Expectations about job shadowing at a SA clinic

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Tegan05

Tegan05

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I have an interview set up next week with the office manager of a local small animal vet clinic.

She wanted to discuss our expectations and make sure everything is going to be a good fit for both myself, and the clinic.

While I have plenty of large animal and some wildlife experience, I have never shadowed in a small animal clinic before. So, what should I expect?

Is it normal for shadows to have no to minimal contact with the animals and just observe the vets and ask questions later? Or do most shadows get to experience animal contact and help the vet, and work a little more like a vet tech?

I know it depends on the state (I'm in Florida) and the liability concerns with the clinic. From the discussions I've had with the office manager, it sounds like she is concerned mostly about liability and taking work away from her normal staff. I am assuming her expectations would be to have me just shadowing the vet with minimal animal interaction.

Is this normal? Should I look for a different clinic that is a little more lax about formalities and would give me more hands on experience?
 
If you are just getting started, this is a great way to get your foot in the door. Just observe and ask questions when appropriate. Maybe you can help clean sometimes, but really, just be present and friendly. Best case scenario: you get offered a job at some point! Otherwise, you list the shadowing experience on a job application for another clinic.

Tell the vet that you are okay with doing as much or as little as she wants, and that you understand the whole liability thing (and will abide by whatever rules are set forth by the clinic).

It's fine to shadow first. After enough hours, you might want to pursue deeper involvement (or employment) there or at another clinic.
 
My only SA experience was shadowing at a clinic, so I understand where you're coming from. When I shadowed, I was shown how to restrain the dogs and cats for exams and, if they knew it was an "easy" patient, they would let me restrain the patient on my own. I learned how to do perform and read fecals, do the pre-anesthesia blood tests, etc. I was also allowed to watch spays, neuters, declaws, dentals, etc. I also helped out cleaning the tables in between patients, etc.

So basically, I would expect to get a little bit of hands-on work (restraining patients, etc.), but to expect your shadowing experience to be just that -- a shadow. I might have gotten a little bit of more hands on work because the vet that I was shadowing I have known for a long time. Also, try and make friends with the "head" vet tech -- that can definitely play to your advantage if they like you and will invite you to help them do more stuff. Good luck!
 

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hunterjumper12 said:
Also, try and make friends with the "head" vet tech -- that can definitely play to your advantage if they like you and will invite you to help them do more stuff. Good luck!
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Definitely agree with this one, but I apply it to all the staff members. Plus, the more they all like you, the better you look if/when a job opens up (and they may even start bugging the vet or whoever does the hiring to hire you).

It's nice the office manager wants to lay down expectations before you start. It can be difficult to figure out what's expected of you if they just invite you in without discussing things first. Anyway, I'd just go with the flow and follow what they want, possibly building up to being more hands-on in the future.
 
Tegan05 said:
Is it normal for shadows to have no to minimal contact with the animals and just observe the vets and ask questions later? Or do most shadows get to experience animal contact and help the vet, and work a little more like a vet tech?
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In my experience, it varies considerably, and can even vary within the clinic you're at. One doctor I shadow treats me a little like a tech and utilizes me as an extra pair of arms/legs. Another prefers that I don't restrain, but still gets me involved in treatment and exams.

I think your best approach is to let them know you're open to participating as much or as little as they'd like. Be friendly, be curious, bring a cheerful attitude with you, and just see if you like the place. Also, remember that you're a new face to them, too - they may keep you at arm's length until they're comfortable with you and confident in your demeanor and ability. When I started shadowing I felt a little like I didn't really belong there and I was imposing on them. Now, people ask where I was if I miss one of my normal days.
 
LetItSnow said:
In my experience, it varies considerably, and can even vary within the clinic you're at. One doctor I shadow treats me a little like a tech and utilizes me as an extra pair of arms/legs. Another prefers that I don't restrain, but still gets me involved in treatment and exams.

I think your best approach is to let them know you're open to participating as much or as little as they'd like. Be friendly, be curious, bring a cheerful attitude with you, and just see if you like the place. Also, remember that you're a new face to them, too - they may keep you at arm's length until they're comfortable with you and confident in your demeanor and ability. When I started shadowing I felt a little like I didn't really belong there and I was imposing on them. Now, people ask where I was if I miss one of my normal days.
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I had the exact opposite experience, just to chime in.

A lot of practices won't let you touch anything, which can be entirely weird.

If they're liability conscious, you'll be doing a whole lot of not a whole lot.

But, that aside, it's a good way to meet people. And you can talk yourself onto the short list for a real job if it opens up.
 
At the vet clinic I work at you can not touch the animals unless you are employed. The liability is too great of a risk. Even people that are there for working interviews can not touch the animals. Even if you can't get much "hands on" experience there are plenty of things you can do. As mentioned above: reading fecals, running bloodwork, even cleaning (yes boring, but it is a HUGE help and looks good to the staff working there). You will also get to just stand back and observe which is something that I never get to do because I am required to work. So, you will actually get to watch spays, neuters, dentals, wound repairs, c-sections, etc and no body will be asking you to get back to work 😉. Take advantage of being able to just watch, listen and ask questions; it is a great opportunity even if the experience isn't as "hands on" as you would like and it is a great foot in the door. Have fun!! 🙂
 
Thanks everyone! Unfortunately I am only in town for the summer, so I'm not really a candidate for a job in the future at this clinic.

I will have to find out what days they do the most surgeries and try to shadow at those times. I would probably learn a lot more watching surgeries and procedures rather than just watching exams and vaccines.

It's going to be a new experience for me as I have done a lot of equine work, and those vets always need help! They work my butt off with holding x-ray plates, assisting in surgeries, holding and restraining horses, etc.

Anyway, thanks for all the advice. I will go in Wednesday with an open mind, but it sounds pretty normal for the small animal clinics to be a little less hands-on.
 
Tegan05 said:
I will have to find out what days they do the most surgeries and try to shadow at those times. I would probably learn a lot more watching surgeries and procedures rather than just watching exams and vaccines.
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Surgery is fun (as is dentistry.... I'm surprised at how interesting it is to me), but I wouldn't underestimate the value in being in exams.

I pay very close attention to how the vets communicate with clients, and how well it appears to be received/understood by the client. I've got notes at home that includes phrases/techniques that appeared to work well, and those that didn't work so well. I'm constantly learning how to effectively talk to clients and I pick up all sorts of practical tips that eventually I'll be passing on to people. Sure, a lot of it gets repetitive, but more often than not there's *something* to gain.
 
Another thing to remember. There are tons of vet clinics and you want to find the right one for you. I have shadowed at clinics that did not fit me. Such as shadowing a vet that is old and cranky and told me that I would not be a good vet because I am a woman. Or a vet fresh out of vet school that was trying to figure things out for herself and who was not comfortable enough to really explain things to me.

Then I found the perfect vet for me- one who knew what he was doing and was happy with his job. He has always encouraged me and set me on the right path. He has taught me more about vet med then anyone other vet in the area probably could.

I know a few pre-vet students that switched their majors because the vet they shadowed told them too-because THEY were unhappy with their job. These students would have been great vets but they were not given the correct encouragement.

If you meet the vet and he/she is not a good fit for you, look around at other practices. Find a vet that is happy, knowledgeable, and find a practice with good reviews. You want a vet that is doing things right and making clients happy.
 
Like people have said, be flexible. The biggest thing about shadowing (in my opinion) is the relationship you have with the vet. I wouldn't want to shadow someone who literally treated me as a shadow and didn't speak to me or make an effort to answer my questions. On the other hand, don't expect them to just feed you everything - you have to be engaged too! If you can establish a good relationship with the vet, I think you'll be able to get the most out of the experience, even without animal contact.
 
I think it really depends on the clinic.

I got really lucky- started shadowing the summer after my junior year of high school at a well-recommended 3 doctor clinic here in Memphis. Didn't really have any expectations as I was new to all things veterinary at that point.

Everyone was so nice and welcoming. I started out doing a lot of tentative watching, but I was soon being asked to do things and drawn out of my shell. I started by cleaning exam tables and cages and such but was soon filling prescriptions for doctors, holding animals in exams, running slides, even collecting fecal & blood samples. I quickly became comfortable in the clinic.

My favorite experience so far at this clinic has been scrubbing up for a splenectomy. One of the doctors actually let me assist by holding up the spleen for her in surgery while she tied off vessels. I was blown away by how involved everyone was willing to let me be. And this was when I was just shadowing.

At the beginning of this summer I emailed the manager and told her I was looking for paid work this summer involving vet experience, and if there was anything available there could I apply? She just emailed back with "of course we'll find you some hours." Ha! I'm still not really used to how casual and personable they can be there.

So now I work where I used to shadow and it has been a very positive experience 🙂 I say go in with an open mind and take every opportunity thrown at you. You never know where it might lead. I have shadowed in clinics where I never touched an animal, but I am still glad to have had the experience. It's great any time you can talk to a vet. Good luck! 🙂
 
MadMagnolia said:
That's hilarious. The best part is he will probably be replaced by a woman.
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My mom actually told me that I should buy his clinic when I get out of school. Its in a great location and it could use some changes for sure.
 
CarpeDiem89 said:
My mom actually told me that I should buy his clinic when I get out of school. Its in a great location and it could use some changes for sure.
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FOR REAL. Sometimes karma needs a little human help 😉
 
Everyone's made some really good points! The first clinic I shadowed at was really awkward. The vet was a friend of my dad's who was basically doing this as a favor for him. The techs were incredibly cliquey and they talked about the clients and the vets behind their backs. I usually held up the counter or positioned myself in surgery because no one was really willing to teach me anything and I felt like I was in the way. At the shelter I'm volunteering at, it is the complete opposite. Everyone goes out of their way to teach me how to do things and to tell me the science behind interesting cases, etc. Night and day. Don't be afraid to move on if the clinic you're shadowing at isn't a good fit for you!

I would also second that the experience is what you make of it. Even if you can't touch an animal, make it interesting by asking about the science, the reasons for clinical decisions, and why the vet chose to approach an issue from the way they did. You can always learn something! Good luck 🙂
 
+1 here as well re: getting to know the head vet tech. When the head vet tech gets comfortable with you, in my experience, they'll train you how to do things the right way. Make sure you understand WHY things are done a certain way and then procedures will make more sense. Unfortunately, to some, a procedure is just a procedure without any rhyme or reason. That's when mistakes happen.

Take a notepad with you and mark down terms you're unfamiliar with that you can easily research later. It will definitely help you down the road.

If you can, try to shadow at a smaller practice. I imagine they'll ask you to be a bit more hands-on especially when they're slammed between 5-6p when 10 people are in the reception area and only 2 techs are working. Plus, you feel like you're contributing and it will be fun!!!

Don't be discouraged if you're shot down when applying as small animal hospitals are bombarded with applications from pre-vets/volunteers. Last, I think it's important to keep in contact (ie check in with them providing a friendly update on what's new with you ... but try to avoid asking for a job every time as that may be annoying) with hospitals even if a position is not offered. That way they'll remember you when you contact them and more than likely have you visit.

Go get 'em!!

scb44f said:
Definitely agree with this one, but I apply it to all the staff members. Plus, the more they all like you, the better you look if/when a job opens up (and they may even start bugging the vet or whoever does the hiring to hire you).

It's nice the office manager wants to lay down expectations before you start. It can be difficult to figure out what's expected of you if they just invite you in without discussing things first. Anyway, I'd just go with the flow and follow what they want, possibly building up to being more hands-on in the future.
Click to expand...
 
Just an update... the meeting went well and I have a "job". This is the first time the clinic has ever taken shadows (not in a college town) so I'm kind of the experimental guinea pig here.

I am scheduled for 10 hour days twice a week for a month. I'm hoping if things go well they will consider extending it, but even so, 80 extra hours is still helpful.

8am to 6pm... I'll know what it's like to be a real working vet now. 😱

Overall though, I think they put a lot of thought into it, I'm going to get to do a bit of everything, and they have five vets working so there should be a lot to see.
 
NStarz said:
Don't be afraid to move on if the clinic you're shadowing at isn't a good fit for you!
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I whole-heartedly agree. I had a pretty miserable experience at a large specialty/emergency hospital where everyone pretty much ignored me. They could have cared less whether I was there or not and I got tired of having to worm my way into the pack to see what was going on with any particular case. So I spent about 15 hours there and left. Some of the techs were nice though, got to hear some interesting war stories. And I got to observe one surgery from outside the room through a tiny window. :laugh:

Tegan05 said:
Just an update... the meeting went well and I have a "job". This is the first time the clinic has ever taken shadows (not in a college town) so I'm kind of the experimental guinea pig here.

I am scheduled for 10 hour days twice a week for a month. I'm hoping if things go well they will consider extending it, but even so, 80 extra hours is still helpful.

8am to 6pm... I'll know what it's like to be a real working vet now. 😱

Overall though, I think they put a lot of thought into it, I'm going to get to do a bit of everything, and they have five vets working so there should be a lot to see.
Click to expand...

Glad to hear it! Hope it turns out to be a great learning experience.
 
Tegan05 said:
Just an update... the meeting went well and I have a "job". This is the first time the clinic has ever taken shadows (not in a college town) so I'm kind of the experimental guinea pig here.

I am scheduled for 10 hour days twice a week for a month. I'm hoping if things go well they will consider extending it, but even so, 80 extra hours is still helpful.

8am to 6pm... I'll know what it's like to be a real working vet now. 😱

Overall though, I think they put a lot of thought into it, I'm going to get to do a bit of everything, and they have five vets working so there should be a lot to see.
Click to expand...


Haha... I'm working the 8-6 shift tomorrow! Its a long day...!
2x 10hr shifts a week is probably a good way to start out. At the end of a 10 hour day you're usually pretty tired and so doing it 5x a week straight away is a lot to get used to! Enjoy the experience, ask lots of questions at pertinent times ( i cant stand shadowing students who dont ask questions!) write lots of stuff down. Keep a diary of what you see and do each day. And dont be too eager to do tech stuff... I would gladly let someone else restrain animals and run bloods to be allowed to watch consults and surgerys and hang out with the vets all day! So even if it seems like you're missing out, and that looks like the "fun stuff", dont be fooled - you're not there to be a tech, you're there to learn what its like to be a vet, so make the most of actually shadowing and dont rush into converting into a tech!

Edit: And dont forget to wear super comfy shoes! And eat and pee when you can - you might not get a second chance lol!
 
Just a little tip:

If you're at a larger, or well established clinic in you area, they probably get a fairly endless parade of high school students and other shadowers. In my area, it's a class requirement for students in vet tech. and assistant programs to do shadowing while getting their certifications.

Make sure the staff knows you're there because you want to be, and because you're looking at post-grad. When I started shadowing, I got a fairly cold staff reception at 2 places, because (I found out later) they assumed I was filling some 2 year requirement, and would be gone immediately.

So, it's mostly just restating what's been said, but talk to people, especially the active medical staff, and make sure they understand why you're there, and that you're a serious, professional person.
 
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