Did anyone else start out in Veterinary? New to forum

[Dana_Lockwood]

Hello, I have worked in veterinary medicine for 6 years and find it to be rewarding, however the compensation, burnout and turnover rate have all taken a toll on me. In Vet med, you are either a tech or a Doctor. As a tech, there is little opportunity for advancement, little opportunity to make more. I know like isnt all about getting paid, but for the amount of knowledge and technical skills I have to posess I sometimes find it disheartening that someone at the drive-thru makes more than I do.

I am not sure how the nurses here feel about vet techs, but I have to say it can be a high stress job, and a lot of the medicine is similar to human medicine. I have always been proud that vet techs are dental hygienist, radiography technicians, surgery techs, critical care and more... all wrapped up in one package. Lately though I have realized that the compensation for a job like this is just not great, and I have looked towards the possibility of nursing.

Has anyone from here started out in vet med? How was the transition for you? Do you find your work just as rewarding? I know that this is a silly question, but, is there an additional 'ick' factor? (I often hear veterinarians and vet techs who have no issue with cat abscesses or expressing dog anal glands get sickened by the thought of doing slightly gross things with people)

Any information would be very appreciated!

[AlabamaBelle]

Hi there!

I meant to answer you sooner, but I just now found your post. I haven't worked in Vet Med, but my husband is a veterinarian, so I have an idea of what you do and all the "stuff" that goes along with it. I know for a fact what a demanding, stressful job you have and the docs as well.

If you think nursing is for you, try taking a CNA course and begin working in a hospital setting or LTC (they always have openings). That might tell you if nursing is right for you.

I think a good vet tech is worth his/her weight in platinum (my hubby's usual tech is out on leave - he's lost without her). So is a good CNA or a good RN.

best to you!

[Misslady113]

I am not a nurse or a vet tech. I was going to pursue vet tech some time ago. I love medicine and have a passion for animals. But after reading some experiences, I realized that not only did the pay suck for going to school for two years, but there was no room to move up. I love learning and a change of scenery, so that wasn't for me. I was stuck again, didn't know what to do with my life.

Then nursing came across to me. I thought that would be a good idea, since I love medicine and instead of being an animal nurse I could be a people nurse. Many opportunities for growth, to work in different areas, to be paid decently for your work, and to still be able to make a difference. I didn't think I could work with people though. It freaked me out. But I worked in a nursing home recently and I loved it. Yes it was gross, but rewarding just like what you do now. I think as long as you have the compassion and the drive, you will be fine working with people.

I too suggest that you sign up for a CNA course. It will give you some perspective on if it is the field for you. Rather than go to school for two or four years and realize its not for you. You will get paid about the same as you did as a vet tech starting out. I am a CNA and will be taking the Patient Care Technician course which will give me EKG and Phlebotomy training as well. They get paid about 3 or 4 more dollars than CNA's. So it's decent income while going to nursing school. Just research it and know what your getting yourself into. Good luck to you. If you feel vet tech is a dead and job, you might be making a good move to switch.

[Dana_Lockwood]

Thanks very much for your input and replies. I appreciate it!

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

My sister is a vet tech, and you're right - even though she's excellent at her job, she gets TERRIBLE compensation and there's nowhere to go. She won't change though, she really loves it and wouldn't like people I always wanted to be a vet my whole life, ended up doing nursing and have never regretted it. In fact, I don't know that I could have done vet!

[tfleuter, BSN, RN]

Hi Dana! I know this post is a month old, but I thought I would chime in too in case you still check in from time to time.

I worked as a tech for 2 years and really loved the work. Like you though, I was dissappointed by the low pay and lack of opportunites for advancement. I start nursing school in two weeks (yippee!!!) and am so glad I decided to make the change. I totally understand what you mean about the human ick factor vs animal. I became so tolerant of bloody, parvo diarrhea or baseball-sized cat abcesses it just didn't really phase me anymore, but I do worry about some of the less pleasent aspects of nursing. I just figured I'll have to put my big-girl pants on and get over it, lol! Good luck in whatever decision you make!