My First Veterinary Internship

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I'm so excited and even got a name tag and everything lol. As I look on the list they gave me, for the things that interns do, such as:

-Cleaning counter tops
-Stock Rx in Pharmacy
-Meet with patients
-Cleaning and folding laundry
-Assisting restraint
-Clean instruments
-Wash lab coats
- Cut syringes
-Setting up: Ear cytologies, fecals, Urinalysis,
-Surgery: Fill catheter flush syringe, cages, clean surgical suite, scrup/sterilize packs
-Restraint: Nail trimming, anal sac/temp., ear cleaning, SQ fluids and Cephalic Jugular and Saphenous Venipuntures.

There's a ton more, and the RVT says that I have to advocate myself, and choose what things I want to see. I really want to help with the Pharmacy though.

How can I advocate myself is a positive way? Also is it stressful? Thanks

The best advice I can come up with for you is to not be afraid to ask for help if you don't know how to do something. It may sound stupid/obvious but you'd be surprised how often people make mistakes that end up costing everyone more time and effort because they try to do something without knowing the proper way to do it, whether it's because they don't want to admit they don't know, or don't want to 'bother' the techs or whatever. Don't be that person.

Originally Posted by FantasyVesperia

How can I advocate myself is a positive way?

By becoming competent at the things they ask you to do, and then turning around and asking if you can become involved in other responsibilities that interest you.

How can I advocate myself is a positive way? Just don't be afraid to ask questions. You have to be judicious about your timing (aka don't question a treatment plan in the room with a client, but rather ask for an explanation when the vet goes to the back to fetch meds). Pay attention and ask if you can help out. Also, remember that the vet techs have a lot to teach you too. Some people only want to follow around the vet, which is fine for job shadowing. But you learn many practicals skills from the techs.

Also is it stressful? Totally depends on the clinic. Some are awesome and laid back; some are ridiculous.

Have fun!!! I would expect to be stressed out the first few weeks, because I always find new jobs stressful. But you will learn a ton about the profession and I hope you enjoy it! Don't write off vet med if you end up having bad experience. I had a terrible vet internship, and when I ranted about it, I was advised to not consider vet med at all anymore . Yeah, I just hated that clinic... the other clinics I shadow at are awesome!!!

Thanks guys. I feel so much better about this.

Do your job. You would be amazed at how far this actually gets you! Fulfill of your tasks on time and the right way. When you have down time, ask your coworkers if they need help with anything. Ask for mini projects when you are bored. Hospitals always have some kind of cleaning/organization task that gets thrown to the wayside because no one remembers/wants to do it. Be the person to do what no one else does/wants to do. That will make you stand out.

I agree with what has been said so far. Also, it may be helpful to take a small pocket notebook in case you think of questions you have or if you need to write down something interesting to look up later. Don't be afraid to ask questions or ask for help.

Originally Posted by SnowyRox

Also is it stressful? Totally depends on the clinic. Some are awesome and laid back; some are ridiculous.

Have fun!!! I would expect to be stressed out the first few weeks, because I always find new jobs stressful. But you will learn a ton about the profession and I hope you enjoy it! Don't write off vet med if you end up having bad experience. I had a terrible vet internship, and when I ranted about it, I was advised to not consider vet med at all anymore . Yeah, I just hated that clinic... the other clinics I shadow at are awesome!!!

I would definitely agree with this. I just finished an externship about a week ago and it was the worst experience I've ever had. But fortunately, this has been the exception rather than the norm for me. All of the other vet clinics I've worked at have been great!