Shadowing a Vet -

[Fragaria]

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I'm about to shadow a SA/LA Vet, but I'm wondering if there's anything else I need to do in order for this experience to be more fulfilling? Should I bring a journal and write down what I experienced? Should I also get the vet to sign off each week of my hours I've been there?

 

[Cypress]

I'm about to shadow a SA/LA Vet, but I'm wondering if there's anything else I need to do in order for this experience to be more fulfilling? Should I bring a journal and write down what I experienced? Should I also get the vet to sign off each week of my hours I've been there?

I don't believe you need to get any type of signature for your hours. I would recommend just staying focused on the experience and taking it all in - don't worry about taking notes or anything like that. Pay attention, ask questions at appropriate times, and get your hands dirty when possible. Each vet is different in terms of what they are ok with when people shadow, so just gauge the situation as it goes and do your best to be engaged and involved. Remember shadowing is about experiencing the industry - you want to come away from the experience with information about what that job would be like if you were to have it, and if its the right fit for you. And also remember - you are always networking - you never know if this person could be your boss or colleague some day.

Good luck!

Oh - and have fun! 🙂

 

[orca2011]

Bringing a journal and writings down is definitely not a bad idea. It will help you remember questions you kightnhave wanted to ask. I wish I had done that when I was shadowing.

Ask the vet what you can and can't do because this will vary. You might only be able to observe and then with time, you might get more responsibilities. It's entirely dependent on the doctor and practice. One thing that is helpful is to ask if you can clean the tables and rooms once an appointment is finished. It's a simple way to take charge and once you show that you can handle that, they might give you more to do.

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[Rainheart]

The only thing you really want to keep track of is how many hours and what exactly you observed. It will really come in handy when filling out those applications

 

[Trematode]

This may sound super obvious, but if you are observing surgery and you aren't used to seeing it, make sure you eat before you go and bring a snack and some water with you. I found it helped me not feel as faint.

 

[orca2011]

This may sound super obvious, but if you are observing surgery and you aren't used to seeing it, make sure you eat before you go and bring a snack and some water with you. I found it helped me not feel as faint.

👍
Also, if you do feel faint, don't be afraid to step out. It's better to get out of the room and regather yourself, then stay in the room and pass out. You risk knocking into someone or something. It's often something you can move pass. The one vet I work with said she almost passed out when she saw her first surgery. It's pretty common.

 

[felinelvr44]

👍 👍

Definitely eat before surgery. At my SA clinic our surgeries are in the middle of the day and I'm constantly forgetting to grab a bite to eat before they begin. By about 2pm I'm convinced the isoflurane is leaking but in reality it's just low blood sugar making me woozy. 🙄