I'm not in the best spirits today so maybe this will help since I need to think positively for it...
For those who don't know, I am a Certified Veterinary Technician aka Animal Nurse. I can do many things...
The first key to my success was building up the courage to apply for school. I have always had a bond with animals, deeper than them just being my pets or being cute fluffy things to play with. I have looked at a dog or cat and been able to read them. At 28 I applied for vet tech school, an accelerated program, 18 months to learn everything. It was tough. School 5 days a week 8am-3pm or 4pm, plus kennel duty taking care of the dogs, cats, rabbits, and rodents. Kennels were in blocks of 3 days and 4 days once per term, if it was AM shift we started at 4:30am and had to be done by 8am when classes started, if it was PM shift you started right after school and finished sometimes at 7pm. It was grueling and the drop out/fail rate is high. I hated school in general, did terrible in high school, so this was challenging. I graduated WITH HONORS. I was super proud.
The second key is mastering my skills. As with many occupations, you are never done learning and there is always room for improvement. I know I will never be 100% at my job but I have to strive to get as close as I can. I am always willing to learn and be shown new techniques, especially with being in a medical field. I have an open mind. I knew I was making strides when the doctors started asking me for my opinion on an xray or a case.
Thirdly, I have a sense of humor! I am known for being silly at work [when appropriate]. I dance and sing - both horribly. I make jokes. Even during emergencies or stressful situations I try to lighten things up by making a little comment, something that lets my coworkers know 'we'll get through this, just calm down'.
Fourth, I take my job very seriously. It's contrary to my last statement but when it is time to focus, I focus hard. We have a life in our hands. If I miscalculate a drug, I can potentially kill someone's pet. Because so many things can go wrong and concentration is required, I am known for being a hardass, intimidating, a bitch, and at times unapproachable. If I am training someone or one of the lesser skilled techs make a mistake I am hard on them. I correct them, sometimes too sternly. If I make a mistake and catch it or someone calls me out on it, I am equally hard on myself.
Fifth, McGyver. Being able to adapt. Being able to work fast, efficient, and thoroughly. It crosses over to my life outside of work. I can be quick as hell when it comes to doing a task because I need it done so I can move on to the next.
Every one of the above is true. As I said, McGyver. I have used suture material as dental floss, I have eaten yogurt with a tongue depressor, vetwrap as bandage material on myself.
I cannot see myself doing anything else. My job is stressful, demanding, depressing at times, fast-paced, and everyday is a learning experience.
I don't take many pics at work because it's frowned upon and there is client/hospital privilege, but here are a few I managed to take.
