Veterinary Voices – Details, episodes & analysis

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Episode 211 of Veterinary Voices, hosted by Julie South, features an in-depth conversation with Catherine Neazor Brady, a seasoned New Zealand licensed immigration consultant. 

Catherine and Julie look at the latest changes in New Zealand's immigration policies and their significant impact on the veterinary industry.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Immigration Processing Improvements:
   • Immigration New Zealand has reorganised into operational centres, leading to faster processing times.
   • Priority processing for skill level one jobs and Green List roles, including veterinarians.
   • Job checks for priority categories now processed within weeks instead of months.
2. Accredited Employer Work Visa Review:
   • Ongoing review of the scheme with potential changes to wage requirements.
   • Possible shift from median wage requirement to minimum wage plus a factor or market rate.
   • Implications for veterinary nurse recruitment and retention.
3. Partner Visa Changes:
   • From 2 December 2024, Partnership Work Visas will become fully open with no conditions or pay requirements.
   • This change makes it easier for partners of veterinary professionals to find work in New Zealand.
4. Visa Application Fees and Processing:
   • Discussion on the recent fee increase and its impact on application numbers.
   • Insights into application approval rates and common issues causing delays.
5. Single Parent Visa Applicants:
   • Special wage threshold requirements for visa applicants with dependent children.
   • Minimum annual earnings of $43,322.70 required to support dependents on a visa.

This episode provides crucial information for veterinary practices considering hiring overseas qualified professionals looking to work in New Zealand.

Discover how to navigate the complex immigration landscape, understand recent policy changes, and prepare for potential future developments in New Zealand's veterinary sector immigration policies.

Catherine's previous episodes
Episode 203
Episode 204

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In this interesting episode of Veterinary Voices, Julie South catches up again with Khristina Naden, Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Nursing at Otago Polytech, where she demonstrates how a veterinary nursing qualification can evolve into ground-breaking research. 

As Kristina shares insights from her Masters research (hopefully to be upgraded to PhD research) into therapeutic horse riding, you're are treated to a super interesting blend of scientific methodology and practical experience that bridges the gap between animal care and human therapy.

In episodes 205 and 206 Kristina's shared her non-traditional entry into veterinary nursing.   Today she expands on that to share how it's possible to expand and morph traditional veterinary nursing.  

Kristina talks about conducting international research which showcases the expanding horizons available within the veterinary nursing profession. 

Her recent presentation at a conference in Budapest highlights how veterinary expertise can contribute to broader therapeutic applications, from improving physical mobility to enhancing speech and language development in patients.

She also chats about how she was invited to present her veterinary research at a medical (human) conference; where a brief case of Imposter Syndrome kicked in.

Key Takeaways:

1. Veterinary nursing qualifications can lead to diverse career paths, including academic research and specialised therapy programs
2. The horse-human connection is deeply nuanced, with horses serving as sensitive indicators of human mental states - a finding that has implications for both therapeutic and recreational riding

This episode is particularly valuable for veterinary professionals considering career advancement, those interested in animal-assisted therapy, and anyone fascinated by the scientific understanding of horse-human interactions. 

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Kevin Bryant, CEO of the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA), joins Julie South of VetStaff, us to share his passion and commitment to supporting veterinarians throughout their careers. 

From students to retirees, Kevin highlights the NZVA's pivotal role in championing the entire veterinary team.  

Often confused, listen as Kevin talks about the vital distinctions between the NZVA and the Vet Council (VCNZ), clarifying their unique roles and contributions to the veterinary sector in New Zealand.

Discover the extensive advocacy work spearheaded by the NZVA to improve animal welfare and veterinary practices. 

Kevin sheds light on efforts to empower trained veterinary nurses with specific dental procedures, campaigns against behaviour-modifying collars, and restrictions on public fireworks sales. 

Kevin and Julie also chat about the pressing issues of responsible antimicrobial use, veterinarians' roles in emergency responses through the One Health approach, and the crucial focus on workforce sustainability and leadership amidst economic challenges and workforce shortages. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of veterinary practice in New Zealand or who are considering moving to New Zealand to work as a veterinary professional.

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How professional or collegial is the veterinary profession in New Zealand ?

We pick up today where Dr Paul Unsworth gets on his self-professed soapbox about the requirement for veterinarians to work after hours.  He parallels the after hours requirements and expectations of veterinary medicine versus human medicine.     

I’m interested to hear your thoughts and ideas on this – please feel free to comment wherever you’re listening to this episode.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who wants to see the frequency of after hours roster requirements for vets changed.

And I think – this is life according to Julie – that a significant change can be made provided competitor clinics learn to play nicely and respectfully with each other after hours.

I think some clinics are virtue signalling with their intention to improve things when it comes to their teams working after hours.  Why - because they don't play nice.    They're not professional or collegial and I even challenge their levels of integrity.  

When what happens, happens, the status quo prevails and vets continue to get burnt out.

Just to clarify – to remove any cause for doubt or confusion – according to the Cambridge Dictionary – the adjective collegial means:  relating to a friendly relationship between colleagues (= people who work together)

It is also used to describe a method of working in which responsibility is shared between several people.

Again – I’m interested to hear YOUR thoughts, ideas, suggestions – so please – comment and/or email me – cos I really am interested.

Dr Paul also comes up with another possible idea to help relieve the veterinary shortage … but I’m not sure we’ve got the population to support it in Godzone Aotearoa New Zealand.  

We join the conversation here with Paul hopping onto his first soap box!

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What makes a "good" veterinarian and/or a "good" veterinary clinic.   Today Dr Paul Unsworth challenges me - Julie South - with specificity.   

As he says, "good" and "bad" aren't easily classified.

If getting fit is on your to-do list for 2023, then stay tuned to the end to find out how to save $500 on an ebike.

Today, UK-qualified New Zealand locum veterinarian, Dr Paul Unsworth talks about and reflects on:

·       What determines a “good” vet

·       What determines a “good” clinic

·       Some of the “best” medical advances he’s seen over the course of his career

·       His favourite gadget?   [Hint:  it’s a type of endoscope – have you used this specific type of endoscope?]

·       Should vets specialise (lower case “s”) such that pet owners would then take their pets to different clinics according to the specialisation / interest of a clinic?   And………..

·       Pet Insurance – how to increase NZs take-up rate of pet insurance in kiwi clinics.

In 2023 the NZVA turns 100
If you'd like to name a nomination for the 2023 NZVA Awards, entries close on 03/03/2023.

Entry categories are:

• Outstanding Services Award
• President’s Award 
• Honorary Life Membership  Award
• Veterinary Impact Award
• Young Veterinarian Award
• Veterinary Business Excellence Award
• Antimicrobial Resistance – the AMR – Award 
• And the new award – the Environmental Sustainability Award

For more info - NZVA website.

How to save $500 on an ebike

Is getting fit on your plan for 2023 and/or you’ve been thinking about buying an ebike then your NZVA membership entitles you to a $500 saving on any full priced KTM, Gepida or Haibike e-bike at Electrify NZ or $300 off any full priced Black or SmartMotion e-bike.

Struggling to get results from your job advertisements?
If so, then shining online as a good employer is essential to attracting the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic.

The VetClinicJobs job board is the place to post your next job vacancy - to find out more get in touch with Lizzie at VetClinicJobs

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Crystal Ball Gazing

Today we do a bit of crystal ball gazing with Dr Paul Unsworth – Companion Animal Locum Veterinarian.   This is the first of a multi-part series.

We’re talking about some of the changes Dr Paul has seen since he started his career.

Gender Equality and Diversity

We also talk about gender equality and professional representation which always a topic that results in passionate debate.  Using my words, not his, the veterinary profession has evolved into having not much diversity.

We’re trying to change the way things ARE, to work within a way that WAS.   And that WAS no longer works.

If you haven’t listened to last week’s episode with Dr Jade Hackney, have a listen – because she makes some really valid points about the change that needs to happen to bring out professional longevitiy.

Menagerie of pets growing up

If you’re involved in the veterinary profession, it’s probably fair to say that most of us grew up with at least one pet.

You probably had a cat or a dog.  Maybe a bunny or another type of pocket furry … or maybe a bird… perhaps even a pony.  But I’ll be surprised if you’ve had a menagerie of pets like Dr Paul Unsworth.

Companion Animal Locum Veterinarian Dr Paul Unsworth, who’s married to Dr Rose Unsworth, who’s been a guest on this show a few times, shares what life was like as a veterinarian back in the day where James Herriot was making headlines and inspiring lots of British young men and women to become veterinarians.

James Herriot

If you’re too young to know who James Herriot is, that’s the pen name of James Alfred Wight who worked as a veterinarian in the Yorkshire Dales in England.

His first book, published in 1969, was “If Only They Could Talk”, followed up by “It Shouldn’t Happen to a Vet”.

Both of these books were published as a volume in the US as “All Creatures Great and Small”.

We start of the conversation where I asked Dr Paul about starting out as a veterinarian when James Herriot was known to many…

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The old model of running a veterinary business no longer works - it's time for a fresh look and different approach.

This is the final episode (of 3) is Dr Jade Hackney’s series about life after veterinary burnout and recovery.

At the Christchurch wellness symposium I - Julie South - spent the first day sitting next to a part-time vet - she:  

• worked 3x 10-hour days... 
• was a fully engaged, high producing, veterinarian totally committed to her clinic...   
• had a life outside of her clinic which lit her up.

If you’re a veterinary professional who wants to work part-time but doesn’t know how to re-enter professional clinical life, please get in touch with me at vetstaff.co.nz because I’d love to help you.  

Your skills and expertise are valuable – don’t let anyone tell you otherwise “just” because you’re a part timer.

Today, Jade and I both invite clinic owners to consider the benefits of employing part timers – that’s where we join the conversation.

Jade calls out clinics who're still working the "old" business model that clearly, no longer works today.   It's time for a shakeup and reboot!

I hope you find Jade’s story enlightening and encouraging.

If you’re a clinic owner and would like to see whether you can change things around a bit at your clinic then please get in touch with me through vetstaff. 
 
Let’s find out what questions need to be asked at your clinic to have a happier team at your place.

If you’re a veterinary professional wanting to return to clinical practice but have some of those fears, uncertainties and doubts Jade mentioned, please get in touch with me – I’d love to help you return to the workforce in a way that respects, honours and values you as a person and professional.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit that follow button (it’s free) and give it a 5-star review wherever you’re listening to it right now.  Why? Because it makes a huge difference to helping the search algorithms serve it up for others to listen to.  Thanks heaps!

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This is the second in the multi part series where Companion Animal Veterinarian Dr Jade Hackney  shares her path to living life to the full as a healthy and loving, long-term life partner and fully engaged veterinarian.

Dr Jade talks about:

• the moment she and her life partner realised they no longer wanted to work fulltime in jobs they didn't enjoy to pay someone else's mortgage;
• their journey to owning their own home in their 30s - mortgage-free;
• what 'living life to the full' means to Jade;
• living the dream with 'pinch yourself moments' each day;
• the freedom available to you when you start something with a Beginner's Mind and how knowing how something should be done can be an impediment;
• living the WWOOF lifestyle for a while;
• how vet clinics can employ part timers and be better off for it;
• how it's easier to blame others, but that's not what being emotionally intelligent is;
• how it's important - critical! - to focus only on what you can control - your own thoughts and feelings - and not worry about what you can't - other people's thoughts or feelings.

Listen to the first part of the conversation - episode 107.

 If you're a vet or vet nurse considering your next vet job (locum or permanent) in New Zealand the team at VetStaff is here to help.

Struggling to get results from your job advertisements?
If so, then shining online as a good employer is essential to attracting the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic.

The VetClinicJobs job board is the place to post your next job vacancy - to find out more get in touch with Lizzie at VetClinicJobs

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You can take the person out of vetting but can you take vetting out of the person?   

This series of episodes with Dr Jade Hackney was recorded a few months’ ago but I thought the topic was very relevant – especially for veterinary professionals who may be reconsidering their careers in the veterinary space… especially the clinical veterinary space.

For example, when you reconsider your career as a veterinarian – not once, but twice – what might that look like and what’s life like on the other side?

This episode is personal and emotional.  If you’re standing on a bit of shaky ground right now, hopefully you’ll find Jade’s journey both insightful and hopeful.  

If you’re standing on VERY shaky ground please call or text 1737 and chat with someone who won’t judge you.  That’s 1737.  

Today’s episode doesn’t talk about suicide but it is about burnout.   And hope and recovery.

I’m with locum Companion Animal Veterinarian - Dr Jade Hackney – a graduate from the University of Dublin - shares her personal burnout, meltdown and recovery journey about what life is like on the other side as a practicing veterinarian.

Jade was born in Northern Ireland but when she was 11 months old her parents moved to Malawi, where she lived until she was 11.   

She encountered a huge culture shock when her parents returned to Northern Ireland.  This lead to the beginning of unpleasant times for Jade.

In 2014 she experienced burnout through working 1-in-4 weekends + 1 night a week on call, with no time off in lieu, and minimal collegial support.   As she shares, she thought at this point she’d never practice as a clinical veterinarian again.   

In 2015 Jade started her journey of self-care, recovery and work-life balance.   

One thing that really struck me with Jade’s language is her ownership of her own EQ – her own emotional intelligence.   

It’s a very small thing but when Jade catches herself referring to the “global you” when she’s really meaning herself, she corrects from “you” – disownership, to “I” – full ownership.

Listen out for it as it’s something that people who have high emotional intelligence do … she starts off by saying “you” and will correct to say “I”.

We kick off with me asking Jade when she knew she wanted to be a vet.

VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses

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Struggling to get results from your job advertisements?
If so, then shining online as a good employer is essential to attracting the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic.

The VetClinicJobs job board is the place to post your next job vacancy - to find out more get in touch with Lizzie at VetClinicJobs

Send us a text

This is the second of the two part series with Dr Jane Ough – Companion Animal Veterinarian at South Wairarapa Vets – who’s wearing her very new New Zealand Veterinary Association Climate Change Ambassador’s hat.

If you haven’t listened to the first part – 105 – I recommend you do that, to give you context for today’s continuation of our chat.

We join the conversation where Jane expresses how worried she is that not enough people are taking steps to offset their own carbon footprint ramifications and global warming.   

She also talks about more initiatives South Wairarapa Vets have implemented and the responses she’s getting from both staff and clients.

VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Struggling to get results from your job advertisements?
If so, then shining online as a good employer is essential to attracting the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic.

The VetClinicJobs job board is the place to post your next job vacancy - to find out more get in touch with Lizzie at VetClinicJobs