Standard Operating Procedure

So what on earth is a standard operating procedure? And why would we need that?

A standard operating procedure (SOP) is a set of guidelines that tells you how to perform a task. It lists all of the items needed to do the task, along with very detailed instructions on how to perform that task.

In veterinary medicine, (and I am assuming all other professions), there are people in the hospitals that know how to do certain items. They don't teach anyone else how to do them and hoard that information. I guess it makes them think that they are more valuable if they can perform a task that no one else in the entire office can do! However, what if that person is sick? Or is not able to work anymore? Gets fired? Or gets abducted by aliens? What then?

That is one of the reasons that SOP's are important for your veterinary hospital. Another important reason is for training. If you want everyone in your hospital to perform a heartworm test the exact same way, then it needs to be written down....step by step.... on how you want it done!

Is this yet another thing to add to your managers never ending To Do List? NO!!!! This project is for your staff. They are the ones performing those heartworm tests. Empower your staff to each tackle one procedure and write the SOP for it.

Now here is the tricky part...after it is written down...someone else needs to perform the task according the the instructions. The instructions need to be so clear that a person NOT in our profession can perform the task by going step by step down the list. If there need to be changes, then make changes. By the time you are done, you will have an amazing training guide to teach all of your staff exactly how you want each specific task performed! How great is that?!?!? Everyone is now doing the heartworm tests...or fecal tests...or ordering of supplies...or tracking attendance...the exact same!

And because you are now the king or queen of SOP's, you need to do 2 more things:

1. Put a reminder in your computer or on your calendar to review and update your SOP every 6 months. If you make a change to that item before 6 months, update sooner.

2. To be super efficient and make all of your nerdy friends jealous, you need a standard operating procedure....on how to make standard operating procedures!

Yes....I know.

Try this in your hospitals. See if your staff can complete 3 SOP's per person per month. You will see just how fast your staff learns how to perform tasks, shares knowledge with one another, and empowers each other to grown in their positions!

And because I like you guys... Here are 2 SOP's to get you started!