/r/Veterinary
News for veterinarians
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/r/Veterinary
Hi! Just had some general questions on how to go about a rotating internship before I meet with an advisor so I have a general understanding. In short, I’m a current 3rd year and want to specialize in ophthalmology. I was wondering if anyone had strong opinions on a private vs institutional internship. I know the pay is way better for private, but knowing I have to do a 3 year residency afterwards, is getting my name out at universities a better choice? I’ve also heard the mentorship at universities are better because of their requirements. Any advice on where I can learn more about this or anything you wish you knew beforehand?
Hello everyone...of course I know you need to be registered in the RCVS first. I'm planning in doing that of course but I'm doing a lot of research...if after I have my rcvs membership it will be too hard or not to get a job. I'm an equine specialist I have 11 years of experience, lots of international externship, some internships in surgery, sport medicine, etc. I just want to have an idea if it will be worth to register and everything. I like the UK a lot I know you can make a lot more in the US and Canada but at this point in my life (I'm 37 no kids) I want to live in a place that feels like a good fit for me. I spent 6 months in the UK, 6 months in Canada and 6 months in the US...by far I prefer the UK so that's why I chose to validate there. Money is not a main purpose...
that being said that...haha give me your thoughts please. Thanks!
Hey everyone,
Looking for some advice here. Earlier this year, I became a vet tech/assistant at a veterinary clinic after quitting my corporate job. I was extremely burnt out and depressed and chose this in order to find a more fulfilling career and see if I really wanted to be a veterinarian. Actually, it was only earlier this year that I thought of becoming a veterinarian (kind of hit me like an epiphany) due to my love for animals.
I am now feeling some doubt and hesitation about my choice after being at the clinic for a few months. While I enjoy helping the veterinarians and animals as well as learning new things on the job, I'm constantly exhausted and tired and don't feel like I have the bandwidth to do much besides work, eat, and sleep in order to pay my rent. I used to work a pretty standard 9-5 with enough time for hobbies and friends. I made an annual salary of 85K and have taken a huge pay cut to be where I am now. This has caused a lot of financial stress for me--I even started dipping into my savings--and I'm starting to wonder if I really have what it takes to be a veterinarian. I'm lucky in that if I chose to go to vet school, my parents would help out but I'm wondering if it's worth 4 years of intense studying and no pay.
Has anyone else been in a similar situation/or had similar thoughts and has any advice to offer? What did you end up doing? TIA!
Please post your questions about vet school, vet tech/nursing school, how to get in etc in this monthly thread.
Hello all, I am considering working for PDSA and I would love to hear some experiences from former or current employees? Did you get experience ? Was it manageable case load wise ? Did you have the chance to do surgery? Thank you !
Happy holidays.
Anyone got any good ideas for veterinary themed toys for kiddos 5 - 7 and 8 - 10.
I got them a veterinary anatomy coloring book last year. Somome else got them a kids veterinary tools set.
One kid is into Legos the other kid is into training their dog? Ideas?
My case is two young girls who love their big black lab and want to be vets when they grow up. They are also scary smart with the vet stuff we've shown them to date.
Throwaway account because my main has pictures of my pets and I know staff at my workplace use Reddit.
I started working as a receptionist at a small, locally owned vet clinic about three months ago. For the most part, I find the job fulfilling and I’m quite happy with it even though I’m kept very busy.
When I was hired, the two previous receptionists were both leaving and one of their replacements was already hired. I was kind of thrown into things quickly; I had a week of training where I was only working mornings as I was still finishing up my final two weeks at my previous job (the vet clinic needed me to start as soon as possible due to both the previous receptionists leaving). Over the last few weeks, I’ve started to get the impression that I was hired because they had to hire someone and were running out of time, whereas the other receptionist was hired because they genuinely wanted to hire her. I notice it through small things such as my work being nitpicked, a preference/favouritism towards the other receptionist, other staff coming to her and teaching/training her on things and not me (sometimes followed by them being frustrated I did not know said things), being told I should do things the way she wants things done even if there’s a more effective way for myself as she’s considered my superior (since she started a week before me). It’s been difficult but I’ve been finding my way through navigating it to the best of my ability. The biggest struggle is that there’s not much I can do about these issues as the first time I brought it up to the owner, I was told that she is my superior and I am to follow her direction, and that they may relay things solely to her as she has more seniority over me…
Yesterday, that receptionist put in one weeks notice as she got another job and they wanted her to start immediately. A few moments after she spoke to the owner (who is one of the vets at the clinic), the owner pulled me aside to speak to me and make me aware. During this conversation, I was told there was some concerns about my work. I won’t lie, there’s definitely areas I can improve on and that I’ve been working to improve on. But, that whole conversation made me feel very defeated.
One concern that was brought up was that I haven’t been accurate with the information I’ve been providing in client communication notes and appointment notes. Other than being more throughout and taking notes during the call (something I’ve already been doing the entire time, but now will be getting a dedicated notepad for so I can have a “paper trail” for the future), I’m not quite sure how to handle this. In more than one occasion, a client has not been clear on what they would like and I have to essentially play Sherlock Holmes to get it out of them. The owner brought up an instance with one particular client who insisted they wanted their pet to be euthanized… however, on the call, they only stated to me that they wanted their pet seen and examined. The owner explained they are inclined to believe the client as they were a long term client, which I do understand, but it puts me in a difficult position where there are clients who aren’t being fully transparent.
Another one of the concerns brought up was that the other receptionist finds me slow, as in slow to complete my work and slow to learn things. This one stung a bit, and I ended up opening up to the owner a bit about personal struggles (recent miscarriage that I was going through while the other receptionist was out sick for a week, end of my long term relationship, my mom being diagnosed with cancer) that could play a factor in this. The owner did express their sympathy. I also explained how I will do certain things in a slightly different way than the other receptionist and perhaps there is some miscommunication on what method may be better, to which I was told (again) essentially that she is my superior and I should follow her lead. I feel a bit defeated at this point. The files and paperwork (our clinic is a bit old school in ways) are several days ahead (as of right now, everything is prepped up until Tuesday and some of Wednesday’s is done too; prior to us being hired things were always done the day before). As I mentioned, there was a week where the other receptionist was out sick, and I had still managed to keep us ahead of files and paperwork while managing the reception desk by myself, even while going through person struggles. I’m the only one who knows how to process returns as the other receptionist cannot remember how, so I am often doing it for her. I am also the only one who does (and potentially knows how to do) vaccine reminders and flea/tick medication reminders. I feel to say I am slow would be an understatement of my actual job performance, but, I am put in a difficult position so I did not argue it and just promised to do better in the future.
The reason I sought out this job is I would love to work with animals as a career, and I was heavily considering going to school to become a RVT. My experience so far at this clinic has made me reconsider if that’s what I want to do. I feel as if I am never doing good enough. The favouritism and cliquiness I’ve experienced and heard about has been worse than any other field I’ve worked in. Some days, at the worst, it’s demeaning.
I guess I’m looking for guidance, advice, opinions, etc. What would be my best steps going forward? Is there any other receptionists or vet staff who have had similar experiences? How did you handle it? What are some ways I can improve at my job? Anything advise and constructive criticism is welcomed.
I hope this is the right place to ask. Basically, I’m a freshman in college and I want to specialize in veterinary radiology in the future. I wasn’t even aware that there are vet rad technicians until I did a bit more research, but I wanted to know if anyone here has experience with what you have to do to be a vet rad tech? Is residency shorter than if you’re choosing to be a vet rad? The only difference between the two that I’m aware of is that you only need an associate’s degree to be a rad tech.
Edit: thanks for the replies!! I know this was probably a dumb question lol but I still wasn’t too clear on the differences.
LA vets! Mainly those who work in cold areas like northern midwest :) What are some staple pieces you have for when you’re working outdoors? Any brands you love and trust? I’m looking into getting insulated bibs, and of course making sure I have layers of warm clothing for those cold days I’m outside. What would you recommend?
Looking for some advice. I’m an ER vet with 11yrs experience (7 of these in GP). My old GP clinic was acquired by a corporation and I decided to move to an ER within the same city and corporation 4 years ago. I did it for the better pay, excitement of ER and change of pace.
I really enjoy ER but over the years the fees we charge have climbed frequently and often and continue to do so. We have undergone several manager changes in this time and recently lots of cut backs to things like equipment quality, hours for support staff, snacks provided etc.
Under the most recent management of which there is nepotism, our vet schedule has changed to a point where I am now on nights every week with frequent 1 day change overs to a day shift then back to nights. I also have a baby at home (8mths) and a toddler. I never struggled with burn out before however in the past few months since our schedule changed I am very much struggling. I feel like I am never alert, my sleep is very haphazard and messed up from the frequent change overs from night to day and trying to spend time with my family, I feel nauseous and anxious often.
I have brought my concerns to management on multiple occasions over the past few months and am always promised things will be better and so far it has never been better. Most of the other vets are feeling similar from my conversations with them and have been gradually voicing their opinions as well to management. So far there is no sign that anything is going to change and there has been no communication to us about upcoming changes to address this.
I’m trying to decide if I should go back to GP in a privately owned practice however I am positive this will mean a significant pay cut as I am very well compensated both in salary and benefits. Not to mention we are currently single income with my partner on mat leave.
Just looking for support or advice I guess.
Hi everyone!
Just wondering if anyone here is an SQP/RAMA from vca/vn?
I’m wondering if the change is worth it or if there is anything I should consider before enrolling.
I struggle with physical side of my role and the hospital I work in has a specific dispensary so a sole sqp role could be a possibility, or hybrid with my clinical role.
My wonderful wife graduated with her DVM this year and started working this month. She’s at a small animal practice. I’m looking for ideas of gifts to get her for Christmas and would appreciate your input.
She has picked out a new stethoscope that I’m ordering but I want to surprise her with something else work related as well.
Any ideas? What would you want?
She loves to read so I have made a list of books from scrolling other posts but I’m not sure which would be the best. I’ll probably get them all eventually but which one to start?
Feeling pretty terrible after my exam today. I only felt confident about maybe 20% of the questions, where I immediately knew the answers. The rest of the exam made me feel so unprepared and clueless. My ICVA practice exam scores were between 450-560, so I thought I had a shot at this—but clearly not.
Has anyone else felt this way and still passed? I can’t imagine doing this again in April. The exam was just way too long and mentally draining. On top of that, there were way more pig-related questions than I expected. I thought it was supposed to be around 15 questions, but it felt like way more. I don’t even know where to start if I have to study again.
So, I finished vet school last year, and immediately went to work with horses because that was my dream but I decided it wasn't the area I could work in (the pay was horrible, the hours so heavy, and the doctors were rude and misogynist in my country and seemed to relish in bullying young vets) so I am currently working in two hospitals in internal medicine, specifically in the hospital area taking care of patients.
I have learned to love small animal practice, always liked it but now that I have worked there I love it. The animals are great, the medicine is way more in depth that in equine medicine (in my country), owners tend to want to actually treat their animals more than in other areas, and the pay is still bad but better than in large animals(hours are still over 60+ but can't complain compared to some of my friends). Now I want to specialize, I want to earn more as well as find a passion. I have dipped my finger in everything, from reproduction to surgery to orthopedics to physiotherapy and even oncology but I can't seem to find anything that pulls me. I just enjoy everything so I was now thinking what would be a better field where I can earn a good wage and still interact with patients. Any suggestions and input about your own fields is greatly appreciated as well as where I can study or how to even get into your field. I'm still open to equine medicine but afraid that the doctors in other countries will still be just as hostile.
The areas that have sort of pulled me are neonatology, reproduction, oncology, and ophthalmology. I have a tender heart in the sense that I love every patient I meet no matter how much of an a-hole they are and I feel it makes me work even harder to provide the best care, I stay for every euthanasia so they can feel someone with them and have stayed way past overtime to make sure patients are set up for success. I say this so you can see what sort of veterinarian I am and want to continue being.
Hello! Wondering if anybody here has ever rotated through Oklahoma City Zoo for an externship and how they liked it?
I have been working in veterinary as a kennel assistant for three years now, the last 6 months I have spent at my current practice with a view to starting a nursing apprenticeship. Fast forward to now, I've been a student nurse for few months and go to college once a week.
When I was a kennel assistant they kept me on middle of the day shifts like 9-5 or 10-6 and I had no real responsibilities. As soon as I became a student, I spent about a month doing some shadowing of the nurses monitoring anaesthetics and shadowed a couple of patient discharges before I was put on as the sole nurse on those shifts.
On a late shift, 11- 7, we recover patients, take handovers, write discharge notes and discharge the patients to their owners with post-op instructions and medications. My first late shift, I'd never been taught how to write discharge notes, no one had ever monitored me doing a discharge and I hadn't been taught how to close down at the end of the day. I was absolutely out of my depth. Plus a nurse was off sick so I was the only "nurse" on site for an hour and a half at the end of the day. I went home and cried.
I am now put on the surgery shift too, spending all day in theatre or dental or imaging, preparing for ops, monitoring anaesthetics, recovering patients and giving handovers to the late nurses. It is so overwhelming doing this on my own with minimal experience.
I had an awful situation the other day where something went wrong with an anaesthetic whilst the vet was performing surgery and I suddenly realised that I have absolutely no idea what to do in an emergency. I've mentioned this before but am told that's what the vet is there for and the vet will guide me. That is absolutely no use in an emergency situation, I need to somewhat know what I'm doing in order to assist the vet, surely?
I'm just feeling so absolutely overwhelmed it's horrific, I cried all evening yesterday because of it and dreaded college today. I keep thinking of dropping out and it's breaking my heart. I've wanted to be a vet nurse for three years now and suddenly I want to quit because I'm not getting the support I need.
My other worry is that I love the extra responsibilities, especially being in theatre and being involved with investigations and surgery and I'm afraid if I ask for more support that will all be taken away from me again and I'll just be like a kennel assistant. I don't want my bosses to think it's easier just to keep me off of those shifts or to think I've not got what it takes to be a nurse.
If anyone could give me some help or advice I'd really appreciate it, thank you.
Hi there everyone, just looking for some advice on management of anxiety during my first placement in a mixed practice vet clinic.
I find myself balking when given opportunities to learn hands on (ie sedating a horse, scrubbing in for surgery). I feel like I'm not quick enough nor wise enough to do anything that I'm being offered to do experience wise and I feel terrible turning down the amazing vets that are trying to give me learning opportunities.
Basically what I'm asking is; has anyone experienced this before and do they have any advice?
I really want to get the most out of this placement but I just keep freezing up when the opportunity is given to me.
I hope everyone is having a lovely week and thanks in advance to anyone who offers their advice or experiences!
Hello all. I am a student and have been shadowing a veterinarian for over a month now (40+ hours per week). I'd really like to get her something as a thank you but as a student, I'm on a budget. I'm artistic, so I thought about drawing something? What sort of small thank you gift would be appreciated and not just unwanted clutter?
Hi everyone - just hoping to get an idea from people what the current hourly rates are for locum work in BC or on Vancouver Island? I have 5 years experience and am an independant high producing vet, particularly in surgery and dentistry. Trying to figure out if my rate is standard, above average, or if I could be asking for more? Thanks a lot
Given that you have your NAVLE passed, license obtained and went through the PAVE/ECFVG pathway but not a US citizen, is it difficult to find a clinic in major cities that will sponsor your visa?
Hi everyone, I’m a recent veterinary graduate, and I could really use some advice.
I recently interviewed at a practice that’s a four-hour drive from my family’s place, and I absolutely loved it. The team there was incredibly supportive and welcoming, and I feel like I could thrive in that environment. They’ve already extended an offer, and I’m seriously considering it.
However, I also have another interview scheduled in two weeks at a practice that’s just an hour away from where my family and I are currently living. While I haven’t interviewed there yet, the closer location is obviously more convenient for me and my family.
I’m feeling torn about what to do. Should I accept the first offer and forgo the second interview, or should I ask for more time to decide and wait to see how the second interview goes? I don’t want to miss out on a great opportunity, but I also don’t want to make a rushed decision.
Any advice on how to navigate this situation would be much appreciated!
Full-Time veterinary assistant of 3 years and I get this question constantly. Recently it's been from someone who is a casual friend but doesn't ask how I'm doing or how things are going or the usual just small talk. "Is ringworm contagious?" "Even if I was my hands?" "Is this new patch on my pet more ringworm?"
I feel guilty, but politely told him it would be best to go to a veterinarian and get them to check out the pet since I can't legally diagnose. I can tell you what I THINK it is, but that's not super helpful if I'm wrong, and let's face it, I'm not a doctor.
They apologized and said I'm the only person they've got for this, which frustrates me even more because they have the money to bring this pet to be seen. I let them know I understand, but it can be really jarring to get these messages at this frequency. He was noticeably upset.
I guess TLDR, how do you cope with these sorts of questions? I find myself getting more and more frustrated with each one, and I don't want to loose my cool on a concerned owner out of frustration.
Ok sooo for those of you in residency, how do your hospitals feel about vacation time? I get 5 vacation days and 5 sick days and my boyfriend is planning a week long vacation for us 4 months into starting the first year of residency. Is this doable? Looked down upon? Not sure what’s the norm and looking for input (ECC residency btw)
Currently a second year and was just curious if there’s anything I should be doing amongst the already craziness of second year :’) THANKS!
Recent grads of 2024 how are we doing?
I started practicing 2 months ago and feel major imposter syndrome. Sometimes I feel like i'm rambling a bit too much to clients, esp if im not as confident about a topic and trying to explain. Callbacks are the worst cause I hate talking on the phone in general. Definitely feel like I'm learning a lot every day, but just feel like I'm so slow at improving. I'm always looking up drug dosages, second guessing what drugs to prescribe, checking with the other senior vets, and take awhile doing spays still...
Just can't help but feel like I should be improving at a quicker rate than I am. There's just so much new info to learn/process every day.
How's everyone feeling?
On of the associate vets at work has an expandable tool box that she carries needles, syringes, etc in. I was wondering if any vets did the same but with backpacks or other vessels. If so, any recommendations for bags with lots of pockets/compartments?
Exactly what the title says. Have been having this issue a lot lately in order to appease clients that complain about costs. Am I being a hard ass by saying this is unacceptable?
Hello all,
I’m a veterinarian completing a rotating internship. Originally, my goal was to pursue residency and specialty. I truly don’t think I’ll be happy in GP. However, recently I’ve been having doubts….specifically in relation to my personal dog.
I have a 6 year old large breed dog in impeccable health who is very active. Believe it or not, I’ve had no trouble giving him plenty of attention and exercise throughout my internship. But now that the match deadline approaches, I’m starting to get incredibly worried about upholding his quality of life as a resident. I worry that with the increased time demands of residency, he’ll spend the next 3 years (and possibly his last 3 years) just waiting for me to get home. At which point I’ll likely be exhausted and just want to sleep.
Am I crazy for questioning my goals and possibly putting my career on hold to ensure I’ll have plenty of time for my dog? This dog is incredibly special to me and I’m having a hard time with this decision.
My eyes are sore from staring at the screen all day, my joints are sore from sitting so long, and my soul ceased to exist when I finished (because what was that), but NAVLE is over. Well, hopefully 😅
can someone help me
i cant understand what to write in special disciplinary interest or publications