FIRSTLINE, Oct 1, 2009

Client Relations

Pet food for the soul

By Caitlin Rivers

A team member's true story of starting a pet food pantry.

Team Building

Managers: Take action

By Debbie Allaben Gair, CVPM

Here are three ways to help your team work together more cohesively.

Forget "us vs. them"

By Debbie Allaben Gair, CVPM

Stop thinking of employees outside your group as rivals. When you break down these barriers, you'll reap the rewards.

Front Desk

Introducing the Firstline Challenge

By Kerry Hillard Johnson

Here's information about how to improve yourself and your team—and even win an iPod Touch.

By the Numbers

Four ways to say no nicely

By Liz Nartowicz

Don't fall victim to the yes syndrome. Use these techniques to say nay.

Pearls of Practice

Massachusetts legislature looking at techician licensing

East coast updates on technician licensing.

Keep E-collars handy

Clinic offers organization tip.

Always know where your needles are

See how one clinic keeps track of needles and sringes.

Sample script: Therapuetic diets

Talk to clients about the importance of therapeutic pet food.

Skill Builder

How to keep meticulous medical records

By Paige Phillips, RVT

It's difficult to document everything in a medical record and even harder to know who should do it and when. Cut out the guesswork with these guidelines.

Ask the Experts

Pesky pest problem

By Gina Toman, RVT

Make talking about fleas less uncomfortable.

Ask Amy: Part-time work for full-time pay — it's not fair

Amy offers advice on equity in pay.

Web Exclusive

Recording anesthesia info in medical records

When you administer anesthesia, make sure you completely document the process.

Managers: End team rivalries

By Debbie Allaben Gair, CVPM

If you?re managing a divided team, try this rivalry-specific advice for ending the practice standoffs.

How to start a pet food bank

By Caitlin Rivers

So you want to create your own pet food bank? Here are a few tips to get you started and keep you sane.

Medical records for emergencies

Emergency medical records are arguably the most important records you'll keep.

Medical records: Get doctors to comply

To help veterinarians complete medical records in a timely manner, follow these tips.