You’re the New Relief Vet Today: How to Win Over a Nervous Team Within the 1st Hour

It’s your first relief shift at a new clinic. How do you make the most of it and become this clinic’s new favorite relief vet?

Whether you’ve been a relief veterinarian for years or this is one of your first shifts, knowing how to win over a new team is crucial to your success. The first few minutes can shape the entire shift… and often determine if you’ll be invited back.

Medicine matters, of course, but attitude often matters even more. Relief work isn’t just about clinical skills. It’s about being adaptable, approachable, and easy to work with. In this post, we’ll talk about how to make the best impression in the first hour of your relief shift.

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First Impressions Matter in Relief Work. Dress the Part.

They say you should “dress for the job you want.” You may not want to be a full-time associate at this clinic, but you should still do your best to dress like the associates there; or even a little nicer.

If the clinic is a scrubs and smock kind of place, go ahead and wear scrubs. Make sure you have a name tag or embroidered jacket that lets staff and clients know who you are. Your scrubs should be clean, stain-free, and not so wrinkled they look like they came from the bottom of a laundry basket.

You don’t need to go overboard. Keep your hair and makeup, if you wear it, tidy but not over-the-top.

If the clinic leans more toward business attire and white coats, try to dress to the level the associates do. Blending in with their team helps you be accepted more easily by both staff and clients.

One personal note: I don’t wear denim jeans to clinics, even if the owner does. I’d rather wear scrub pants, khakis, or colored jean-style trousers. If the owner wears jeans, they probably don’t care too much about what you wear… but I just don’t find jeans all that comfortable for clinic work.

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Arrival Is Everything

Arrive at least 5 to 15 minutes early if you can. Walking in on time and unrushed sets the tone for the day. Greet the front desk team with a smile: “Hi there, I’m Dr. Hogan, I’m your relief vet today!”

Take a moment to ask their names, especially if the front desk staff gives you a tour. Set your things down efficiently and greet each team member with a warm, friendly tone.

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Reading the Room: Body Language and Tone

As you’re being introduced and shown around, pay attention to the energy in the building. Are people smiling and chatting, or is there tension in the air? Are techs rushing around? Is the phone ringing nonstop?

Observe first. Speak second.

Match your tone to what the team needs. If the mood is light, smile and chat. If it feels like chaos, keep your voice calm and focused. A simple, “What’s my first patient?” or “How can I help you right now?” can make you part of the team immediately.

Pro tip: People remember how you made them feel. If you walk in calm, kind, and ready to work, you’re already ahead of the game.

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Tips for Connecting with the Team Quickly

You don’t need to bond over lattes or share your whole backstory. Here are a few fast ways to build trust:

• Learn a few names right away, especially the lead tech, front desk coordinator, or whoever manages the schedule
• Ask where they keep essentials like vaccines, lab forms, muzzles, and the crash cart
• Offer to help: “Can I prep anything between appointments?” or “What’s your usual flow here?”
• Give a sincere compliment: “Your treatment board is really organized” or “Y’all handle patient flow like pros”
• Don’t be afraid to joke and have fun between rooms- but keep it professional and focused

The team doesn’t need you to be their best friend. They just need to know you won’t make their day harder.

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Setting Clear Expectations and Asking Good Questions

Before things get busy, take a minute to clarify expectations. This helps avoid awkward moments later in the day and shows that you respect how their clinic runs.

Some helpful questions to ask:

• “How do you prefer to handle callbacks or discharges?”
• “Do you want me to approve treatments before techs proceed?”
• “Are records templated or written from scratch?”
• “Who should I talk to about drug logins or passwords?”
• “Is there anything you’d like me to avoid doing today?”

It’s okay to ask for help or clarification. The key is how you ask. When you approach it with curiosity and respect, it shows you’re capable and collaborative.

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When It’s Not Going Smoothly: How to Pivot

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, things just feel off. Maybe the team is short-staffed, or you walked into a messy case, or someone doesn’t seem thrilled you’re there.

Here’s how to steady the ship:

• Stay neutral. Don’t take it personally or get defensive
• Keep your focus on the patient and the task at hand
• Ask directly and kindly if needed: “I want to make sure I’m not stepping on any toes—is there anything I can do differently?”
• Take a breath and reset between appointments. You don’t have to win everyone over immediately. Showing consistency and professionalism goes a long way

You’re not there to fix the clinic. You’re there to support the team, care for patients, and keep the day moving.

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Wrap-Up: Confidence + Humility = Trust

You don’t have to be the smartest or fastest vet in the building. You just have to be a helpful one.

Relief teams want someone they can trust. That means being confident enough to lead and humble enough to listen. When you walk in prepared, ask good questions, stay adaptable, and treat people well, you become someone they rely on.

And when the team trusts you, the day flows better—for everyone.

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📘 Want More Relief Vet Tips Like This?

I’m putting the finishing touches on my new ebook:
Freedom, Not Frenzy: The Relief Vet’s Survival and Success Manual.

It’s packed with advice for new and seasoned relief vets: covering rates, scheduling, clinic dynamics, and more.

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