Part Time Veterinarian - Tulsa, OK (MAR2)

As a Part Time Veterinarian at Heartstrings Pet Hospice, your primary responsibilities include providing in-home euthanasia and hospice care for geriatric and terminally ill pets. You will also guide families through end-of-life decisions, ensuring they feel supported and cared for during this challenging time. Building relationships with local veterinary clinics is crucial, as you will serve as an extension of their compassionate care.

To apply for the Part Time Veterinarian position at Heartstrings Pet Hospice, you must hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD/BVMS) degree and have at least one year of experience as a practicing veterinarian. Additionally, a valid driver's license is required, as you'll be traveling to various homes. Applicants should also be physically capable of lifting and performing various tasks involved in veterinary care.

Heartstrings Pet Hospice offers a competitive benefits package for Part Time Veterinarians, including a range of health insurance plans (individual and family), mileage reimbursement, quarterly bonuses based on productivity, a retirement plan with a 401k match, and paid time off including bereavement and parental leave. You'll also have access to professional training and development opportunities, along with pet insurance coverage.

The work schedule for a Part Time Veterinarian at Heartstrings Pet Hospice is designed for flexibility and work-life balance. Unlike traditional clinics, you’ll have the option to work between 2-5 days a week, primarily from 9 am to 5 pm. This allows you to manage your appointments meaningfully while ensuring you have ample time for rest and personal commitments.

At Heartstrings Pet Hospice, the culture is deeply rooted in compassion and support. As a Part Time Veterinarian, you will be embraced in a nurturing environment that emphasizes building meaningful connections with pet families and colleagues alike. The company fosters teamwork through various team-building activities and retreats, ensuring that every team member feels valued and connected.

When addressing end-of-life discussions, it's important to approach the subject with compassion and empathy. Begin by allowing pet owners to express their feelings and concerns. Use clear language to outline options and reassure them that their pet's comfort is the priority. Engage them in the decision-making process, ensuring they feel supported and informed.

Building relationships with pet families involves effective communication and active listening. Make an effort to remember their pets’ names and specific preferences during visits. Providing follow-up support and being readily available for any questions they might have can solidify these bonds. Always express empathy, as it creates trust.

In handling challenging cases, it's crucial to remain calm and focused. For example, when faced with a distressed pet owner unsure about euthanasia, I took the time to sit down with them, listen to their fears, and provide thorough information about the process. It’s vital to approach such situations with sensitivity and ensure the family feels supported throughout.

Assessing a pet's quality of life involves evaluating their physical health, emotional well-being, and overall activity levels. Key indicators include their appetite, pain levels, interaction with family, and enjoyment of favorite activities. Having honest discussions with pet owners allows you to guide them through this complex decision while keeping their pet’s best interests in mind.

My experience with in-home euthanasia procedures emphasizes a gentle, respectful approach for both the pet and the family. I prepare a calming environment, provide clear explanations of the process, and ensure that the family feels supported throughout. Creating a peaceful atmosphere helps alleviate anxiety, making the farewell as comforting as possible.

Managing stress as a veterinarian involves developing healthy coping mechanisms. I prioritize self-care and seek mentorship and peer support when dealing with emotionally taxing cases. Engaging in regular debriefing sessions with colleagues helps me process challenging experiences, enabling me to remain compassionate and focused during appointments.

Staying updated in veterinary medicine involves attending conferences, participating in online courses, and regularly reading veterinary journals. Engaging with the greater veterinary community through online forums allows me to discuss new treatments or practices, keeping my knowledge current and ensuring the best care for my patients.

The most rewarding aspect of being a veterinarian in hospice care is providing comfort during a pet’s final moments. Knowing that I can ease their suffering and support families through this challenging time is incredibly fulfilling. Being able to enhance the quality of life for terminally ill pets allows me to make a significant impact.

My communication style during difficult conversations is empathetic and clear. I strive to be gentle yet straightforward, allowing pet owners to absorb the information without feeling overwhelmed. Clarifying their questions and ensuring they understand options helps them navigate these challenging decisions with confidence.

My motivation to work at Heartstrings Pet Hospice is driven by the mission to provide compassionate end-of-life care. The opportunity to reconnect with pet families and contribute to their loved ones' final moments resonates with my values as a veterinarian. I admire the organization's commitment to quality of life and support, aligning perfectly with my career aspirations.