{"id":1101,"date":"2016-05-03T12:52:49","date_gmt":"2016-05-03T16:52:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/phosdev.com\/todaysveterinarynurse\/?post_type=articles&p=1101"},"modified":"2022-01-12T20:49:21","modified_gmt":"2022-01-12T20:49:21","slug":"veterinary-nurse-technician-promotion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarynurse.com\/practice-management\/veterinary-nurse-technician-promotion\/","title":{"rendered":"So You\u2019ve Been Promoted to Management \u2026 Now What?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Twenty-five years ago, the concept of having a supervisor in every department or a practice manager was new to veterinary practices. Practice owners wanted some level of management support but often did not know how to go about achieving that goal. Veterinary practice management continuing education (CE) opportunities were just emerging and frequently involved travel. Therefore, new veterinary practice managers were limited to general management seminars on customer service and communication that were marginally beneficial. The lack of veterinary management training and resources meant that we had to learn from our mistakes\u2014and we made a lot!<\/p>\n

The practice manager profession has come a long way. Today, many practices have multiple levels of supervision and management. Robust veterinary practice management groups, management resources, associations, and an abundance of CE offerings are available. However, for those who did not consciously set out to be practice managers, the transition into a management role can still be a rocky one. If you have been promoted to a management role within your practice and are still wondering how to tackle your new position\u2014or if you think you might be on that path\u2014don\u2019t panic! Know that there are many resources to help you learn management skills, and even your mistakes can be opportunities to improve.<\/p>\n

Why Are You Here?<\/h2>\n

What is it that motivates one to want a management role in a veterinary practice? Most of us never considered it as an option when we entered the profession as a veterinary technician, a receptionist, a pet care attendant, or even a doctor. So how does it happen? Sometimes, it is simply a matter of being in the right place at the right time to consider the offer. Although outside candidates can bring great experience with them, many practice owners look to their current team when selecting managers and supervisors. Promoting from within allows for upward movement and growth within the practice, and practice leadership can be the appropriate progression for many who have worked their way through multiple positions in the practice, have earned more responsibility, and have a desire to manage.<\/p>\n

Perhaps, if you are a newly promoted manager, you have served in another role in the practice for a long time\u2014a role you were probably very good at. You have a lot of experience, but not in your new field of management. Maybe you\u2019re asking yourself: What exactly is my new role? What does \u201cmanagement\u201d really mean?<\/p>\n

As a manager, you are now a practice leader. Practice leaders have a high level of responsibility: achieving the goals and vision of the practice. The practice owner may be the one setting the goals and vision, but the manager and leadership team are the ones leading the effort.<\/p>\n

So You\u2019ve Been Promoted\u2026Now What?<\/h2>\n

Learn the Ropes<\/h3>\n

Training, guidance, authority, and support are necessary for any manager to succeed. Unfortunately, these tools are not always automatically included with promotion. If you\u2019ve been given the job without the background, you may need to take charge of educating yourself and asking for help from your supervisor. BOX 1<\/strong> lists some useful resources to get you started, and BOX 2<\/strong> provides several tips that you can put into practice immediately.<\/p>\n

<\/strong>BOX 1<\/strong> Resources for New Practice Managers<\/div>
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