For Veterinary Receptionist Week, I thought about doing a simple “Thank you, veterinary receptionists!” post, but as those are already quite plentiful, I decided to make something that could help make things a little easier for all the veterinary receptionists out there juggling multi-line phones, multiple vet’s schedules, clients, paperwork, and payments.
A couple of tweets I’ve seen from #VetTwitter over the past week have helped contribute to this infographic.
Be kind to the vet receptionist infographic
Created in honor of Veterinary Receptionist Week 2022. Associated blog post: Veterinary Receptionist Week infographic: Be kind to your vet’s receptionists.
Be kind to the vet receptionist
As the public-facing part of vet hospitals, receptionists often bear the brunt of pet owner frustrations but rarely receive credit or thanks for the important part they play in our pets’ care.
Without them, vet clinics would come to a standstill and your pet wouldn’t be able to see a vet.
Why you shouldn’t be a jerk to the receptionists:
They make it possible for your pet to see the vet
Receptionists often juggle multiple doctors’ calendars, field multiple calls at once, schedule appointments, take care of all the paperwork, and check pet owners in and out.
They have no control over wait times
Wait times are determined by clients and pets being seen in the back. Receptionists have no control over how long consults and treatments take.
They don’t set the prices
Costs of treatment and meds are determined by the company and bosses. Taking out your frustrations on receptionists is not only inappropriate but futile.
They talk to the vets
Reception staff will warn colleagues about clients who exhibit abusive behavior. So, if you only turn on the charm for the vet, you’re not fooling anybody.
Don’t forget to thank the receptionists at your next visit!
Related downloads
An infographic on the higher rate of suicide and burnout in veterinary technicians (vet techs or nurses in some countries). Accompanying blog post: Infographic: Vet tech suicide risk (5 times the general population) and burnout statistics
An infographic on the important role vet techs (or vet nurses) play in the care of pets at a vet hospital. Accompanying blog post: 8 important jobs done by vet techs in vet hospitals.
