RN in a Vet's office

tktjRN · Mar 2, 2013

You didn't waste your money! You would use all those courses in the vet office too!!

Pets to People · Mar 2, 2013

I've worked as a vet tech before becoming a nurse. I loved it, but there is a huge difference in pay. The role, at least in small animal practices, is more like that of an medical assistant. The doctor is always there, directing, and there's not much you do independently.

Seriously!? Why do people who were never actual Vet Tech's in the first place but vet assistants and have no idea what they are talking about always have to pipe in with their vast knowledge? A VT is NOTHING like a medical assistant...even a vet assistant can be trained to do more than a medical assistant.

I worked as a vet tech and I had plenty of autonomy, it can vary depending on where you work, but you invest the time and money into your degree which is more similar to an LPN, but you funtion more as an RN. We function in every role that is performed within a hospital. From janitor to 1st surgical assistant to x-ray tech to RN to CRNA and on and on. If it needs to be done we can do it.

When a pt comes in I would do a physical exam and based on the owners complaints and my physical assessment I would obtain and get the results on lab tests such as an ear swab, fecal check, bloodwork, x-ray...I can do everything from a manual CBC and diff (if a machine is down), find parasitic ovacytes on a microscope slide, set, stain and read an ear smear, etc. I can have vaccines pulled up, an IV inserted, client education done, meds pulled up depending on the results of lab work, etc all before the vet goes and spend their five minutes with them.

On surgery days a good team can drag the vet in to check the pt's over real quick before they run back to their office, then we get the surgical suite set up, pets pre-med'ed, induced, intubated, shaved, scrubbed, drag the vets back out of their office to perform the surgery, then they take off again while we recover, extubate, give pain meds then get the next one going. I (used to) know the name of just about any surgical instrument and could have it in my vets hand before he even opened his mouth to ask for it, because I knew what each instrument did, I knew what surgical procedure was being performed, how and why it was being performed, what complications could arise and everything I could do to assist those problems. I could do a sterile scrub and gown-up and have my hands deep in an abdomen to assist my vet in a matter of minutes if needed.

Bascially, it all depends on who you work for, how well they trust you and how well you learn what they want. Some will even allow us to extract teeth and suture.

Pets to People · Mar 2, 2013

For those who think there is not BS when working in a clinic and think it would be a cake retirement job, you're sadly mistaken. Those pets are on a leash, and attached to that leash is a person. You can't get anything done for that pet, no matter how important it is, until you can get that person to agree, as that pet is their property and they pay for the services with cash, no health insurance and people don't always part with their cash easily.

The owners can be quacky, think they know everything because they reviewed info on google before they bring their pet in, may come in driving a BMW with gold on every finger but don't want to pay to have their suffering pet taken care of, don't want to spay their pet because they want their kids to see the miracle of life, don't want to neuter their dog because it will make him whimpy, want to get the surgery but don't want to pay the extra $10 for pain medication even though the spayed pet just had abdominal surgery, don't understand why their dog can't get potty trained and now has a UTI because they keep a diaper on it all the time and never want to take it outside, want to leave their stressed out and dying pet with you, a stranger, to euthanize it and they leave because it's just too heartbreaking for them to stay by the side of their pet they've had for twenty years......I could go on forever. But then I could also go on forever about all the great and amazing things as well.

Salary for a VT (in my personal experience) can range from $25,000 up to $45,000, depending on where you choose to work. In a research facility you can make good money and get benefits but in a small animal clinic you may make only around $14 or so an hour with no benefits, but the job is more rewarding/enjoyable. The pay varies so much...I don't doubt a VT can make in the low twenties working at a large, multi-doctor practice, especiall a specialty practice.

And I always cringed when I would interview a person and their response to my question of why they are interested in working in an animal was to squeal "I love animals!" Will you still love that animal when it is trying to rip your face off because it doesn't agree that you need to stick that thermometer in it's behind because it's sick? Many of those animals are not at all happy to see you no matter how sweetly you baby talk them. Additionally, refer to what was said above.

alrighThen · Mar 2, 2013

I'm loving all of the input. Thanks you guys, ESP for the links and personal experiences!

Orange Tree · Mar 3, 2013

Seriously!? Why do people who were never actual Vet Tech's in the first place but vet assistants and have no idea what they are talking about always have to pipe in with their vast knowledge? A VT is NOTHING like a medical assistant...even a vet assistant can be trained to do more than a medical assistant.
I worked as a vet tech and I had plenty of autonomy, it can vary depending on where you work, but you invest the time and money into your degree which is more similar to an LPN, but you funtion more as an RN. We function in every role that is performed within a hospital. From janitor to 1st surgical assistant to x-ray tech to RN to CRNA and on and on. If it needs to be done we can do it.
When a pt comes in I would do a physical exam and based on the owners complaints and my physical assessment I would obtain and get the results on lab tests such as an ear swab, fecal check, bloodwork, x-ray...I can do everything from a manual CBC and diff (if a machine is down), find parasitic ovacytes on a microscope slide, set, stain and read an ear smear, etc. I can have vaccines pulled up, an IV inserted, client education done, meds pulled up depending on the results of lab work, etc all before the vet goes and spend their five minutes with them.
On surgery days a good team can drag the vet in to check the pt's over real quick before they run back to their office, then we get the surgical suite set up, pets pre-med'ed, induced, intubated, shaved, scrubbed, drag the vets back out of their office to perform the surgery, then they take off again while we recover, extubate, give pain meds then get the next one going. I (used to) know the name of just about any surgical instrument and could have it in my vets hand before he even opened his mouth to ask for it, because I knew what each instrument did, I knew what surgical procedure was being performed, how and why it was being performed, what complications could arise and everything I could do to assist those problems. I could do a sterile scrub and gown-up and have my hands deep in an abdomen to assist my vet in a matter of minutes if needed.
Bascially, it all depends on who you work for, how well they trust you and how well you learn what they want. Some will even allow us to extract teeth and suture.

Oh calm down. I've done most of those things, too- and my training was strictly on the job. I was referred to as a technician, but I'm fine with being called an assistant too. The things I didn't do (from your post) are suture and pull teeth. I'm not sure those things were legal where I worked, but who knows ...maybe the docs just preferred to do those things themselves.

Vet techs do work under the direct supervision of a veterinarian, though ...like medical assistants. The tasks themselves can be very different, but that's not what I was commenting about.

BrandonLPN, LPN · Mar 3, 2013

Wow, really?! Guess I shouldn't have wasted all that time in chemistry, biology, microbiology, etc and two years of school and $15,000+ on student loans to get my license to work as a Veterinary Technician since it's sooo easy There needs to be a smiley with flames shooting out of it's eyes lol.

Someone needs a Valium.....

I was saying it's a ridiculous expense to become a RN in order to work a job that can be filled by Joe blow off the street.

Yes, you're a licensed vet tech, but many vets offices hire unlicensed people to do your job for near minimum wage. Much like being a medical assistant, there are no laws stating one has to be licensed or certified. Unlike nursing, where ALL nurses are licensed and the word "nurse" is a protected title. Fair or not, a vet tech has more in common with a medical assistant than it does with a RN or LPN.

Fuzzy · Mar 3, 2013

Let me chime in here. First I will tell you a bit about myself. I am a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT). I have worked as such for over twenty years in a small animal hospital. Before I went back to school I worked as a trained veterinary assistant and a kennel worker.

Compared to nursing, veterinary technology is a new field. The AVMA accredited veterinary technician programs in 1973. When I look back, I realize that the profession actually has grown by leaps and bounds compared to other fields like nursing. In 40 years, technicians have gone from being animal handlers, office help, cage cleaners and janitors to professionals that administer anesthesia; triage patients; administer medications by most routes; educate clients; provide patient nursing care; p[COLOR=#231f20][COLOR=#231f20][COLOR=#231f20]erform dental prophylaxes; assist with and perform laboratory, radiology, ultrasongraphy, and other diagnostic procedures; and several other things that tomorrow I will remember. We allowed legally to do anything except diagnose, surgery, or prescribe. Some state practice acts define our duties more precisely.

While there are specialties in the profession we are still generalists. Veterinary medicine is not nearly as fractured and specialized as human medicine and never will be. Economics in veterinary medicine require a broad based knowledge. If if was not, a spay (OVH) would cost well over $1000. I do not know of many people who would be willing to pay that price even if they could.

While on the subject of economics, yes when compared to nursing, technicians make a lot less. Likewise veterinarians make a lot less then medical doctors. Veterinary practices are still modeled after the small business model. Services are usually expected to be paid for at the time of service. Veterinary medicine is not ruled by the lawyers or insurance companies. We see very few pets that are insured even in this day and age. The current pet insurance programs are more of an owner reimbursement program. this means that the client is paid back the money less the co-pay. The client is ultimately responsible for the entire vet bill. AFLAC's programs are similar in this regard. I can tell you that the vet's malpractice insurance is nothing when comapred to their counterparts in human medicine. Very few technicians need to carry malpractice insurance.

There has been several times in my professional career that I have considered human nursing. I realize that I do not think that I would do well as a nurse. I do enjoy the science, the medicine, and the caring parts but I do not think that I could deal much with the politics or not being a generalist. I really enjoy the autonomy of working with my peers (including the doctors) and being treated with respect. Plus I really enjoy my varied duties.

Veterinary technology and nursing are really two very different careers. The only things that they have remotely in common is that both professions require caring persons that have a love for medicine. The same difference can be found between veterinarians and medical doctors.

I feel that both professions, although different, need to be treated with respect. Neither is better or worse then the other. Both require caring, knowledgeable people.

Fuzzy, CVT speaking from the "darker" veterinary side of medicine.

Fuzzy · Mar 3, 2013

I would like to add:

Comparing the two professions is like comparing oranges and grapefruit:

They both taste good

Both come from trees

They both are citrus fruits

Both are round

Both have think rough skins;

but

Each offer a different experience when they are opened.

Fuzzy

walke274 · Mar 3, 2013

mgngal,

For the past 10 years I have worked in 3 separate veterinary hospitals as a veterinary assistant. My first Bachelors degree is in Zoology (from Michigan State University) and my curriculum was Pre-Veterinary + Zoology. After much deliberating and introspection, I decided that I wanted to pursue a Nursing Degree/career as this too has always been a passion of mine. My job as a veterinary assistant consisted of ~95% of the same duties as a licensed Veterinary Technician (a degree acquired after ~2-3 years of schooling from an accredited facility). The only thing(s) that I was unable to do was the anesthesia calculation(s)/administration do to the clinic's liability policies. Besides that, I was able to do everything else (i.e. draw blood, draw/administer vaccines, fill prescriptions, administer medications, insert IV catheters, run CBC's w/ chem & lytes, replace bandages, etc.). Many of the licensed technicians that I worked with would describe themselves to clients as the equivalent to an RN, because that is essentially what they are in the veterinary world.

HOWEVER, the world of veterinary care is A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT BALL GAME than the world of human medicine (and this can be stated vice versa). I have never heard a veterinary clinic actually post that they have RN's as part of their staff. Although the skills may be quite similar (LVT vs. RN), I know that vast additional training is necessary to adopt the techniques specific for each respective field. I'll put it this way: Without additional training, I certainly would not want an RN to work on my dog; likewise I certainly would not want an LVT to work on my Grandma.

And finally, (I know I'm getting wordy), I hear a lot of people say, "It must be so cool to work with the puppies and kitties all day".....Yes, it is nice.....BUT, it is not all rainbows and butterflies. Here are some examples:

1) 'Fluffy' doesn't feel good, but he can't tell you where he hurts.

2) 'Spot' is being brought in for a euthanasia.

3) Mr. Smith cannot (will not) comply with suggested ear medication for 'Fido's' bilateral ear infection. 'Fido' will have to live with that

ear infection.

4) 'Smokey' is going into anaphylactic shock after vaccine administration.

5) Mr. and Mrs. Roberts want to breed 'Scrappy' who is aggressive and has Stage 1 hip dysplasia.

6) 'Princess' needs her insulin.....but I'm pretty sure she'll bite my face off since she's hissing and spitting....oh yea, she has all her claws.

7) Mrs. White thought that the Frontline+ (flea & tick) medication she picked up at her local pet store was to be given orally.

8) Ms. Jones refuses to administer the recommended pain medication for the following 3-5 days after 'Scruffy's 4-paw declaw...oh and 'Scruffy' is 7 years old and 16 pounds.

9) Anonymous leaves box of 7 kittens on front porch of vet hospital over night.

10) Mr. and Mrs. Robertson are having their first child and they don't want 'Champ' anymore -- nobody wants to take him, so they try to bring him in for a euthanasia.

kalevra, BSN, RN · Mar 4, 2013

From a marketing stand point I can see how having RN care advertised as part of your pets can be useful.

sharpeimom · Mar 4, 2013

We have used the same vet clinic since 1981. The vet's wife is an RN. She's a former OR nurse. She manages the practice and assists in the OR. They employ four other RNs, in addition to several vet techs and some vet assistants, who restock, wash bedding, clean the

OR, help with the animals etc.

Our beloved vet is now in his early eighties, has added a part-time young vet who works twenty hours a week plus takes call. She has six month old twins plus a three year old so the schedule is good for her too. It's great to have two slightly different perspectives sometimes!

I am not conscious of who is an RN and who is a vet tech unless I read their nametags. I don't care who's who because they're all equally loving, caring, and knowledgeable and that's what counts!

Each "pet parent" has the office email and on-call vet's cellphone numbers and any question that needs to be answered by the actual v-e-t are passed along. It works very well.

Fuzzy · Mar 4, 2013

My question to sharpeimom. Did the nurses receive additional training? I know that many pharmacists are receiving extra training in veterinary pharmacology because many pharmacies have started carrying veterinary drugs. You can be a darn good RN but a lousy CVT because our scopes of practice are different. I know that I would make a lousy RN. I'm sure that there are people who are excellent at both in fact I know of a few CVTs that work in peds but I've never heard an RN working out well in veterinary medicine unless they went to veterinary school. Again an orange and grapefruit are not the same.

We've had a few RNs shadow us over the years. They take a step back when they see that we do the lab work AND the chemo treatment on the dog with cancer. They cannot believe that we are generalists. I can tell you that RNs have excellent people skills and conflict management which is something that many of us in vet medicine need to work on at times.

Fuzzy