What to expect when volunteering at a clinic?

[LK90]

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I'm a pre-vet student starting volunteering at a clinic nearby next week and was wondering how other people's experiences were to get an idea. What's the best way to make a good impression?

 

[Bottle of Bear]

I'm a pre-vet student starting volunteering at a clinic nearby next week and was wondering how other people's experiences were to get an idea. What's the best way to make a good impression?

Grunt work to start until you build up enough trust for them to teach you the good stuff. You do that by being timely, consistent, attentive, having a good work ethic and not sitting on your phone complaining there's nothing to do, asking what you can do to help, being a good coworker and treating everyone with respect (especially the staff not just the veterinarians).

But most importantly be yourself (assuming you isn't a competitive me me me jerk-to-all chucklehead).

 

[RoryCat]

I would say pay attention to the different functions that the vet vs techs/assistants do. While I know that seems obvious that they don't do the same jobs - note the main functions of each. (ie who really spends more time with nursing the animals?) Also, actively ask questions when time permits and ask if you can help! Clinics I have been in are usually always in the need of extra hands!

 

[mmmdreamerz]

Congrats on getting your foot in the door!

Ask questions, show interest, do as much as they'll let you do.

 

[Doctor-S]

I'm a pre-vet student starting volunteering at a clinic nearby next week and was wondering how other people's experiences were to get an idea. What's the best way to make a good impression?

Positive attitude ... listen (keep your ears open) and observe (keep your eyes open); and offer to help as often as you can because animal clinics are often very busy, with plenty of grunt work.

What to expect:

Lots of things ... depending on the daily needs of the clinic ... cleaning and wrapping surgical instruments; cleaning prep and surgery rooms in clinic; assisting with lab work; maintaining cage cleanliness; preparing medicine and subcutaneous fluids; assisting with laundry; sweeping and mopping; answering telephones, greeting patients (and their owners); assisting techs and DVMs, and safely handling animals.

By the way, be prepared to feel heartbroken, discouraged, and sad when an injured/ailing animal cannot be saved, for whatever reason ... and you simply feel helpless and want to go home and cry for the rest of the night. It happens to everyone. The next day will be a *new* day.