1. Active Listening — The Foundation of Great Teamwork

Veterinary medicine moves fast, and communication can easily become rushed or unclear.
Active listening ensures you:

• understand instructions correctly,

• avoid mistakes,

• catch subtle patient changes,

• reduce conflict among the team.

Try practicing:

• pausing before responding,

• repeating the key points you heard,

• asking clarifying questions,

• using calm, open body language.

Small improvements in listening significantly increase workflow efficiency.

2. Assertiveness Without Aggression

Many Vet Nurses struggle to speak up, especially when overwhelmed or facing a dominant personality in the clinic.

Assertiveness is not being rude — it’s communicating your needs with clarity and respect.

You can practice phrases like:

• “I can take this patient after I finish this treatment.”

• “I need clarification before moving forward.”

• “I’m unable to do this safely without assistance.”

Being assertive builds trust, prevents mistakes, and protects your well-being.

3. Clear Communication During High-Stress Situations

Emergencies require calm, direct, concise communication.

Use:

• short sentences

• objective information

• confident tone

• confirmation (“Yes, adrenaline drawn.”)

Avoid over-explaining or emotional reactions in the moment.
In critical cases, your clarity can be lifesaving for both the patient and the team.

4. Empathy Towards Clients — Without Absorbing Their Stress

Clients often arrive anxious, scared, or overwhelmed.
Your ability to express empathy without internalizing their emotions is a valuable skill.

Use supportive phrases like:

• “I understand this is stressful; we’re here to help.”

• “Your concerns are valid, and we’ll walk through everything together.”

But also remember:
👉 Empathy does not mean carrying the client’s emotional burden.
Maintaining this boundary preserves your mental health and prevents compassion fatigue.

5. Giving and Receiving Feedback Professionally

Strong teams grow through honest communication.
However, many Vet Nurses feel uncomfortable giving or receiving feedback.

To deliver helpful feedback:

• focus on behaviors, not personalities

• be specific

• offer solutions, not criticism

• choose the right moment (never during chaos)

To receive feedback well:

• listen without interrupting

• ask questions if unclear

• reflect before responding

• use it as growth rather than judgment

Feedback is one of the most powerful tools for professional development.

💙 Final Thoughts

Communication is as essential as technical skill for Vet Nurses.
Improving these five areas not only strengthens the entire clinic’s workflow but also elevates your role, your confidence, and your long-term career satisfaction.

These topics are also a core part of the VTWBProgram, where Vet Nurses and Vet Techs learn tools for leadership, well-being, emotional resilience, and effective teamwork.