Veterinary practice has greater potential for stressful situations than many other workplaces.

MRCVSonline looks for views and stories on stress

Hardly a month goes by without articles appearing in the veterinary press about the stresses involved with working in veterinary practice. There is no doubt that the veterinary workplace has greater potential for stressful situations than many other work environments.

Veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses deal with the emotionally charged issues on a daily basis. Difficult clinical encounters are a source of stress, as are unexpected or unwanted clinical outcomes.

Misaligned expectations between vet and client and the ever-present worry about litigation, poor relationships with colleagues and difficult clients are all potential stress makers. These negative issues tend to colour judgement and prey on the mind, particularly with younger vets.

Vets are "A" type people who expect to succeed. So if their expectations do not match the reality of day to day veterinary work they feel (usually quite wrongly) that they have underachieved.

Stress is not always bad, it can be great motivator. It’s only when the levels are so high that there is a potential problem.

We would like to hear your stories and opinions - everything you say will be in the strictest confidence - we don’t want names. We just want to build up a picture of veterinary life for the new graduate. So if you are a recently qualified vet (up to five years  qualified), we would like to hear from you.

You can contact us by:
email: editor@mrcvs.co.uk
phone: 01359 245310  
post - MRCVSonline, Elmtree Business Park, Elmswell, Suffolk, IP30 9HR