b'EMPOWERED TO INSPIRE, ACHIEVE AND LEAD TOGETHEREMPOWERED TO INSPIRE, ACHIEVE AND LEAD TOGETHEREMPOWERED TO INSPIRE, ACHIEVE AND LEAD TOGETHEREMPOWERED TO INSPIRE,VETERINARY WOMAN CHAMPIONS FOR CHANGEACHIEVE & LEAD TOGETHERAnimals perform a plethora of behaviours designed to communicate with us; I think we do them a disservice if we, as an industry, do not try to incorporate behaviour and body language into our monitoring systems.When I started, VCAs had their progress monitored by an RVN. This presented a couple of challenges: firstly, the RVNs struggled to dedicate time, and secondly the two roles vary considerably in structure. This meant that there was room for improvement and opportunities to boost communication skills Merlin, the handsome ball pythonand team cohesion by trying something new. So, alongside our Education and Development Officer, we created the VCA Mentor role. I have always enjoyed supporting others to grow in skill and confidence, and was often assigned to train new starters. The role of VCA is sometimes maligned as lowly, as a glorified cleaner, as just a stepping stone to the role of RVN. I have seen VCAs form the granite foundations of a practice. Anticipating needs, advocating for patients they come to understand deeply, quietly and without recognition ensuring that everything runs like clockwork. This role is a valid and important one in and of itself. My colleague and I take different approaches, but this is theHow do you feel this is making a difference?beauty of it: we work together to provide equal support andI have seen unmanageable, misunderstood, highly stressed challenge for our fellow VCAs, who now have designatedpatients transform following tailored enrichment, reward-mentors they can approach at will for guidance. We helpsystem, environmental, social or anxiolytic plans. It can bridge the gap between departments, advocate for oursometimes be hard to see the wood for the trees, but taking a colleagues, ensure equal opportunities are given and care formoment to assess a patients emotional welfare and working the physical and mental wellbeing of our team. I have seenwith colleagues to create a trial-and-error plan can make such an increase in effective communication, a reduction in stressa difference. I have seen so many dogs respond positively among individuals and a depth of trust that I would never haveand become active participants in their cooperative careit imagined possible. I hope we can continue to empower ourreminds me why I do what I do. colleagues and strongly encourage other practices to do theHelping others to understand principles of behaviour and same.body language and then watching them stand up and advocate www.veterinarywoman.co.uk 35'