Dealing with difficult clients

You may not think customer service is part of the role of a Vet Nurse, but in fact you are the first point of call for clients as they enter your clinic. As a Vet Nurse, dealing with angry and unmanageable clients can leave you feeling upset, uncomfortable and uneasy, and does not make for a happy stress-free work atmosphere. Would you like to be able to deal with these clients, satisfying both the clients as well as yourself?

When it comes to dealing with difficult clients, there are generally four different kinds of personalities that you are often dealing with, who react to situations in vastly different ways.

Types of difficult clients

The authoritarian or 'directive' client

This type of client knows what they want and when they want it, which is often then and there. Although this type of client may not be angry or dissatisfied, it may seem as though they are by the tone of their voice or verbal attitude and quick remarks. If you are not able to deliver what they are pushing for, this may result in discomfort in having to express yourself and show your authority as the Vet Nurse in that situation.

Hot Tip #1
Stay factual and straight down the line. These clients appreciate a straight answer, not a long-winded curly response. It is important to remain extremely professional and unemotional when dealing with these clients, as they tend to pick up on it otherwise.

The explosive or angry client

This type of customer thinks that by exerting themselves in an out-of-hand way, it will get their point across better than remaining calm.

It is the most stressful situation you can come into when dealing with customers, as well as most difficult. This type of response often will cause you excessive amounts of stress, anger and often embarrassment if there are other clients around; however, remaining calm is the key in this situation.

Hot Tip #2
Remember to state that you are helping them solve the problem so continually mentioning words such as WE and TOGETHER is fundamental in expressing that you care, are willing to listen and are dedicated to helping solve the situation and to make both you and the client happy and satisfied.


Overall, remember to remain calm and understanding – this is what the client will appreciate the most.

The hesitant or undecided client

This type of client can be extremely frustrating. You do your best to execute your knowledge and facts about the situation at hand, yet they cannot follow through even after you have answered all of their questions. However, if the situation requires quick response medical attention, make sure you tell the client this, in order to avoid them coming back later on when their animal has decreased in health even more or developed something else due to not addressing the initial problem.

Hot Tip #3
Express to them that you understand and that in their situation, due to the circumstances, you would recommend a certain outcome or product.

The time consumer or compulsive talker

Have you ever had the problem of a client constantly asking you questions and for advice without realising that you are on a tight schedule, especially if you have a waiting room full of clients?

Hot Tip #4
It may be necessary to put a note on the client's record so that every team member knows how to deal with that person.


Good interpersonal communication to deal with all types of situations effectively and efficiently is the key to satisfying clients and making for a happy and productive practice and workplace.

Hot Tip #5
Remember that there are always people around to help you if you need some advice or opinions.


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