Balancing Act: Vet Med and Single Parenting

Hey there, rockstar mamas (and dads!) of the veterinary world! Dr. Lauren Jones here, Director of Veterinary Medicine at Shepherd Veterinary Software, practice owner, and fellow mom.

Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s near and dear to many of us: how to survive the balancing act of single parenthood while thriving at work.

Being a single parent is a tough gig. You wear countless hats, juggling the needs of your family with the demands of your career. If you’re a veterinarian, clinic owner, or work in the veterinary industry, you know the dedication and passion it takes to care for animals. But let’s face it, sometimes those late-night emergencies or endless appointment schedules can take a toll, especially for single parents juggling their own family responsibilities. 

At Shepherd Veterinary Software, we understand the unique challenges faced by single parents in the vet world. That’s why we’ve designed our cloud-based practice management solution to empower you, streamline your workflow, and give you back precious time.

Here are some tips for working single moms in the veterinary field:

• Master your schedule: Become a scheduling ninja! Use your PIMS calendar and appointment features to their fullest. Block out dedicated time for work, family, and even some self-care. Communicate this schedule clearly to your team and childcare providers to minimize last-minute scrambles. Consider sharing your personal calendars to make sure everyone is on the same page. How many times have we mixed up who is picking the kids up off the bus? 
• Delegate and empower: Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Trust your team members and empower them to take ownership of the small stuff - freeing you up to focus on higher-level tasks. The more flexible you are, the smoother and less stressful your days will be. So have a plan B - and sometimes C or D.
• Seek Support: Building a support network is crucial. Connect with colleagues, friends, or family members who can offer childcare help, a listening ear, or just a well-deserved break. Utilize the strength available to you in the veterinary community – explore online forums or local groups to connect with other amazing women who understand your challenges.
• Prioritize self-care - you can’t pour from an empty cup: Schedule time for activities that replenish your energy, whether it’s a quick yoga session, a walk in nature, or simply catching up on your favorite show. Remember, a happy and healthy you is a better mom, veterinarian, and leader. Make sure to get enough sleep, too! 
• Work with hospitals whose culture and values align with your own: If you need a family friendly practice - make sure you talk about that early on to determine if it will be a good fit for you. Some practices offer childcare benefits or allow you to bring your kids into work when they’re sick.
• It’s never too early to start planning your financial future: Create a budget to help manage your finances. Explore resources and research government programs, tax benefits, and community resources that help single parents. Remember to save as much money as you can for emergencies, your kiddos’ education, and retirement. 
• Communicate openly with your children - older children come with their own list of parenting challenges, but as they get older you can communicate with them. Let them know when and how to expect you to show up for them 
• Embrace imperfection: Prioritize tasks both in your personal and professional life - accept that you will NEVER get everything done all the time so give yourself grace and focus on what is most important. Don’t be afraid to reset some tasks for later in the week - tomorrow is another day. 
• Celebrate the wins! Maybe your child slept through the night or you were able to get out of work on time to pick them up off the school bus. Celebrate these wins - and remember it won’t be this tough forever! 
• Give yourself grace. When all else fails, sometimes we just have to strap the kiddos onto our backs and show up: this is where a well-fitting and comfortable child sling is priceless! And even the “s word:” Screen Time. I can’t tell you how many times I used the clinic’s dry-erase board as child entertainment while I cut a c-section or finished up calls. 
• Learn to say “no” and set boundaries. No isn’t a dirty word and your yes doesn’t mean anything if you can’t say no. Use positive, but firm,”I” statements and, if you can, offer alternatives that work better for you and your situation.

For example, if your boss asks you to work a late shift at the last minute, you could say: I understand the need for staff coverage, but I have a previously scheduled, important school event for my child that evening. Would it be possible to swap shifts with someone or perhaps work a longer shift on another day?

Here’s how Shepherd helps single moms in the veterinary field:

• Reduced Stress, More Time: Shepherd automates repetitive tasks like appointment reminders, consent forms, and call-backs. This frees you up to focus on what matters most – your patients and your family. We even have artificial intelligence to transcribe and document your exams while providing additional veterinary support.
• Flexibility on the Go: Shepherd is cloud-based, which means you can access practice information and manage tasks from anywhere with an internet connection. You can catch up on paperwork during nap time or check schedules while attending soccer practice!
• Improved Work-Life Balance: Shepherd helps you stay organized and efficient, allowing you to leave work on time and be truly present with your kids. No more late nights catching up on paperwork – Shepherd gives you back control of your schedule.
• Stronger Team Communication: Shepherd fosters a collaborative environment by providing a central platform for communication and information sharing. This is especially helpful for single moms who may not always be physically present in the clinic.
• Empowered Decision-Making: Shepherd delivers real-time data and insights into your practice performance. This allows you to make informed decisions about scheduling, staffing, and inventory – all crucial for running a successful business.

Beyond the software, Shepherd also recognizes the incredible strength and dedication of single moms in veterinary medicine. We offer resources and support networks to help you connect with other amazing women who understand the unique challenges you face. 

Being a single mom in the veterinary industry is no easy feat. But with Shepherd Veterinary Software by your side, you can streamline your workflow, empower your practice, and create a more balanced life for yourself and your family.

Ready to learn more about how Shepherd can help you thrive? Schedule a free demo today!