I'm so done with all these appointments that go every which direction ....
“I'm so done with all these appointments that go every which direction and they need a million things done in a half hour appointment”.
“I’m so done with difficult clients coming in for the same things over and over and over again but decline everything and then give ME attitude”.
Ever felt like this?
If you feel like this on a daily basis, you’re going to struggle to keep up your good spirits and want to come to work in the morning.
Thinking like this leaves us extremely powerless and with no sense of control over our consults and appointments.
The real problem here is not the clients.
The real problem is that we’ve given them the reins of the consults, and then expect them to know the “right way” to behave in a consult.
You want to have good boundaries, and manage time and consults YOUR way.
And then clients will just have to adapt.
You don't go to the dentist and expect them to fix everything they find in one go.
You go in for a check-up, or for a specific issue, they examine you, and give you a list of what needs to be done. They might do some work in that first appointment, and then you pop out to the receptionist for the next appointment and further work, right?
Because dentists make it clear how they work, and don't bend backwards for clients and let them decide what needs to be done when.
So set your boundaries, let them know it works, and let people have their rant. Let it go in one ear and out of the other, that's THEIR problem.
Fire abusive clients - you don't need them, and they bring 80% of annoyance for 20% of income at the clinic - not worth it.
If WE don't set clear boundaries, it's like not having walls around your house and then complain when people walk through in muddy boots.
A boundary could be: “We have 20 minutes. Tell me what’s your main concern today, and if we have time we’ll address the other things you want to talk about. Otherwise I’ll give you another appointment, or we can keep Fluffy in for a work up. Let me see if we’ve got space today”.
It’s OUR job to set boundaries that work for us, and educate the clients this way.
If you struggle setting boundaries, know it’s a skill you can learn, and if you’d like help with it, then you should absolutely check out my course Happy in Vet Med where I have a whole module on boundaries. And you can choose to have your free session just on that, and nail it once and for all!
In your corner,
Ready to fall back in love with Vet Med?
If you're feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or doubting yourself — I get it. I've been there. Here's how I can help:
- Book a Free 50-Minute Coaching Session — Let's chat about where you are and where you want to be. Book here
- Download the Free Burnout Guide — 10 ways to overcome burnout in the veterinary clinic. Get it here
- Explore the Happy in Vet Med Programme — Beat burnout and imposter syndrome. Learn more
You don't have to do this alone.