I am a registered veterinary technician in a Veterinary Specialty Practice.  The veterinarians I work with are ACVIM Board Certified Internal Medicine Specialists.  Our patients are usually more difficult cases which have been referred by a veterinarian.  Many of our patients are cancer patients which owners initially come to us to explore their options.  We perform procedures which many veterinarians do not have the equipment for or do not feel comfortable doing.  One simple procedure we do quite often is Blood Pressure Monitoring.  Specialty clinics perform spinal fluid taps, endoscopies, rhinoscopies, and laparoscopies to name a few.  I am able to utilize my technical skills while continuing to learn something new practically every day.  My days vary quite often but my typical duties include:

• Laboratory - urinalysis, complete blood counts, platelet counts, blood glucose curves, cytology, PCV's and total protein, culture preparation, prepare lab samples for shipment, maintain lab equipment and perform quality control
• Radiology - positioning of pet and setting technique for quality films
• Technical Skills - animal restraint,vitals, blood pressure, venipuncture, intravenous catheter placement, urine collection via catheter or cystocentesis, client education, maintain an understanding of chemotherapy protocols
• Medical Procedure Assistance - assist with procedures, perform sterile preparations, calculate and administer anesthetics under supervision, endotracheal intubation, monitor anesthesia and recovery
• Treatments - administering medications, maintain fluid therapy, provide routine nursing notes and observe hospitalized patients, administer enemas, administer injections
• Pharmacology - ordering and stocking, prepare medications, label and package dispensed drugs, maintain log and inventory controlled substances
• Office Procedures - make appointments, handle telephone contacts, admit and discharge patients, take history, communicate with clients, maintain basic cleanliness and orderliness of facility

The best part of my career is being there for the client to help give their pet quality life.  When quality life is no more than the worst part of the job comes into play.  Euthanasia, obviously is the worst part, but if the pet had quality life then the owner should have good memories to remember their companion.  Pets always offer unconditional love and I am glad I am there for the owner to give the ultimate gift of love...peace.