Shadowing is still awkward !

[aspirevet]

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So the first time I shadowed a vet was extremely awkward. Luckily this time was a lot less awkward BUT it was still pretty uncomfortable. I shadowed a different doctor in the same clinic. I really liked this doctor a lot. He always asked if I had questions and wanted to keep me involved. He even let me inject a microchip into a cat that was under anesthesia (he inserted the needle but let me inject it). I also got to watch my second surgery which was amazing! I was even asked a few times to grab something for the tech or unplug something. Not much but last time I wasn't able to touch ANYTHING.

I did ask if the tech needed any help but she said no and that she was just cleaning. She appreciated that I asked, though. I also tried to ask more questions. I learned a lot and I'm still amazed that you don't even need sutures for a few surgeries.

Anyway, the beginning of the day is great and not very awkward because there's a lot going on. However, after lunch the clinic is pretty quiet, especially in between appointments. THIS is when I feel most awkward, just standing there. I'm shadowing again next week and I just really need some tips!!!

 

[BlackDog17]

It really wasn't necessary to make a second thread for this . . . 🙄

 

[cs5910]

So the first time I shadowed a vet was extremely awkward. Luckily this time was a lot less awkward BUT it was still pretty uncomfortable. I shadowed a different doctor in the same clinic. I really liked this doctor a lot. He always asked if I had questions and wanted to keep me involved. He even let me inject a microchip into a cat that was under anesthesia (he inserted the needle but let me inject it). I also got to watch my second surgery which was amazing! I was even asked a few times to grab something for the tech or unplug something. Not much but last time I wasn't able to touch ANYTHING.

I did ask if the tech needed any help but she said no and that she was just cleaning. She appreciated that I asked, though. I also tried to ask more questions. I learned a lot and I'm still amazed that you don't even need sutures for a few surgeries.

Anyway, the beginning of the day is great and not very awkward because there's a lot going on. However, after lunch the clinic is pretty quiet, especially in between appointments. THIS is when I feel most awkward, just standing there. I'm shadowing again next week and I just really need some tips!!!

Pick up a mop or broom and clean.... Or sanitize and wipe cages..... I promise there is ALWAYS something to clean in a hospital. It will give you points with the Doctors and Techs as well. They will be more willing to show/teach you thing if you pull your weight and be proactive in the hospital.

 

[Lab Rat83]

I always did laundry or ask the techs to show you how to clean surgical instruments or prepare surgery packs to be sterilized or fold drapes. That's what filled up my afternoon after watching surgery in the morning. If all else failed, I picked up a journal or text and read. Nobody ever seemed to mind.

 

[DVMDream]

Any reason for another thread for this? And really people are just going to repeat what they told you in the first thread. The advice won't change with one added day.

 

[OSUPreVet]

It really wasn't necessary to make a second thread for this . . . 🙄

It's okay, she's allowed to 🙂

 

[OSUPreVet]

So the first time I shadowed a vet was extremely awkward. Luckily this time was a lot less awkward BUT it was still pretty uncomfortable. I shadowed a different doctor in the same clinic. I really liked this doctor a lot. He always asked if I had questions and wanted to keep me involved. He even let me inject a microchip into a cat that was under anesthesia (he inserted the needle but let me inject it). I also got to watch my second surgery which was amazing! I was even asked a few times to grab something for the tech or unplug something. Not much but last time I wasn't able to touch ANYTHING.

I did ask if the tech needed any help but she said no and that she was just cleaning. She appreciated that I asked, though. I also tried to ask more questions. I learned a lot and I'm still amazed that you don't even need sutures for a few surgeries.

Anyway, the beginning of the day is great and not very awkward because there's a lot going on. However, after lunch the clinic is pretty quiet, especially in between appointments. THIS is when I feel most awkward, just standing there. I'm shadowing again next week and I just really need some tips!!!

I would clean up a bit, grab a broom and sweep, mop the floor, ask if anything needs to be restocked (food, supplies anything like that). Just don't get on your phone or pick your nails I suppose haha

 

[DVMDream]

It's okay, she's allowed to 🙂

Actually, no SDN Terms of Service asks that you search and keep new threads to a minimum.

 

[OSUPreVet]

Actually, no SDN Terms of Service asks that you search and keep new threads to a minimum.

She's just telling us her experience and obviously still needs a little guidance? We are here to offer it are we not? She isn't spamming or making 5 threads asking the same thing. We can be a little patient and answer her questions.

 

[Frozenshades]

It's okay, she's allowed to 🙂

Which still does not make it either necessary, nor sensible.

 

[DVMDream]

She's just telling us her experience and obviously still needs a little guidance? We are here to offer it are we not? She isn't spamming or making 5 threads asking the same thing. We can be a little patient and answer her questions.

Yes and that is fine, but she already made a thread just like this that is still on the front page. She could have posted this update in that thread. She asked the exact same question in that thread as she has in this one. People, so far, have given her the exact same advice now in two separate threads. Another thread is not needed and clogs up the forum.

 

[OSUPreVet]

Which still does not make it either necessary, nor sensible.

I'm sure after her reading all these comments she won't do it again you guy's can be a little harsh sometimes.

 

[Frozenshades]

I'm sure after her reading all these comments she won't do it again you guy's can be a little harsh sometimes.

The lack of necessity for a second thread was stated, and then nicely further elaborated by DVMD. Perhaps you're being a bit too sensitive, it's an internet forum after all.

You think we're mean...go post crap in the lounge...

 

[OSUPreVet]

The lack of necessity for a second thread was stated, and then nicely further elaborated by DVMD. Perhaps you're being a bit too sensitive, it's an internet forum after all.

You think we're mean...go post crap in the lounge...

Oh I'm good! I think you guys are as much as I can take till I thicken my skin a bit. You'vve tweaked my interest though .. I may go lurk.

 

[Conflagration]

Howdy.

Well, what can you expect? It is one of your first times going to shadow. I haven't shadowed yet, but I'd probably stand there like an idiot too. Don't feel bad, it's a process and you'll mesh with the group the more times you go. 🙂

The clinic is like a machine- if you want to be a part of it, you should try to perform a consistent function. Scrubbing cages, helping techs, any of those things and more should make things easier.

 

[aspirevet]

Hi, thanks for the advice.

I'm sorry, but for whatever reason I forgot that I already posted another thread on this 😳

 

[485501]

Grab the copy of Plumb's and look up the meds that you heard the vets talking about earlier in the day, then ask the vets why they chose that particular med. I liked doing that in the moments of downtime when shadowing. And I second asking to learn how to wrap surgery packs and scrub things.