Behind the Scenes: The True Superheroes of the Vet Hospital
They are the smiling face you see when coming through the door. They are hugs and tears when saying goodbye. They are the steady voice when making tough decisions. They celebrate the discharges as if they were their own. They are the lab tech, the pharmacy tech, the nurse anesthetist, and the physical therapist. They are the hand to hold. They are the hand that is slapped, bitten, and clawed. They are all these things, yet they are only ONE… The Veterinary Technician.
National Veterinary Technician Week is October 13-19, 2024. While it is important to thank your veterinary techs (and other veterinary staff) daily, this week allows us an opportunity to spoil them. I’m so thankful for all my time I’ve spent with my techs, and I’m proud to call them colleagues and friends. That’s why it’s so important to me that the veterinary techs at Ruby Veterinary know just how vital they are to our hospital.
I will never forget the most important lesson I learned my internship year… don’t piss off your tech! As a newly graduated veterinarian, going through one of my toughest years, I relied heavily on my techs. Most techs that surrounded me knew more than I did and had more years on the floor. I may have had four years of sitting in a classroom reading books, but they had years and years of hands-on experience that I lacked. And while I was the face the clients saw and entrusted their pets to, the techs were the unseen support system holding me up and pushing me forward. It’s time to have our technicians step out from the shadows and be acknowledged for all that they do for veterinary medicine.
I’ve been fortunate to work alongside some of the finest veterinary techs. It takes a special kind of person to devote their lives to caring for animals while receiving less recognition, less compensation, and fewer benefits than they deserve. The role of veterinary techs is often underappreciated, despite their extensive knowledge of animal physiology, disease processes, and treatment protocols, which parallels the role of nurses in human healthcare. Techs do much more than restrain animals or take vital signs; they handle numerous responsibilities throughout the hospital, which unfortunately contributes to their high rates of mental illness and compassion fatigue. Yet they continue to fight for the profession, for the patients, and for their owners. I am so grateful for all the lessons they have taught me over the years.
Six lessons I have learned from my technicians:
1. It’s Cool to Be Kind
I truly believe that veterinary medicine is one of the most diverse industries, and you meet all kinds of awesome people with so many different stories. And what brings us all together is our common love for animals. But with this love come widespread issues like compassion fatigue and burnout. It’s so important to know there are others who understand these unique challenges and are experiencing this frustration as well. We can’t move mountains alone and having a strong support system is invaluable.
2. Keep Calm and Let the Vet Tech Handle It
Techs wear many hats in the veterinary hospital. From greeting clients at the door and preparing a veterinarian for the next case, to placing an IV catheter in a 3-week-old kitten and supervising a new kennel assistant preparing a patient for discharge, all while an emergency hit-by-car patient is rushed through the door, veterinary techs remain calm and composed, handling every situation with grace and expertise.
3. Stay Curious and Keep Learning
A tech’s job is never done. Continuing education plays a vital role in medicine, both human and animal. One can never stop learning, and it is so important to realize what we can learn from each other.
4. Never Settle
As a veterinarian, I often find myself working for both the pet owner and the technician. While that pet is in their care, veterinary techs become that pet’s surrogate parents. They fight just as hard as the owner for the highest standards and best care for their patient. They are the first to recognize a change in their patient’s status, a sign of pain, or a reaction to a medication. While the day may be crazy and the veterinarian may be juggling multiple cases, the tech makes sure their voice is heard. They will not give up until their patient is attended to. They encourage thinking outside of the box because “There is nothing we can do” is not acceptable.
5. Be True to Yourself
Imposter syndrome is real and affects us all. It’s so important to believe in yourself and be your own best advocate. Authenticity is key to happiness. Surrounding yourself with supportive people and being true to your values can lead to a more satisfying and meaningful life.
6. A Midnight Dance Party Cures All
My background in emergency medicine allowed me the opportunity to work with my techs at all hours of the day. The things you learn about your coworkers at 2am! When stress levels were rising, pumps beeping, and the freshly bathed dog had another bout of explosive diarrhea, a well-timed dance party lifted our spirits and gave us the energy to continue through the night.
Thank You for All You Do!
At Ruby Veterinary, our technicians are compensated above the industry standard, receive paid parental leave, and enjoy strong support for their health and mental wellness. We thoughtfully designed our hospital layout with their needs in mind, including comfortable breakrooms with large windows for natural light. Thank you for all you do, because we couldn’t do it without you!
Contact
hello@rubyvet.com
