EXPERIENCES AND ATTITUDES OF RECENT VETERINARY GRADUATES - A NATIONALSURVEY

This survey was conducted to provide information and opinion on the ex periences of recently graduated veterinarians throughout Australia. Qu estionnaires were completed in late 1996 by 309 veterinarians in their first or second year after graduation. Most (82%) had received job of fers with two months after graduation, but only 28% of the total recei ved their offer in writing. Most salaries offered were at (36%), a lit tle below (22%) or a little above the AVA recommended minimum. More th an 75% of offers included after-hours bonuses, but the size and basis of calculation of these varied widely. Only 29% agreed that ''Veterina rians are well equipped to practise veterinary science immediately the y graduate''. The most-commonly reported deficiencies related to skill s in basic clinical procedures, and in communicating with bosses and c lients, especially under difficult conditions including grief and conf rontation. Most satisfaction was gained by achieving a good result in a challenging professional situation, to improving professional compet ence, and/or being able to communicate with, help, and gain the accept ance of clients. Aspects of work giving least satisfaction related to bosses who did not provide adequate help or support; to inconsiderate clients, and to conditions of work, including after hours, limited pri vate time and poor pay, and to perceptions of personal inadequacy, esp ecially with basic clinical skills and communication. Most commented o n ambiguities in their position: highly positive experiences, mainly i nvolving animals, counterbalanced by negative experiences often with p eople. Though 65% reported having adequate support when they started w ork, many - especially females - suffered serious stress, and did not feel that their boss or their workplace in general provided adequate s upport. Some commented on the value of colleagues and friends of simil ar age and stage in reducing the effects of stress-inducing experience s. Suggestions for overcoming problems related to (a) veterinary educa tion: providing better training in basic clinical skills, communicatio n and stress management; (b) aspects of employment, mainly increasing the support in the workplace, rewards, and private time; (c) education of the public about their animals and their veterinarians, and (d) so urces of timely, appropriate help and support; these included both per sonal networks and professional groups.