Creating a transition ritual

A while ago, I did a Q&A session at the RVC in London and one of the most popular questions was: “How do you reset in between emergencies and consults?”

As an emergency vet this is critical, but when I think about it, this is critical for the success as a vet in general. In emergencies, we might triage several crashing patients at the same time, but in general practice this is similar to a fully-booked Saturday morning consult shift, together with unexpected walk-ins.

Control-alt-delete

Over time we develop some way of resetting so we are able to do what we need to do and, more importantly, not carry baggage from the day and each consult into the next ones. This could be some kind of routine, ritual or process. It takes time and practice, but it is essential for mental well-being and being present with each patient and owner.

What would happen if we improved our ability to reset? For me, I saw a noticeable improvement in my performance on shift; I was able to clear my thoughts faster and focus on what was in front of me.

I think of it being similar to going to the gym – you start doing weights and, with time, you get stronger. But, if you get in the right head-space, focus on your form and movement, you get better results faster and with less injury.

Think about it

The more conscious you are of anything you do, the better you perform at it. So, if you were more conscious and deliberate with your resetting process, imagine how that would impact your performance – and imagine the impact on your consults or on your team.

I started thinking about my resetting ritual several months ago. First, I noted it down then started to experiment and try different things. This made me create a ritual that was better, faster and was more effective.

My reset ritual before each consult goes like this:

1. I adjust my shirt and my name badge to make sure I look professional – if I was a client, I would like my vet to look neat and presentable, and not covered in fluff or worse.
2. I adjust my stethoscope – it’s like a magical amulet, and I have associated many positive memories with it. When I wear it I feel I’m the best version of myself. It reminds me of the education I have had, what I know and the experience I have.
3. I feel for my pen while I read over the clients name, the pets name, age and sex – I am ready to introduce myself, to greet the pet and to take notes.
4. Deep breath in, then out – this brings me back to the present. I clear any thoughts of what I have to do, what happened to the last pet and how much work is piling up.
5. Open the door, smile, introduce myself and BE PRESENT.

Renewed focus

I do this every time I open the consult room door, it only takes 10 seconds to reset as I have practised this hundreds of times and I know the purpose of each step. Even if my mind is not quite ready, the movements and physical actions help to focus my mind.

My transition ritual has helped me greatly in connecting with clients and gaining their trust, which, in return, helps their pets and makes my experience of my career more enjoyable.