First time Vet-Shadowing?

[aspirevet]

First of all, this is my first post, so hi everyone!

I am shadowing a vet for the first time in a few weeks. We haven't set up an official date yet, but we will soon. I will be shadowing a newer small animal vet who actually is the vet for my own dogs. However, there are multiple vets at this practice, so I'm sure I'll get to meet more than one doctor. She sounded pretty excited that I would be shadowing her when we talked on the phone 👍 She told me that 3 certain days of the week are really the best/preferred times for me to shadow this summer. She didn't specify that I could only stay for x number of hours, so I'm assuming I'd be shadowing for most of the day (again, we're still sorting out the details).

Anyway, what exactly should I wear and bring when shadowing? I've heard to bring a little notepad and pen to write things down, but I'm not sure since I'm only in high school. I've also heard not to ask questions while we're in with a client, but I've also heard not to bother the vet if they are doing surgery or look busy. Doesn't that leave little to no time to ask questions, then? I want to show them that I am interested in what they are showing me, but I don't want to bother them because I do want to continue to shadow throughout the summer (if they allow it). 😕

I will also be volunteering at a horse stables this summer when I can. I've worked with horses before, so they said they would love the extra set of hands helping out. I was wondering if this counts as "animal experience" or is experience only counted if you're with a vet?

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[Frozenshades]

Notepad and paper is a good idea but not absolutely needed; you can jot down interesting things you learn/see. As for questions, depends on the situation, depends on the vet. I've had vets who preferred quiet until what they're doing was done, but some that were more than happy to chat while doing stuff (paperwork, surgery, exams, etc). Just not around the client. You can always write a question down and then ask at a later time if the vet is too busy.

Wear whatever is appropriate for that clinic. For a small animal clinic scrubs should be fine.

Horse stable is animal experience. Most any experience with animals is animal experience. Veterinary experience is when you're with a vet.

 

[LetItSnow]

Anyway, what exactly should I wear and bring when shadowing? I've heard to bring a little notepad and pen to write things down, but I'm not sure since I'm only in high school. I've also heard not to ask questions while we're in with a client, but I've also heard not to bother the vet if they are doing surgery or look busy. Doesn't that leave little to no time to ask questions, then? I want to show them that I am interested in what they are showing me, but I don't want to bother them because I do want to continue to shadow throughout the summer (if they allow it). 😕

I will also be volunteering at a horse stables this summer when I can. I've worked with horses before, so they said they would love the extra set of hands helping out. I was wondering if this counts as "animal experience" or is experience only counted if you're with a vet?

1) You should call the clinic and ask what would be appropriate to wear when shadowing. Different clinics/doctors may prefer different things. The bonus to asking is that it lets them know that you care about having an appropriate appearance in their clinic.

2) Nothing wrong with bringing a notepad and pen, but I wouldn't bother if I were you.

3) Take your cues from the vet about asking questions. If she's busy and in the middle of talking, don't interrupt her. I probably would avoid asking many questions in a typical appointment. If you're in surgery you have to decide if she's the talkative type or the type that can't really cut and converse. There's just too many variables to give you a single answer. If it's an experienced vet doing a spay, you can probably chatter away the entire time about whatever you want. If it's an inexperienced vet doing a procedure she's never done before, you probably want to let her concentrate. Ya know? Just exercise good judgment. In my experience more often than not vets like to teach; you just have to find the moment where they have time to do it.

4) Don't ignore the techs. They have a wealth of information that's useful to learn. If your vet is busy writing up cases, go hang with a tech in the lab or something and learn how to do a fecal, etc.

5) Horsey question: It used to be that would count as Animal Experience but not Veterinary Experience, but I don't know how they're dividing that stuff up these days.

My advice with experience-building: Set aside a small notebook. Start logging all of your experience with animals, including organization/name/doctor, date, # of hours, and a general description of what you did. When it comes time to apply it will make tallying up your experience so much easier ....

 

[cs5910]

3) Take your cues from the vet about asking questions. If she's busy and in the middle of talking, don't interrupt her. I probably would avoid asking many questions in a typical appointment. If you're in surgery you have to decide if she's the talkative type or the type that can't really cut and converse. There's just too many variables to give you a single answer. If it's an experienced vet doing a spay, you can probably chatter away the entire time about whatever you want. If it's an inexperienced vet doing a procedure she's never done before, you probably want to let her concentrate. Ya know? Just exercise good judgment. In my experience more often than not vets like to teach; you just have to find the moment where they have time to do it.

4) Don't ignore the techs. They have a wealth of information that's useful to learn. If your vet is busy writing up cases, go hang with a tech in the lab or something and learn how to do a fecal, etc.

Can't stress these two enough!! Most Doctors that I shadowed with loved to teach. One Doctor even made it a requirement for my internship that I go home and research cases/conditions and he would quiz me the following day. I would wear scrubs, but I agree you should call and ask for their recommendation. You don't really need a notebook, just write down things after you shadow if you feel like you need to jot things down. In terms of asking questions, use sound judgement and feel out the Doctor who you are working with. Techs make EXCELLENT resources as well! And it is usually less intimidating to ask them questions as well 😉

 

[Leanne]

5) Horsey question: It used to be that would count as Animal Experience but not Veterinary Experience, but I don't know how they're dividing that stuff up these days.

As long as it's the same as last year, any animal experience can be counted as "Animal Experience" on the VMCAS app, unless it is owning a dog or cat, having a pet turtle, etc. "Veterinary Experience" includes anything done under the supervision of a vet OR PhD (i.e. doing research).
So yes, keep track of the hours you spend at the barn AND what you do there, so when it comes time to apply to vet school you can provide an adequate, detailed description. 🙂

 

[FantasyVesperia]

I don't wan to get in the way but I worked with a veterinarian and it was pretty sweet. The above posters pretty much hit the main topics, sorry If I'm repeating.

Many vet internships/shadowing, strongly recommend wearing scrubs, the one I worked for required a certain color, so it'll best to get information on that soon. Also, make friends with the staff, especially the vet techs. The vet techs usually do the dirty work and it's really cool to follow them and ask to help when needed. Sometimes it feels like you may be in the way, don't feel that way, you are there to learn about the profession and get familiar with it. One doctor taught me the importance of spaying and neutering one day, and then a couple of days later, during a spaying, he started to quiz me and all that good stuff. Also about asking questions, don't ask questions during examination in front of the client, it comes off as kind of rude, but you may ask after the examination.

Also take the initiative to learn more, this is your experience so take control. I wanted to learn more about veterinary pharmacy, so I helped count pills, filled prescriptions, and the different drugs given to dogs and cats.

 

[aspirevet]

Thanks everyone!

I don't know if I'll see any really intense surgeries....probably I'll see routine spays/neuters. But if there is a "different" surgery, I'll definitely keep my mouth shut since the vet might need to concentrate more. Like I said, she's a newer vet (graduated from vet school about 3 years ago), so I'm sure she's very fond of how difficult it can be to find someone to let you shadow them.

Should I ask if I can help in any way if there is down time? I wouldn't mind doing some sweeping/cleaning or anything like that. I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask..?

 

[aspirevet]

Oh, and I do have another question. I've seen pictures and videos of surgeries, but never seen one in real life. I'm not bothered by blood and guts...I think surgery is really interesting. But I've heard of people who have never been bothered by blood and yet they've passed out during surgery. I'm just wondering what it's like to see a surgery for the first time, and how to deal with it?

 

[orca2011]

Oh, and I do have another question. I've seen pictures and videos of surgeries, but never seen one in real life. I'm not bothered by blood and guts...I think surgery is really interesting. But I've heard of people who have never been bothered by blood and yet they've passed out during surgery. I'm just wondering what it's like to see a surgery for the first time, and how to deal with it?

Make sure you eat and drink plenty of water before hand. If you do get dizzy/light headed/nauseous, STEP OUT. It happens to many people and is nothing to be embarrassed about. You're better off stepping outside for a second and regather yourself, than passing out and colliding with something and hurting yourself or knocking over supplies needed for surgery.

Not really sure how to explain what it's like...you kind of just have to experience it.

 

[LetItSnow]

Also take the initiative to learn more, this is your experience so take control. I wanted to learn more about veterinary pharmacy, so I helped count pills, filled prescriptions, and the different drugs given to dogs and cats.

Taking initiative is all well and good, but remember: it might be your experience, but it's THEIR clinic. Before you just jump in and do something you need to make sure that a) it's ok with them, b) you're supervised, and c) you have a clue what you're doing or they are walking you through it.

Personally, I wouldn't want a high school student filling prescriptions in my clinic. Overstepping your bounds is a good way to get not invited back.

ETA: Just to clarify, I'm not saying what you did is wrong. If they wanted to let you help in pharm that just great. I'm just saying that going with an attitude of "this is my experience I'm going to take control" might be something to tone down; just remember that you're a guest in their clinic.

 

[LetItSnow]

Should I ask if I can help in any way if there is down time? I wouldn't mind doing some sweeping/cleaning or anything like that. I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask..?

Just tell them you're happy to help out with anything they need and then let them give you guidance.

But I've heard of people who have never been bothered by blood and yet they've passed out during surgery. I'm just wondering what it's like to see a surgery for the first time, and how to deal with it?

It's unpredictable, is what it is. Most small animal surgeries shouldn't be *really* bloody. You'll just have to go find out how you react to it. 🙂

Just try to stay relaxed, flex your knees and move around a bit, be well-hydrated, and it will most likely be fine. If you start to feel nauseous, dizzy, tired, or anything like that, just tell the surgeon you'd like to sit down for a bit. It's better than pitching over onto the patient.

 

[sunshinevet]

Taking initiative is all well and good, but remember: it might be your experience, but it's THEIR clinic. Before you just jump in and do something you need to make sure that a) it's ok with them, b) you're supervised, and c) you have a clue what you're doing or they are walking you through it.

Personally, I wouldn't want a high school student filling prescriptions in my clinic. Overstepping your bounds is a good way to get not invited back.

+1 👍

Touching drugs without permission is a good way to not get invited back!

The best way you can use your initiative in a vet clinic is to find out how to use the washing machine and where to hang wet towels 😉 And cleaning out cages goes a long way. Where the mop is kept. Things like that. Make yourself helpful in this sort of way, and make it obvious you don't shirk at dirty work, and the techs will teach you to do more stuff.

 

[DVMDream]

+1 👍

Touching drugs without permission is a good way to not get invited back!

Yes. Many drugs have to be logged, counted twice, recorded, and forms filled out for who the drug went home with which means getting information from the owner and if one of these steps is missed it is a pain in the arse to deal with later. Best to be sure you have permission or to ask if you can help first. I agree with the knowing where the mop is and being willing to do the dirty work. Some of the biggest help is when a dog has pooped or urinated in the clinic and you are willing to clean it up for the techs/doctor. (Although, be sure they don't need a sample first. 😉)

 

[Rainheart]

Everyone who shadows at my vet... just shadows. They aren't allowed to do anything like clean or do laundry. I guess this just puzzles me that people who shadow do this.

 

[DVMDream]

Everyone who shadows at my vet... just shadows. They aren't allowed to do anything like clean or do laundry. I guess this just puzzles me that people who shadow do this.

We don't even allow shadows because of the liability issues. I would think it would be nice if the clinic does allow a shadow that the person does some work although I could see why they would not allow work to be done too. I guess even with laundry there is room to mess something up (thinking of parvo laundry in particular) but even then all you have to do is teach them the difference. If we did allow a shadow, they most definitely would not be allowed to touch any of the animals (not even those on a working interview can touch the animals because they are not technically hired) and I highly doubt they would allow a shadow to fill a rx. We have enough stupid techs that messed up prescriptions so don't need someone else getting their hands in there. Actually, right before I left the rx labels would record which tech filled the rx within the computer system so if you screwed up you could be held accountable.

 

[Rainheart]

We don't even allow shadows because of the liability issues. I would think it would be nice if the clinic does allow a shadow that the person does some work although I could see why they would not allow work to be done too. I guess even with laundry there is room to mess something up (thinking of parvo laundry in particular) but even then all you have to do is teach them the difference. If we did allow a shadow, they most definitely would not be allowed to touch any of the animals (not even those on a working interview can touch the animals because they are not technically hired) and I highly doubt they would allow a shadow to fill a rx. We have enough stupid techs that messed up prescriptions so don't need someone else getting their hands in there. Actually, right before I left the rx labels would record which tech filled the rx within the computer system so if you screwed up you could be held accountable.

I definitely hear where you are coming from and this is all probably why we just allow people who shadow to do nothing. We also have a system at work with the prescriptions where we initial the labels if we filled it. And you are completely correct about not touching animals- If I come in on a day off for a check or something, and they are super busy, I'm technically not allowed to help (though sometimes I do anyway lol). But we aren't supposed to if we aren't on the clock.

 

[sunshinevet]

Everyone who shadows at my vet... just shadows. They aren't allowed to do anything like clean or do laundry. I guess this just puzzles me that people who shadow do this.

Yeah. People sue less in oz...

But even still, we only take people if they are through a school or a university of liability purposes.

 

[aspirevet]

I probably won't get to do much besides follow the vet around because if I was a new vet that hasn't been working at the clinic long, I wouldn't want any issues with a shadow either.

 

[StartingoverVet]

When I started shadowing I pretty much could do anything, then I got bit and corporate said I shouldn't be allowed to do anything - which was a bit of a bore for a little while... but then the vets (who were pretty "experienced") decided that didn't care what corporate said - they had sold out the practice to the corporation - and started having me do whatever they wanted. I know I was kind of lucky. They also wanted to hire me to help at one point, but I didn't want the commitment.

I think it just depends on where you go.

 

[FantasyVesperia]

Taking initiative is all well and good, but remember: it might be your experience, but it's THEIR clinic. Before you just jump in and do something you need to make sure that a) it's ok with them, b) you're supervised, and c) you have a clue what you're doing or they are walking you through it.

Personally, I wouldn't want a high school student filling prescriptions in my clinic. Overstepping your bounds is a good way to get not invited back.

ETA: Just to clarify, I'm not saying what you did is wrong. If they wanted to let you help in pharm that just great. I'm just saying that going with an attitude of "this is my experience I'm going to take control" might be something to tone down; just remember that you're a guest in their clinic.

My bad 😳 I should have clarified, it kind of came off a little rude sorry. I was supervised most of time by a vet technician on my duties.

 

[LetItSnow]

I think it just depends on where you go.

And how long you've been there. I know when I started shadowing they didn't want me touching anything, but my boundaries just kept expanding as I spent more time there and they got to know me.

 

[aspirevet]

It sounds like it just takes some time and getting to know the staff.

Also, do they give you scrubs to change in to for the day?

 

[orca2011]

It sounds like it just takes some time and getting to know the staff.

Also, do they give you scrubs to change in to for the day?

I have never been given any scrubs. That's why you should call ahead and find out what they want you to wear. A few places wanted me in business casual/khakis and a nice top, while others wanted jeans and a scrub top. Each of the places kind of wanted me to wear something that separated me from the doctors and tech's so that it was a bit easier to tell that I wasn't an employee.

 

[aspirevet]

I have never been given any scrubs. That's why you should call ahead and find out what they want you to wear. A few places wanted me in business casual/khakis and a nice top, while others wanted jeans and a scrub top. Each of the places kind of wanted me to wear something that separated me from the doctors and tech's so that it was a bit easier to tell that I wasn't an employee.

Do they provide scrubs to wear?

 

[orca2011]

Do they provide scrubs to wear?

Nope.

 

[cs5910]

When I started shadowing I pretty much could do anything, then I got bit and corporate said I shouldn't be allowed to do anything - which was a bit of a bore for a little while... but then the vets (who were pretty "experienced") decided that didn't care what corporate said - they had sold out the practice to the corporation - and started having me do whatever they wanted. I know I was kind of lucky. They also wanted to hire me to help at one point, but I didn't want the commitment.

I think it just depends on where you go.

My experiences were like yours, SOV. I was taught to do everything and eventually did everything on my own (catheters, anesthesia monitoring, blood draws, bandage wrapping etc). I was hired after a year of shadowing. I was very lucky with the places I shadowed at.

 

[LetItSnow]

Do they provide scrubs to wear?

Not that I've ever seen. Might want to buy a pair. You'll most likely need them if you plan to do much small-animal shadowing.