I get asked all the time; “What is a day really like as joint venture partner?”
Sometimes a bit hard to explain. When you are used to doing something, it becomes so obvious to you, you sometimes forget it’s not that obvious for everyone around you.
So, I decided I would do a little blog and tell you just what my day has been like today.
Before I start, I will introduce myself. My name is Maja, I am Lead JV of our Midlands area, and I am also Clinical Director at Dignipets. I have been with Dignipets since 2019, and after I took that leap, I never once looked back.
Start of day
This morning, I started my day by checking my emails with a cup of coffee at home, as well as checking on our practice management system (PMS) if I had any pre booked appointments for the day. Usually, our appointments are a mix of pre booked and ones on the day, so although I looked early, I also knew it could change in an instant!
I have to be pretty responsive on my phone during our opening times, so I also made sure my volume was up. I packed myself a delicious lunch as well as a 2nd coffee (naughty, I know!) in my amazing thermos mug, which will literally keep it hot forever! Even if it doesn’t seem like it’s going to be a busy day, I like to be prepared so I don’t end up buying fast food on the go!
I saw that I already had 2 visits booked, so I knew it was time to set off. I had a couple of messages to respond to on our group chat, so I made sure I was up to date on those too.
I messaged on the day group that I was getting ready. We have a community every day that consists of receptionists and nurses and vets. Next to them telling me what is happening logistically and tell me about visits coming in we also provide each other with emotional support.
My vehicle is a nice van, all set up in the back to provide dignified transport for deceased pets, as well as carrying everything I need for a day full of visits. I quickly packed all my meds and used the digital ketamine log to check out my ketamine for the day.
Let’s hit the road!
After calling ahead to my first visit, I knew I would have nearly an hour or so of driving time (thank you midlands rush hour!) so I listened to some music while driving.
My first visit was a family with a 15-year-old staffie called Henry. They were so lovely, and I remember thinking as I walked through the door, that they were just the kind of people that remind me why I do what I do. Henry’s sedation and passing was very quiet, and he came with me for cremation afterwards. I had filled in all their wishes digitally with them and finished up my notes and ketamine logging while giving them a few minutes to say goodbye.
When driving away, I found a nice place to park and go through the reports of my second visit Lucy. Lucy and her family had several online consults for a QOL plan with Becky our hospice nurse. With reading the report I found out what Lucy’s families wishes were and the journey leading up to this visit. Lucy had severe liver disease and was getting really wobbly. She had always been a foodie though, so her normal fear of vets didn’t appear as she was eating some freshly cooked chicken while I gave her the initial sedation and pain relief.
Visits create admin work
When I finished my visit to Lucy, I went somewhere to park up locally and finish up all my notes and medication logging. Luckily, being able to do it on my phone, it only takes a matter of minutes. I transferred the information for Henry to the crematorium paperwork as well. Lucy was going to have a home burial, and I had given her family lots of support before I left so they didn’t feel daunted by the burial.
I still hadn’t had any urgent visits come in, so I decided to bring Henry to the crematorium. I work with such a lovely crematorium, and working directly with them really allows me to feel confident in the service they provide.
While at the crematorium I realised there were 2 pet ashes ready to be brought back the family practice. I called and checked in with the practices and set off straight away. Luckily, they were both a short distance from each other, so I was happy to get it sorted.
When all the home visits have finalised
There was also a park nearby, so a perfect place to stop for my lunch!
The rest of my day was pretty uneventful, it was a quiet day, and I didn’t get any urgent calls, so I went back to base, did some washing (so glamorous, I know!) and put an order through for some more meds and consumables. I also did my due diligence when it comes to social media, which is not my strength, but luckily, I get support from our marketing team!
As with all veterinary practice, some days are busier than others. I try to spend my quieter days staying organised and making sure that I also do my marketing tasks to help my practice grow. That also means when I have my busy days, I won’t feel guilty for calling it a day as soon as I finish with my visits. My family both human and four-footed loves that I am at home when school finishes and it is time for walkies!
I hope this help to understand what it’s like at Dignipets but if you would like to know more don’t hesitate to book a meeting with our fellow vet Merel here
Maja
