What it's Like to Work in the Veterinary Field/ how i got here

WARNING: This post ended up being longer than i thought, but stay tuned for the whole thing!

If you've ever wondered what its like to work at an animal hospital or clinic, then stay tuned for this blog post- If not, still check it out!

Throughout my high school years, i was hounded to figure out what i wanted to do with my life after school. Most people usually go to college and pick a degree or trade and go with it. My school offered classes that were specific to a trade that you could incorporate into your daily schedule, and counted towards other classes like math, science etc. I thought cooking was the path for me, and i was definitely interested in it but i decided it wasn't the career i wanted.

In a nutshell, when i graduated i decided to join the Army. I ended up going to basic training, and not going to college. Fast forward about 4 years and i realized i wanted to work with animals. I was always happy to be around dogs and cats, or even large animals like cows and horses. It was one of those things where if i saw someone walking a dog i felt the need to have to run up and pet the dog. My parents knew i loved animals and kinda pushed me to research the field and pick something i might like. I entertained the idea of being a handler for TSA, or even joining the police in hopes of being in a program to be a K-9 unit. I never would have thought i would have ended up in an animal hospital, or a medical field. 

The process was time consuming and there were so..many..applications...

When i decided to work for an animal hospital, i had recently lost my job. I had to get a job quickly, so i ended up at a Tractor Supply. I HATED it. The people were a bit miserable, and the pay was awful. Anyway... I decided to start handing resumes out and filling out applications. First, i would like to say if you are interested in working at an animal hospital or clinic, that its not easy if you are not a certified Veterinary Technician or Veterinarian. But there are entry level jobs out there...

What i do now...I currently am a veterinary assistant. I am in college online to become a certified Veterinary Technician. In my current role, my job includes assisting the doctor or technicians (which includes animal restraint, vaccines, minor surgery assistance etc.) general cleaning to include cages and animals, helping out in our boarding facility, occasional reception work, and working with doctors in appointments. As a technician, the roles would include everything that a RN would do- surgery monitoring, xrays, blood draws, vaccines, etc. 

Im trying my best to not become side tract in this post because there is endless things to talk about...

A typical day could include anything and everything. Starting at 7am i will help open up the hospital and do the daily morning "chores" to help get the day going. Starting at 8am the doctors will come in that are working, and if there are any patients that stayed over night they are examined and any pain medication or treatment that is needed is done. From 8am, anything can happen-this could range from emergencies, no show appointments, people filling up our schedule with sick pets etc. Most of out appointments range from the normal wellness exam, which is typically an annual exam and vaccines and filling preventatives, to euthanasia. 

I can say that working at an animal hospital is difficult. The amount of knowledge you need to know, the attention to detail, stress, chaos, and emotional attachment is unreal. Its hard to understand, but as doctors and technicians we love your pets and get to know them very well. Which is why its so hard when it comes time to say goodbye to them. I have been in many euthanasia appointments for our families dogs before i started working where i am. It is rough, and emotional to say the least. Now, imagine how the doctors and staff feel. We go through this almost every day and it doesn't get easier. Heres an example... your dog Sammie a golden retriever who has been a great patient of ours for the past 7 years comes in because shes limping. The only thing you noticed was a swelling near her joint. We proceed with some blood work and xrays. The doctor diagnoses Sammie with Osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer. Unfortunately there really isn't anything we can do, except keep her comfortable, or amputate the leg to save her time. Its not worth the surgery so you decide to continue on and keep her comfortable. Weeks later, you decide that its time, and you would like to setup an appointment. PAUSE- in the moment of the diagnosis, can i tell you that the shock to you is also one to us? Not only from my point of view, but from the doctors as well; we might hide the emotions, but our doctors are the most compassionate people when it comes to your pets. They feel responsible and helpless, even though it isn't there fault. PLAY- Your at the appointment and your saying your goodbyes, moments later Sammie is gone. Its very emotional for everyone. Sometimes doctors will relate to a patient that might have the diagnosis of a previous pet they had, and will cry with you. I cant tell you how many times i have seen one of our doctors emotional and teary because they love your pet. They feel responsible for Sammie's outcome, but still have to continue the day...

Still moving forward with my example, the point is that as a technician or a doctor it can be emotionally draining. You have to suck it up and move forward to the next appointment. The next client doesn't know what has happened, and if you are 5-10 minutes late going in, they might be mad. Unfortunately your not going to say sorry we were euthanizing someones dog minutes ago, instead we try to offer a discounted exam and apologize and ask that they understand. And even in the midst of all this there could be an emergency for a vomiting/diarrhea case, or even a seizure that's walking through the door. Plus, you didn't even eat lunch yet and its 3pm-chances are there wont be a lunch today....

TO BE CONTINUED...

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