Vet Tech Vs. Cna Training

Speculating · Nov 9, 2003

Originally posted by Louisepug
Hi there. I have a question that may seem a little weird, especially to those of you who are nurses already. I will be attending a nursing diploma program next fall to become an RN. In the meantime I am trying to get as much experience in the medical field so I can get my feet wet(I pretty much have none seeing that I used to be in journalism.) So my question is, would it be better to work as a vet tech as to get medical experience with dosage calculations, I.V's etc. or would it be better to work as a CNA? Has anyone else gone this route (of the vet tech) before becoming a nurse? Any advice would be much appriciated!! Thanks!

Yes, your right I think it's a little weird. If you want to work on people then work on people. Don't get ahead of yourself with IV's and drug calculations. The last thing you want to be thinking of when your seated and taking your state boards is hmmm was that on a boa constrictor or a premi.

Ortho_RN · Nov 9, 2003

Hi..

I was a Cert. Vet Tech before swapping fields..

I would try to get into the Human area and not worry about the Vet part. As a Vet Assistant (to be called a Vet Tech you should have a degree and take boards, but I know several people still call themselves Vet Techs) you might be giving shots and starting IVs but not enough to help you in nursing.

I mean yes, we used a lot of the meds and medical problems are pretty much the same, BUT if you are gonna be a nurse then you should work with people.

Go for the CNA training...

Good Luck :)

donmurray · Nov 10, 2003

The animals tend to show more gratitude though!

CarVsTree · Nov 10, 2003

I was a vet. assistant for several years. I love animals and that is why I chose the field. I agree with nurse2b, it will not prepare you for nusing.

I gave lots of meds, started IV's, inserted catheters... but, it is very different than working with humans. Also, I never did drug calculations. I gave what the doctor ordered.

Go for the CNA.

Agnus · Nov 10, 2003

Several people who were vet tech have told me they prefer humans as they (generally) don't bite. I guess that is a constant thing that happens in vet clinics.

sweetheart_rn · Nov 10, 2003

actually, i am in the same situation you are. I am in pre-nursing, and at the same time about to start a 3 months class to become a certified nursing assitant. I think the cna is the good idea. Hope i helped :)