project supervisor. Additional thanks to Dr Louise Buckleyfor her encouragement during this project.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Gemma Hunt

Gemma Hunt, BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing and Practice Management

Gemma graduated from Harper Adams University in 2014 with a BSc (Hons) degree in Veterinary Nursing and Practice Management. She has worked in a number of practices around the West Midlands, either as a locum or permanent staff member. After taking a year to work as a Teaching Assistant at Harper Adams University in 2016, she has returned to practice full time, while maintaining to research work-related stress within the veterinary nursing industry. Outside of work, Gemma is the proud owner of an accident prone saluki-cross dog and mischievous ginger kitten.