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In this conversation, Jennifer and Michelle discuss their experiences in the veterinary field, sharing personal stories about their work, emotional challenges, and the importance of client relationships. They reflect on past experiences, highlight the highs and lows of their week, and share insights into emergency situations they faced. The conversation also touches on the significance of gifts and tokens in veterinary care, as well as the journey of relief work and career growth. They conclude with thoughts on their future plans and the importance of community support. In this episode, Michelle and Jennifer discuss their experiences and thoughts surrounding Vet Tech Week, sharing personal stories about gifts, appreciation, and the importance of recognizing the hard work of veterinary technicians. They also honor a late friend who struggled with addiction but took pride in her veterinary technician license, emphasizing the significance of titles and support within the veterinary community.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Weekly Updates
02:56 Reflections on Past Work Experiences
05:53 Highlights and Lowlights of the Week
08:47 Emergency Situations and Learning Experiences
23:51 Client Relationships and Emotional Challenges
29:41 Positive Outcomes and Gratitude
36:17 Navigating Relief Work Opportunities
41:32 Creative Approaches to Job Applications
45:36 Celebrating National Vet Tech Week
47:16 Showcasing Unique Vet Tech Gifts
01:00:39 Exploring Veterinary Literature
01:02:36 Exciting New Reads and Personal Gifts
01:17:10 Celebrating Vet Tech Week: Good and Bad Experiences
01:30:36 The Obligation of Appreciation
01:33:23 Creative Ways to Celebrate Vet Tech Week
01:38:21 Personal Reflections and Staycations
01:39:59 Giving Back to the Community
01:50:54 Honoring a Friend's Legacy
Show Links:
Jen’s car diffuser
https://www.etsy.com/listing/4373298704/funny-veterinary-car-diffuser-veterinary?ref=shop_home_active_1&pro=1&logging_key=347ff0a48071a67e605be70de01f93103eb75305%3A4373298704
Jen’s Stemless Wine Glass
https://www.etsy.com/shop/KDcraftsanddesign?ref=shop_profile&listing_id=1285856338&dd_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F1285856338%2Fholographic-because-clients-stemless%3Fref%3Dyr_purchases
Jen’s SOAP Notes Book by Frannie O’ Callaghan
https://frannieocallaghan.com/
Michelle’s cup
https://www.foreverkennedy.com/collections/vet-tech-created
https://www.facebook.com/foreverkennedyllc
Bronson’s Bandanna
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CU4t7mUzb/
Michelle’s headband
https://www.etsy.com/shop/paisleyraie
Tiktok @paisleyraie
The Veterinary Industry Giving Tree
https://www.veterinarygivingtree.com/
Michelle’s coffee
https://firesidecoffee.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorbdLVea2cQDCwqEmUa_j7Tp4CmYjXn59EEqpr6aN3MxH7BIMhu
Our Links:
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577179454685
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/endless.journeys.podcast/
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@endless.journeys.p?_t=ZP-8x5uDWXHUzP&_r=1&fbclid=IwY2xjawLlMjhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHjSSBI1M1nSTo8tGKgvtYqm0JG2dP16WxEHy7ZUA4d4Iuw__3TGxRJ9X4DMH_aem_HKCPTLtVw6SYVybIaixjSg
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-kretz-659b12303/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-crew-lvt-7a9270366/
Join the Unattached Vet Tech Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/655721712955548
veterinary, emergency care, client relationships, veterinary technician, work experiences, highlights, lowlights, gifts, career growth, relief work, Vet Tech Week, veterinary gifts, personal stories, mental health, veterinary profession, appreciation, community support, veterinary technicians, pet care, veterinary industry
Burnout and Boundaries Part 2
In this episode, Jen & Michelle discuss the pervasive issue of burnout in the veterinary field, exploring its causes, effects, and the importance of self-care. They share personal experiences and insights on the emotional toll of working in veterinary medicine, the significance of understanding one's worth as a relief technician, and the challenges of client relationships. The conversation emphasizes the need for licensed technicians to advocate for their value, the impact of difficult clients, and the importance of maintaining professional integrity in a competitive industry. Ultimately, they highlight the emotional challenges that come with building relationships with clients and their pets, and the necessity of setting boundaries to prevent burnout.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Burnout and Self-Care
03:31 Isolation and Connection in Veterinary Work
06:19 Navigating Client Relationships and Pricing
08:22 The Importance of Setting Boundaries
11:23 Negotiating Fees and Understanding Worth
14:05 The Value of Relief Technicians
17:09 Client Expectations and Professionalism
20:14 Protecting Your Mental Health in Business
23:05 The Challenges of New Veterinary Practices
29:44 Understanding Client Dynamics in Veterinary Business
31:05 Navigating Competition in the Veterinary Field
33:51 The Challenges of Unlicensed Competitors
36:23 The Impact of Client Relationships on Burnout
46:05 The Emotional Toll of Veterinary Care
52:55 Strategies for Managing Burnout in Veterinary Professionals
55:49 Valuable Insights from the Episode
Our Links:
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577179454685
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/endless.journeys.podcast/
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@endless.journeys.p?_t=ZP-8x5uDWXHUzP&_r=1&fbclid=IwY2xjawLlMjhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHjSSBI1M1nSTo8tGKgvtYqm0JG2dP16WxEHy7ZUA4d4Iuw__3TGxRJ9X4DMH_aem_HKCPTLtVw6SYVybIaixjSg
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-kretz-659b12303/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-crew-lvt-7a9270366/
Join the Unattached Vet Tech Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/655721712955548
burnout, veterinary medicine, self-care, relief technician, client relationships, emotional toll, licensed technicians, professional integrity, competition, resilience
In this episode of Endless Journeys, the hosts discuss the challenges faced by veterinary professionals, including the lack of support from peers, the impact of social media on their reputations, and the importance of compassion and understanding in the field. They share personal experiences and emphasize the need for mental health support and community within the veterinary profession. In this conversation, Michelle and Jenn discuss the divide between general practice and emergency veterinarians, highlighting the lack of support and understanding between the two fields. They explore the challenges faced by emergency veterinarians, including the backlash they receive from general practitioners and the emotional toll of euthanasia. The importance of mutual respect, support, and understanding in the veterinary profession is emphasized, along with the need for mental health resources and therapy for veterinary professionals. The conversation concludes with a call for unity and respect for the diverse paths within veterinary medicine.
Chapters
00:00 Chill and Spill: Wine and Conversations
10:50 Veterinary Medicine: Social Media and Support
22:22 Judgment in Vet Med: Mistakes and Misunderstandings
33:19 The Impact of Social Media on Veterinary Professionals
34:20 Understanding the Consequences of Public Backlash
36:37 Support and Accountability in Veterinary Medicine
40:18 The Need for Compassion in Criticism
46:13 Navigating Mistakes and Learning from Experience
52:06 The Importance of Professional Support
58:06 Emergency vs. General Practice: A Culture Clash
01:03:48 Respecting Different Veterinary Specialties
01:07:42 Understanding Mistakes in Veterinary Medicine
01:11:29 Navigating Financial Constraints in Veterinary Care
01:14:44 The Importance of Support in Veterinary Community
01:20:39 The Impact of Social Media on Veterinary Professionals
01:25:59 Mental Health and Support Systems in Veterinary Medicine
01:35:32 Respecting Diverse Roles in Veterinary Medicine
Our Links:
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577179454685
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/endless.journeys.podcast/
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@endless.journeys.p?_t=ZP-8x5uDWXHUzP&_r=1&fbclid=IwY2xjawLlMjhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHjSSBI1M1nSTo8tGKgvtYqm0JG2dP16WxEHy7ZUA4d4Iuw__3TGxRJ9X4DMH_aem_HKCPTLtVw6SYVybIaixjSg
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-kretz-659b12303/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-crew-lvt-7a9270366/
Join the Unattached Vet Tech Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/655721712955548
veterinary medicine, social media, support, judgment, wine, mental health, veterinary community, euthanasia, emergency clinics, burnout, veterinary medicine, emergency care, general practice, euthanasia, veterinary support, mental health, veterinary community, respect, professional differences, veterinary technicians
In this conversation, we discuss the importance of effective communication within veterinary teams, the need for tailored workshops to enhance client communication, and the empowerment of veterinary technicians through education. They explore the challenges of travel charges, the significance of trust in professional relationships, and the evolving roles of technicians in providing patient care. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of continuous learning and collaboration to improve veterinary practices and foster a supportive work environment.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Veterinary Insights
42:24 Sharon's Journey in Veterinary Medicine
44:52 Challenges in Veterinary Care and Communication
50:32 Building a Business in Veterinary Training
58:56 Addressing Common Clinic Challenges
01:05:53 Success Stories from Workshops and Training
01:14:41 Trust and Accuracy in Drug Calculations
01:16:06 The Underutilization of Veterinary Technicians
01:18:21 Building Trust and Teamwork in Veterinary Clinics
Links from this episode
Sharon's Website
https://rvtseminars.com
Sharon's Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/rvtseminars
Calendly: https://calendly.com/
Stripe: https://stripe.com/?utm_campaign=AMER_US_en_Google_Search_Brand_Stripe_EXA-20839462206&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_content=720048964694&utm_term=stripe&utm_matchtype=e&utm_adposition=&utm_device=c&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20839462206&gbraid=0AAAAADKNRO7bhxWsDXYF4Zt6Wtb2AbxPM&gclid=CjwKCAjwt-_FBhBzEiwA7QEqyKB1DelA8sEAeH7skj67GUTcTemtjcSL65N1hJ3fo9y0eiymL-KdaBoCAWYQAvD_BwE
Our Links:
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577179454685
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/endless.journeys.podcast/
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@endless.journeys.p?_t=ZP-8x5uDWXHUzP&_r=1&fbclid=IwY2xjawLlMjhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHjSSBI1M1nSTo8tGKgvtYqm0JG2dP16WxEHy7ZUA4d4Iuw__3TGxRJ9X4DMH_aem_HKCPTLtVw6SYVybIaixjSg
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-kretz-659b12303/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-crew-lvt-7a9270366/
Join the Unattached Vet Tech Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/655721712955548
veterinary business, communication, veterinary field, support community, business ownership, veterinary training, work environment, veterinary challenges, veterinary technicians, veterinary medicine, veterinary communication, technician empowerment, client relationships, veterinary education, trust in teams, workshop tailoring, travel charges, patient care, veterinary practices, technician roles
In this conversation, we discuss the importance of effective communication within veterinary teams, the need for tailored workshops to enhance client communication, and the empowerment of veterinary technicians through education. They explore the challenges of travel charges, the significance of trust in professional relationships, and the evolving roles of technicians in providing patient care. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of continuous learning and collaboration to improve veterinary practices and foster a supportive work environment.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Veterinary Insights
42:24 Sharon's Journey in Veterinary Medicine
44:52 Challenges in Veterinary Care and Communication
50:32 Building a Business in Veterinary Training
58:56 Addressing Common Clinic Challenges
01:05:53 Success Stories from Workshops and Training
01:14:41 Trust and Accuracy in Drug Calculations
01:16:06 The Underutilization of Veterinary Technicians
01:18:21 Building Trust and Teamwork in Veterinary Clinics
Links from this episode
Sharon's Website
https://rvtseminars.com
Sharon's Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/rvtseminars
Calendly: https://calendly.com/
Stripe: https://stripe.com/?utm_campaign=AMER_US_en_Google_Search_Brand_Stripe_EXA-20839462206&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_content=720048964694&utm_term=stripe&utm_matchtype=e&utm_adposition=&utm_device=c&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20839462206&gbraid=0AAAAADKNRO7bhxWsDXYF4Zt6Wtb2AbxPM&gclid=CjwKCAjwt-_FBhBzEiwA7QEqyKB1DelA8sEAeH7skj67GUTcTemtjcSL65N1hJ3fo9y0eiymL-KdaBoCAWYQAvD_BwE
Our Links:
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577179454685
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/endless.journeys.podcast/
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@endless.journeys.p?_t=ZP-8x5uDWXHUzP&_r=1&fbclid=IwY2xjawLlMjhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHjSSBI1M1nSTo8tGKgvtYqm0JG2dP16WxEHy7ZUA4d4Iuw__3TGxRJ9X4DMH_aem_HKCPTLtVw6SYVybIaixjSg
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-kretz-659b12303/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-crew-lvt-7a9270366/
Join the Unattached Vet Tech Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/655721712955548
veterinary business, communication, veterinary field, support community, business ownership, veterinary training, work environment, veterinary challenges, veterinary technicians, veterinary medicine, veterinary communication, technician empowerment, client relationships, veterinary education, trust in teams, workshop tailoring, travel charges, patient care, veterinary practices, technician roles
In this episode of the Vet Tech Odyssey podcast, Jen and Michelle discuss the implications of a recent case involving a woman who impersonated a nurse, treating thousands of patients without a license. They explore the importance of credentialing in veterinary medicine, the differences between licensed and unlicensed technicians, and the need for higher standards in the profession. The conversation also touches on personal experiences, the challenges faced by veterinary professionals, and the importance of celebrating the contributions of licensed veterinary technicians. Ultimately, the hosts advocate for better recognition, respect, and standards within the veterinary field to ensure the best care for patients.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Medical Fraud Discussion
02:51 The Case of the Imposter Nurse
07:56 Comparing Medical and Veterinary Standards
12:56 The Importance of Credentialing
17:16 Personal Experiences and Patient Safety
20:21 The Role of Assistants vs. Technicians
24:10 Ego and Professional Standards
30:00 The Impact of Unlicensed Technicians
35:05 Celebrating Professional Achievements
39:56 Celebrating Veterinary Technicians: A Call for Recognition
46:54 The Journey to Licensure: Sacrifices and Standards
54:39 The Importance of Standards in Veterinary Medicine
01:02:54 The Reality of Burnout in Veterinary Care
01:10:21 Advocating for Change: The Future of Veterinary Medicine
01:18:31 Valuable Insights from the Episode
Links from this episode
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/07/us/florida-nurse-arrest.html - New York Post Article
Our Links:
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577179454685
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/endless.journeys.podcast/
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@endless.journeys.p?_t=ZP-8x5uDWXHUzP&_r=1&fbclid=IwY2xjawLlMjhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHjSSBI1M1nSTo8tGKgvtYqm0JG2dP16WxEHy7ZUA4d4Iuw__3TGxRJ9X4DMH_aem_HKCPTLtVw6SYVybIaixjSg
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-kretz-659b12303/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-crew-lvt-7a9270366/
Join the Unattached Vet Tech Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/655721712955548
veterinary medicine, vet tech, credentialing, nursing standards, veterinary education, animal care, veterinary assistants, medical ethics, veterinary profession, patient safety
Takeaways
Burnout is a common issue in veterinary medicine.
In this episode, Michelle and Jen discuss the challenges of burnout in veterinary medicine, sharing personal experiences and insights on how to manage emotional investment in clients. They emphasize the importance of setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The conversation also touches on the unique challenges faced by relief workers in the veterinary field and the need for open communication with clients.
00:00 Introduction and Weekly Updates
veterinary medicine, burnout, self-care, relief work, emotional health, veterinary technicians, client relationships, work-life balance, veterinary podcast, veterinary professionals
https://serenity.vet/blog/new-study-launches-to-investigate-burnout-among-relief-veterinarians/
https://thebirdbath.io/
Our Links:
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577179454685
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Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@endless.journeys.p?_t=ZP-8x5uDWXHUzP&_r=1&fbclid=IwY2xjawLlMjhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHjSSBI1M1nSTo8tGKgvtYqm0JG2dP16WxEHy7ZUA4d4Iuw__3TGxRJ9X4DMH_aem_HKCPTLtVw6SYVybIaixjSg
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-kretz-659b12303/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-crew-lvt-7a9270366/
Join the Unattached Vet Tech Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/655721712955548
In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Jessi Hurd to explore the sensitive and vital topic of end-of-life care and animal hospice. Jessi, an expert in the field, shares her invaluable insights and experiences to help pet owners understand how to compassionately care for their beloved animals during their final stages of life.
What You'll Learn:
Join us for a conversation that promises to be both enlightening and deeply moving, offering guidance and support for anyone navigating this difficult but essential aspect of pet care.
Where to find Jessi to connect:
Website
https://www.compassionatepetcareup.com/
https://uppetmemorials.com/
https://www.facebook.com/cpcoftheup
https://www.instagram.com/cpcoftheup/
Our Links:
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577179454685
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/endless.journeys.podcast/
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@endless.journeys.p?_t=ZP-8x5uDWXHUzP&_r=1&fbclid=IwY2xjawLlMjhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHjSSBI1M1nSTo8tGKgvtYqm0JG2dP16WxEHy7ZUA4d4Iuw__3TGxRJ9X4DMH_aem_HKCPTLtVw6SYVybIaixjSg
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-kretz-659b12303/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-crew-lvt-7a9270366/
Join the Unattached Vet Tech Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/655721712955548
In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Jessi Hurd to explore the sensitive and vital topic of end-of-life care and animal hospice. Jessi, an expert in the field, shares her invaluable insights and experiences to help pet owners understand how to compassionately care for their beloved animals during their final stages of life.
What You'll Learn:
Join us for a conversation that promises to be both enlightening and deeply moving, offering guidance and support for anyone navigating this difficult but essential aspect of pet care.
Where to find Jessi to connect:
Website
https://www.compassionatepetcareup.com/
https://uppetmemorials.com/
https://www.facebook.com/cpcoftheup
https://www.instagram.com/cpcoftheup/
Our Links:
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577179454685
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/endless.journeys.podcast/
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@endless.journeys.p?_t=ZP-8x5uDWXHUzP&_r=1&fbclid=IwY2xjawLlMjhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHjSSBI1M1nSTo8tGKgvtYqm0JG2dP16WxEHy7ZUA4d4Iuw__3TGxRJ9X4DMH_aem_HKCPTLtVw6SYVybIaixjSg
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-kretz-659b12303/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-crew-lvt-7a9270366/
Join the Unattached Vet Tech Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/655721712955548
We have another disruption within our industry leading to another hot topic. This week the company The Vets announced their sudden closer without much notice to staff. What does this mean in terms of stability for vet techs in the industry? Is it safe to solely rely on any company or clinic for long-term secure employment? Or should we take this as a warning to always be preparing ourselves to be able to move on to our next project at any given moment? This is a great topic to digest as we discuss blissful compliance verses putting your future first above your current employer.
https://news.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=210&catId=612&Id=12771401
https://www.myvetcandy.com/blog/2025/7/26/mobile-veterinary-service-the-vets-abruptly-ceases-operations-leaving-clients-and-staff-in-limbo
Our Links:
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577179454685
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Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-kretz-659b12303/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-crew-lvt-7a9270366/
Join the Unattached Vet Tech Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/655721712955548
From the publisher's feed