That's actually a super amazing comment - just got notification earlier today that I was selected for the White Mountain trip, so pending my background check going well (and it better, haha!) I'll be there in March.
I was already excited, and you just boosted me up
even more!
Questions, hmm...How scary is the practical skills assessment? How many vets are there to vet students and other people? Any other tips or things you'd suggest in particular to prep?
Congratulations! I am jealous. I decided not to do it again this year but I miss it!
I think there were about 10 vets and 30 students. About 5 people do surgery every day, and the others are split into anesthesia, and intake. I think everyone was really nervous about the surgical skills test, but it really wasn't so bad in my opinion. the videos were really helpful. A few people failed it and the group was given the option to let them re-take it or not (meaning more surgery days for everyone who passed). We voted to let them re-take it, but I guess that will depend on your group. There wasn't any time to relax and practice once you get there. It's pretty much just set up, dinner, then test.
Definitely bring sunscreen and a hat for the days you are doing intake. Don't forget a towel and flip flops for the shower (a little bag to carry your stuff to the shower wouldn't hurt either. Hmm, I am trying to remember things that I was really glad to have.
I have a latex allergy so I brought my own gloves which I got on ebay.
I got my own surgery hat to avoid the headaches I get from bouffants.
I was really happy to have my own sharpie, pen, scissors, thermometer, stethoscope.
OH KNEE PADS!!! I really highly recommend bringing knee pads like you use when doing construction work because you are on your knees for the majority of the day. I had bruises despite having a pretty nifty pair and the people that didn't were not happy after the first day.
You are also sitting on the floor often so a stadium chair/stool wouldn't be a bad idea either.
I brought a down jacket which was the perfect warmth level for the mornings and evenings- though it didn't help me much at night unfortunately. I literally put all of my clothes on and stole the surgery heating pads and was still cold, but I sleep warm normally so you might not have as much trouble as I did. I also didn't have a sleeping bag so that was my main problem lol.