If things get too complicated, start from the beginning and seek clarity, advises Gerardo Poli – it is a “simple but powerful” way to identify things you may have missed and provide you with a pathway forward.

With life throwing the occasional curve ball, it is no surprise some turn to a five-year plan to help stay focused on their goals. Jane Davidson looks at how such a plan can apply to your career – specifically, for SVNs en route to becoming qualified.

Jordan Sinclair explores the benefits of increasing small animal consult times and discovers it isn’t necessarily the case of ”less appointments, less income” many practices fear it will be.

Vet student Eleanor Goad explains why preclinical EMS plays a vital role in shaping young vets and teaching the essential skills they’ll need before taking their first steps into a veterinary practice.

What happens next? Some clients may be unsure – so Gerardo Poli discusses the importance of communicating the treatment agenda during consults to help build client trust.

Is telling a little white lie sometimes more important than honesty? Jane Davidson suggests it is – to ensure the welfare of not only an animal brought into practice, but also of the people involved…

With the season of graduate vets embarking on their first jobs in full swing, Jordan Sinclair reminds existing veterinary professionals of the trepidation new careers can bring, and how to best ensure the transition from student to staff member goes as smoothly as possible.

"Give me a ton of ticks, a fistful of fleas or a mountain of maggots" – Nick Marsh explains why he would rather deal with these loathsome parasites over a seemingly simple canine nail clip.

Having experienced one of the warmest June days for 40 years, and with a return to higher temperatures on the horizon, Eleanor Goad offers tips on keeping pets cool – including some lesser discussed species.

Following recent criticism over the RCVS’ handling of debate on the implications of telemedicine services, Jordan Sinclair takes a critical look at the launch of virtual veterinary consultations in the UK.

With Pride in London approaching, JaneRVN shares some fond and fun-filled memories of a much-loved and sorely missed colleague to explain why she is proud to be an “active ally”.

Jane Davidson explains the importance of reporting accidental needlestick injuries, and asks whether the avoidance of £1.32 per patient is worth a possible compensation claim worth thousands.

Mere days after exam period comes to its torturous conclusion, student vet Eleanor Goad advises her peers to sit back, relax and heed the words of Hollywood legend Doris Day.

While not recognising a client in “out of context” situations – particularly without a pet in tow – can be awkward, it’s not an issue unique to the veterinary profession, as Jordan Sinclair explains.

In the final part of this series, Gerardo Poli focuses on the use of hypertonic saline and mannitol in reducing cerebral oedema, and offers some pointers on how to choose between them.