Starting work in veterinary practice: An employers' viewpoint

Questionnaires were completed by 258 employers of recent veterinary graduat es throughout Australia, a response rate of 82% These employers reported th at new graduates needed most help with interpersonal interactions, especial ly communication with clients and other staff, particularly nurses, and tha t these problems were most evident in tense and emotion-laden situations. O ther areas in which graduates were seen to need most help, which were menti oned by up to 17% of employers, included: logical thinking and problem-solv ing generally; dealing with common conditions and procedures including surg ery; with financial and business aspects of veterinary practice, and their own self-confidence and time management. Almost all employers supported the view that the employer should provide constructive feedback, appropriate i nstruction and personal support for (at least) the first six months, and th eir comments indicated that most felt that they did provide this support.