Emergency practice summer job - help!

[Chapelle]

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I'm starting vet school this fall and I'm trying to get a summer job.

I have an interview at an emergency clinic but I have only previously worked in a really overstaffed and slow general practice and a hectic spay/neuter clinic as a tech. Before that I did kennel work.

What do you think they might ask me at the interview?

What are some major ways emergency practice differs? What specific qualities might they look for in a tech?

Thanks so much!

 

[sunnex3]

I'm starting vet school this fall and I'm trying to get a summer job.

I have an interview at an emergency clinic but I have only previously worked in a really overstaffed and slow general practice and a hectic spay/neuter clinic as a tech. Before that I did kennel work.

What do you think they might ask me at the interview?

What are some major ways emergency practice differs? What specific qualities might they look for in a tech?

Thanks so much!

I actually work in the ER at a specialty practice so fwiw I can give you some info.

Definitely have to be able to juggle many patients at a time.

Think on your feet and really fast - get help as soon as you need it.

Be prepared to be on your feet all the time.

Also ER docs can be cranky sometimes.

Be prepared to clean up all kinds of crap.

Make sure you can stick to the schedule of whatever the pet needs, otherwise if you have many patients to care for you'll get behind.

Be able to work independently, sometimes other people will be too busy with their own patients to help you.

Its stressful sometimes but soooooo much fun and really rewarding 🙂

 

[Bearby]

I'm starting vet school this fall and I'm trying to get a summer job.

I have an interview at an emergency clinic but I have only previously worked in a really overstaffed and slow general practice and a hectic spay/neuter clinic as a tech. Before that I did kennel work.

What do you think they might ask me at the interview?

What are some major ways emergency practice differs? What specific qualities might they look for in a tech?

Thanks so much!

Prepare for an job interview the same way you would for a vet school interview, they're probably going to ask you some of the same questions.
Behavioral: "tell us about a time when you saw an emergency situation building up and how did you handle it"
General: "what are your strengths and weaknesses"
Don't stress out about it too much, the people who are interviewing you are probably nervous as well, no one likes those situations.

I know that the emergency clinic in my area does like a month long training program with new hires to make sure that they know what to do when an emergency comes in and they're not in the way. I think the differences between a general practice and an emergency clinic is just that...there are emergencies, you have to be able to think on your toes. They're going to want you to be able to perform CPCR, place catheters, intubate, etc. If you don't know how to do these things, like I said, some places offer training.

Don't be too worried, you'll do fine, just make sure you're yourself in your interview and be honest. There's nothing more frustrating than hiring someone that you think can do something and realize that they can't.

 

[Chapelle]

I know that the emergency clinic in my area does like a month long training program with new hires to make sure that they know what to do when an emergency comes in and they're not in the way.

I don't know how to intubate or do CPR and I'm only ok at catheters. I think my situation might be a little different because they're hiring me as "summer help" and they know I'm starting vet school across the country in the fall? I'll only be working for them a little over two months.

 

[sunnex3]

Remember that depending on what state you're in, if you're not an LVT you can't do catheters, intubate, CPR, etc. I'm not allowed to do any of that in the ER I work at, but I can administer meds, draw blood, etc. So it depends on where you are. Some states you can do anything even if you're not an LVT

 

[crittergal]

One additional consideration is the position itself. In the clinics that I have worked at (over 10yrs ER/CC exp here), I have seen many day practice technicians apply for a position as a technician but be started as an ER asst- regardless of licensure*. I've also seen plenty of bruised egos in those techs functioning as an asst that ultimately don't stick out the learning curve.

The difference in skill set and knowledge base required between the two practice models is usually significant. Yes, I acknowledge that a *few* day practices may require that caliber from their techs, but it isn't the norm. Don't get your feathers ruffled if they feel that you would be better served starting in an asst position and progressing as training and proved competency dictates.

Also, one of the fastest ways out the door is to misrepresent your abilities. The seasoned ER techs can sniff out those folks quickly. These types of techs may not see the issue in padding their skills to get the job, but they are a hazard to their patients, and of questionable ethics. Don't be that person. Be honest about your skills and show your enthusiasm for learning. And if you value your head attached to your body, DO NOT puff up at the techs that you are better than they because you got into vet school and they're just a tech. BAD IDEA

Sunnex3 is correct about the licensure and skills permitted with it. Check your state's regs. There are vast differences in what is permitted in one vs. the other.

*What I mean is that just because someone is an RVT/CVT/LVT does not necessarily mean the clinic will permit them to perform all the duties they are legally allowed. Just because paper says you can place an arterial line, run TPN, or close post op does not mean they'll start you there right off. Conversely, if the state doesn't legally allow an unlicensed person to intubate, induce anesthesia, etc, don't EVER expect to perform those tasks.

 

[VeganSoprano]

Be able to multi-task and prioritize and be able to shift your priorities at a moment's notice. Keep busy during any downtime. Ask questions. Be able to work independently as much as possible. Be on time. Don't leave your mess for the next shift to clean up, but if it's absolutely unavoidable at least ask the next person if it's cool with them. Pack easy-to-eat food like sandwiches and cut-up fruit and veggies because often you'll only have 5-10 minutes to eat. Be humble - remember that for the purposes of work you are a relatively green tech/assistant, not a soon-to-be vet student. And have fun! The ER is awesome and will be a great learning experience.

 

[GatoGris]

I think that I'm mostly just seconding what's been said here, but just for emphasis...

1. Be honest. They may be looking for someone with more/different experience than you. Don't pretend that you know how to work as an emergency tech/nurse. They will figure out if you don't. That said, you don't want to represent yourself negatively, either. There are many skills required to work in emergency-prioritizing and multitasking are the big ones that come to mind, plus a decent understanding of basic physiology, willingness to learn, ability to get along with others, and a strong work ethic. Emphasize those qualities-while you may lack experience, being teachable is often more important.

2. Don't be surprised if they only want you to be an assistant. It doesn't necessarily reflect poorly on you. As previously mentioned, it takes a while to train someone-and it takes longer to train a nurse than an assistant. If you can only give your summer, it might not be worth if for them to invest the resources to train you properly. Of course, it might be worth it if you can come back part-time during your breaks to help out. It all depends on what they are looking for. Plus, many emergency practices/referral centers only want RVT/LVT/CVTs doing certain tasks.

3. Good luck! It sounds like this might be a great opportunity for you to learn about a different aspect of veterinary medicine and see some pretty neat stuff.

 

[GatoGris]

And if you value your head attached to your body, DO NOT puff up at the techs that you are better than they because you got into vet school and they're just a tech. BAD IDEA

I just want to note that it's not just the techs who get angry when this happens (but boy howdy, we do), but the doctors as well. Remember, the techs are part of their team, and will likely be around long after you're gone.

On a similar note, this goes for all current students going into clinicals as well. Many nurses have formed relationships with the doctors. So when you want an LOR for your internship, and word gets back to them that you're rude to the staff or don't complete your treatments...it does not reflect well on you. Not that I think anyone here would do that, but it does happen.

 

[rileydog]

Remember that depending on what state you're in, if you're not an LVT you can't do catheters, intubate, CPR, etc. I'm not allowed to do any of that in the ER I work at, but I can administer meds, draw blood, etc. So it depends on where you are. Some states you can do anything even if you're not an LVT

Just wondering where I could find regulations for my state. I did a google search but did not have much luck. I have placed catheters and intubated patients, and while I don't think anyone is breaking any rules, I'm just curious about the regulations for Florida. Thanks

 

[VeganSoprano]

I don't think FL makes any distinction between credentialed and non-credentialed support staff. The laws vary *widely* from state to state.

 

[rhinocerotidae]

I worked at an emergency practice for many years. I love emergency, it's completely different from a normal day time practice. Its a really good thing to get into, it will definitely expand you understanding of small animal medicine. Good luck with your interview!

As many people have said, being able to multitask is key!

In the interview I would image they could ask you of your previous experiences in vet med and how you can relate the skills you learned in an emergency setting. Just something to think about.
Having a general understanding of emergency before will help in the interview (ie: It's unpredictable; somedays can be completely dead while others incredibly busy. And you should always be prepared for the unexpected.)

Stress! How are you during stressful situations?

At my clinic, one of my main roles (besides assisting the vets and techs) was getting supplies ready for when an emergency were to come in (ex: set up xray, set up surgery etc). This is where multitasking and being able to work efficiently is very important. Be prepared for a lot of cleaning.

But in the interview, just be yourself.