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A
Day In The Life...
Learn
what a "typical" day is like working in a veterinary career
Part of a continuing series.
See the archive for more Day in the
Life stories.
As the About.com
guide to Veterinary Medicine, I frequently get emails from students and
those contemplating career changes asking what the veterinary profession
is like. There are many aspects to the veterinary profession, and this
week, a veterinary technician shares what it is like to care for patients
and other common duties of this career.
I am a certified
veterinary technician, and work in a small animal/exotics practice in
Colorado. I worked for a vet clinic during high school, and enjoyed
it very much, and decided that veterinary medicine was for me. I love
the nursing aspect, and so being a technician is perfect for me.
My duties include:
- working in surgery
(prepping, assisting, monitoring anesthesia, recovery, cleaning instruments
and packing surgical packs)
- assisting the
doctors with various procedures
- performing technical
procedures (blood draws, IV catheter placement, general nursing
care, etc.)
- lab work
(blood, urine, feces)
- front desk work
(phones, checking clients/patients in and out, filing, etc.)
- general "stuff"
around the hospital (cleaning, laundry, stocking drawers and cupboards,
etc.).
The best aspect
of my work is seeing my patients feeling good -- especially the ones
that have come through serious illnesses and traumas, and go home healthy
with their families. I also love seeing people overjoyed at being able
to take that pet home!
The worst parts
of my work is the suffering and death we encounter. It is very hard
to nurse and take care of a patient that dies; and euthanasia is difficult
for everyone involved - staff, owner and animal.
Another hard aspect
of veterinary medicine is the stupidity and ignorance of some owners
-- letting serious conditions go for days or weeks before coming in
(they don't think things are serious or they just don't want to spend
a lot of money "on a dog"), requesting euthanasia with no good medical
reason, etc.
--- Janella, Veterinary
Technician
Many thanks
to Janella for taking the time to share what a typical vet tech day is
like at her clinic!
If you are
a veterinarian, veterinary technician or student, please submit
your story and share what YOUR day is like -- it not only helps those
aspiring to be in a veterinary career, it serves to enlighten pet owners
just what goes on behind-the-scenes at a typical (or not-so-typical?)
vet clinic.
Additional
Reading:
Long
Distance Learning 
Earn your Veterinary Technology degree on campus or via the web. An
interview with Guy Hancock, DVM, MEd. the Program Director for the Veterinary
Technology Distance Education Program at St. Petersburg Junior College
in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Veterinary
Technician Links
For more information about a career in Veterinary Technology
Pre-Vet
and Career Forum
Stop by for advice, support, or to just vent your school frustrations!
Veterinary
Career Links
For information on becoming a veterinarian and veterinary careers
in general
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