October 9-15, 2011 is National Veterinary Technician Week according to the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America.
It is a week set aside to recognize the contributions made by vet techs as well as veterinarians, assistants and practice managers. It also provides the public with a chance to learn what vet techs do on a daily basis.
“Vet techs play a key role in any veterinarian practice and they are the people that you most likely will interact with the most when you visit your vet.”
While I am not a RVT (registered vet tech) I am a vet assistant and with proper training (over 6 years), I perform many tasks that an RVT does and each day is a learning experience.
It always warms my heart when I am referred to as the “Dog Nurse” by clients. A nurse to me, is a very gifted person who cares for humans. They perform a job that I personally never could do. So to be referred to one is very special.
Case in point.
I can tell you on any given day how much Benadryl your dog can safely have if needed. It has been embedded in my brain
In order to give my child Benadryl, I have to read the package 50 times, and sometimes even call the doctor to check the dose.
I can stare all day at your dogs laceration on his leg, clean it and watch it be sutured.
When Bobby was little he fell off his bike and had a huge cut on his arm. When I saw his cut I ran to the bathroom and puked.
If your pet is choking, I know exactly what to do, without out even thinking twice about it.
A few months ago Gracie was choking on a piece of chicken. I picked her up and handed her to my husband because I was shaking so bad.
It’s safe to say that I am better with animals than with people.
So in honor of NVTC week I thought it would be fun to answer some frequently asked questions I get asked by people about my job:
What do you do on a daily basis?
-On a daily basis I can be seen giving belly rubs to many patients, drawing blood, expressing anal glands, taking x-rays, filling prescriptions, monitoring anesthesia, administering medications, stealing kisses from cute puppies. snuggling with kittens, trimming nails, typing notes, setting up slides for the vet, just to name a few.
What is your favorite animal to see:
-Besides a dog, I would have to say a sugar glider is my favorite. They are just so darn cute!!
What is your least favorite animal to see:
-I don’t really have a least favorite animal, I like them all, but birds make me a little nervous.
What is the strangest animal you have seen?
-A few weeks ago we saw a set of skunks. That was pretty cool.
What is your favorite thing to do at work?
-Meet new puppies and kittens of course! and provide owners with pet education.
What is your least favorite thing to do at work?
-I don’t really have a least, I enjoy everything that I do.
Have you ever been bitten?
-Yes. Being bitten and scratched comes with the job, but we are trained to try and avoid this happening too often. We are taught how to look for the warning signs of a pet that is not happy and to use proper restraining techniques to keep everyone safe. But just like with everything, accidents do happen.
Have you ever been attacked?
-Unfortunately, yes. Just a few months ago by a Boxer. The vet was performing a routine exam when all of a sudden the dog lunged at her and bit her face. Just as fast as he bit her he turned his attention to me and as I was getting up to turn away he jumped on my back and knocked me to the ground. My first instinct was to put my hands behind my head because I had a ponytail in and I didn’t want him to grab that. Lucky I did this because my elbows protected my neck, which was what he was going for.
The vet was able to quickly pull him off me and all I had was a few scratches. The worst part about this was that the owner who was standing there watching the scene said, ” Great. Now I am going to have to find another vet again. This is the 3rd time this has happened.”
Like I said before accidents happen, but ignorance is another thing.
I can honestly say that I LOVE my job, and while some days are better than others, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
Have any other questions for me about my job? I would be happy to answer them!
AND…don’t forgot that if you are visiting your vet this week, give your tech a smile and a thank you……….. and maybe some cookies:)
