hils78 Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 Having spent a bit of time getting my head around this (and also getting my head around pulling my wedding!) thought I'd let you all know I'm no longer a vet nurse! I'm now signing on & feel like a complete failiure I think it was a case of constructive dismissal (where work created a situation where you leave on your own accord). It was a one man veterinary practise and the first one I'd ever worked at so had nothing to compare my experiences with...until we got a wonderful locum vet in who opened my eyes to alot of malpractise conducted there. Ie no authorised anesthetic (sp?) monitoring - which should be kept for 5 years I think. And many many more things which I tried to gently impliment but he didn't like. Seriously overcharging for procedures such as removing chewing gum from a puppys ear (he had no clue how to do it - I did it with wd40 on a cotton pad & it just slipped off) he charged them £200 for the 'op'. I got called into work on an emergency (when usual vet was back) - having to leave my daughter with someone she doesn't like etc etc and it turned out the emergency was that 'his' own dog had poo'd on the floor & he wanted me to clean it up. The previous day I had scubbed the consulting room within an inch of its life (white surfaces) and the surface was spotless apart from a scratch on it. Boss came in & wiped his hand accross it & said 'this is not clean - clean it up'. I didn't touch it again & he came back 15mins later & said 'see thats better you can do it when you put your mind to it' . Then on the dog poo day he reduced my hours to 3 per week but wanted me to remain on call for the rest of the week with no kind of 'on call' pay. So I had to leave. I miss the work but for my own sanity couldn't stay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 Poor you - sounds awful. Is there a citizens advice bureau near you - I would get some proper advice over this H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 I think you have done exactly the right thing,for your own sanity & also as a person with obviously good morals. Is there any way of reporting the malpractise to a higher authority? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hils78 Posted September 2, 2008 Author Share Posted September 2, 2008 Since leaving I had a call from another vet - must have got my number from the phone book. He was an old business partner of this man. He said he'd heard I'd left and that I should know that he thinks I've had a lucky escape This vets wife was a vet too & they've been wanting him to get him struck off & recons he needs sectioning. App the wife is absolutely terrified of my old boss & won't proceed with getting him struck off because she's too frightened of what he might do. With this in mind I'm rather hesitant to proceed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 That is appalling. I agree...make an appointment at the CAB. I would also look into reporting him to his professional body. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hils78 Posted September 2, 2008 Author Share Posted September 2, 2008 I think I really should talk to this other vet again - and to his wife possibly. I should report him, but if my own safety is compromised then I will have to do it carefully. I'm sure the man is bi-polar. The other vet said that in their old practise my old boss on one occasion called a vet nurse in on an emergency - when he (male vet nurse) arrived to the building in the middle of the night all the lights were out & the vet was stood naked in a corner of the room eek! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 The other vet said that in their old practise my old boss on one occasion called a vet nurse in on an emergency - when he (male vet nurse) arrived to the building in the middle of the night all the lights were out & the vet was stood naked in a corner of the room eek! I would have offered to neuter him there & then! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susanbb Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 Well done for making the decision you did. I would be inclined to do as they others say and get in touch with CAB. Take care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 Whata dreadfulexperience. There are two issues here, one is your constructive dismissal, and the other is his apparent malpractice. The latter can contribute to the former. You should take sometime to write down everything that you can remember happening, bothe the "mapractice" type things, and the things that were done to you. Make sure you easily identify which is which, eityher use separate lists or, if you are doing a chronological list, use a diffferent colour for each. Make an appointment at the CAB, and get their advice on what to do. The most important thing is you, and getting yourself sorted out. There will be other vet practices, you could apply to this other Vet's practice, for example? If that fails, there is always that new out-of-hours service (I can't remember the name, but it's very big, it's a nationwide service) which a lot of vets arenow buying in. I was speaking to one of their vet nurses a while ago (she goes to the same gym as me) and she says they are always keen to get new staff. And remember. This too will pass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keyhole kate Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 Eek! It does sound as though you have done the right thing however you shouldnt have to have left. There is always the option of the Employment Tribunals (constructive Dismissal) Be aware there are time issues attached you must submit your ET1 witin 3 months of the act your complaining about happening and make sure it is very detailed in regard to all your complaints again if its not on your ET1 they wont listen to it! they are Very strict on these matters. I was in a similar situation took on my Ex Employer & won. I dont know where you are but would be happy to help you just pm me. I do understand your reticence in reporting him but what about the current & future animals in his care! ii does sound as though you would have support & evidence to back you with any action you take. Good luck whatever you decide. Kitty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clootie Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 It sounds like this vet has never had anyone stand up to him. He's a bully and a totally incompetent vet by the sounds of things. I'm appalled that no-one has reported this guy by now, someone needs to do something before he goes completely off the rails and it'll be too late then. The bit about "naked in the corner" - well, you couldn't write this stuff. Matt Lucas and David Walliams spring to mind. It's just awful. Emotional clients leaving their beloved pets with him - if only they knew. I'm sorry this has happened to you but maybe it has for a reason. I'd make it my duty to make life difficult for him - but I'm nasty that way!! Be strong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 (edited) I think you have made the right decision and good luck to you for the future. Im not sure if you can do this anonymously (sp!) but this man needs to be reported, one for the reason that genuine animal loving people are leaving their beloved pets in his "so called" care and two - he is ripping off these pet loving owners . It makes me sick to my stomach that there is someone out there who is like this, and innocent customers dont know what he is like. I would freak out if I found out my vet was like this as my dog is very precious to me . all the best to you Edited September 2, 2008 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 ...It's just awful. Emotional clients leaving their beloved pets with him - if only they knew. I'm sorry this has happened to you but maybe it has for a reason. I'd make it my duty to make life difficult for him - but I'm nasty that way!! Be strong. I'd totally agree with this except that it's not nasty, it's called justice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groovychook Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 Hi, Really hoping that you'll manage to move on from your awful experience. It's a worry to hear that this man is still practising. Makes me realise how lucky I am with my vet... Good luck & best wishes... x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paola Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 I am speechless He really does need reporting and as Clootie said, he is a bully I am gobsmacked that he called you in to clean up after his dog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 gobsmacked.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 I'd be horrifed to think something like this was going on behind the scenes at my vet's - I think you've had a lucky escape. I hope you find another job soon - I would guess that if you apply to any local vet practices, they will know about this guy and understand why you left. Reporting him to the RCVS is up to you but if he isn't keeping proper records then it won't be difficult for them to find out - I don't know how they work, but with most professional bodies they can investigate without giving the name of the person who reported it to them, worth giving them a ring to raise your ocncerns and find out how they deal with such things. You probably could bring a claim for constructive dismissal, but I wonder if it's worth all the hassle and cost ... here's hoping you get another job quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 To look into the constructive dismissal aspect, try this site: ACAS They give free advice on all matters of employment and the law to both employers and employees. I really feel for you - but it does sound like he needs investigating professionally Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 A lucky escape indeed! Take as much advice as you can about this as what he put you through is just not fair at all. He does sound somewhat unhinged and rather off the wall. Good luck in finding a new job elsewhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenanne Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 You're right to leave, absolutely. I would defintiely definitely report him to his professional body. You can do this anonymously, and you have nothing to lose. Don't turn a blind eye, if everyone did imagine what the world would be like. After all, you don't need to fear for your professional reputation in the way that the other vet you refered to might (simply, becuase you're not a vet), Constructive dismissal - yes, it is, clearly - and ideally, you should follow that up. But the cost, time and heartache, and the impact on future job prospects.... that's a difficult one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 Oh dear, what a summer you've had I can only echo what has been said above; I'd recommend that you take this further on both accounts. I once took an ex-employer to tribunal for Constructive Dismissal and they settled with an out of court payment, I doubt that they'd behave like that again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 **Here**is a link that you might find useful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hils78 Posted September 2, 2008 Author Share Posted September 2, 2008 Thanks for the support. Ok today I've been thinking about this alot & what I've decided is that I will report him anonymously (sp?), I think the animals care is more important than my care, I don't think I could go through a constructive dismissal tribuneral - nerves are in tatters as it is anyway. There are LOADS of other things I can def pull him up on. I sincerely believe that the animals that went in while I was working there had the upmost care given - I kept a very beady eye on the actual hands on practices - even down to using my dinner money to buy treats & veg for various animals . Another thing that could happen is that I talk again to his old business partner & say I will back him up if he reports him & tries to get him struck off. I think its important- the man is a maniac. I just needed a bit more telling to report him! Obviously won't be able to say if I've done it or not coz that wouldn't be anonymous! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 You've definitely made the right decision. It sounds like he's well known for his dodgy practices so you will probably find you're not alone. You must feel relieved to have left . Good luck finding something else . Sounds to me ke you're a great vet nurse and another practice would be lucky to have you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 Reading all this with horror. Hope you can pick yourself up and build your confidence again. You have a lot of people here behind you. chin up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
