5 Insightful Steps to Standing Out to An Employer as a Veterinary Technician
Working in the veterinary field can be a fulfilling and rewarding career. People go into the field because of their love for animals and want to make a difference in their health and comfort. Pets can come in for a variety of reasons ranging from minor issues all the way to life-or-death issues. Therefore, when applying for a job or working in the veterinary field, the employer will have certain expectations of work ethic and the standard of care for their patients.
Employer Expectations
One of the most important expectations of an employer is for the employee to be trustworthy and honest. There are many situations where mistakes can be detrimental to a pet, and a quick response is needed to maintain their health. If a mistake is made, the veterinarian should be notified immediately. One example of a mistake that could be made is giving the wrong medication to the wrong patient. One may not want to tell the veterinarian for fear of getting in trouble or embarrassment; however, it is in the best interest of the patient, to be honest when mistakes arise so that the proper care and treatment can be given if necessary.
The ability to multitask is another expectation of an employer. The veterinary industry is fast-paced and often will require an employee to perform more than one task at a time. Some tasks could be running blood work while filling medications. Next thing you know, your patient had an accident in their cage, and the laundry is overflowing. Being able to move from one task to the next while prioritizing the tasks that are of the most important is a critical part of working in the field in order to stay on track with the tasks of the day and the appointment times.
Standing Out In Your Field
When applying for a job in the veterinary field or trying to advance at your current place of employment, there are certain attributes that can set you apart from others. One great way to stand out to an employer is the willingness to learn. Attending continuing education courses is not only a way to expand your knowledge, but it also shows the employer you are committed to learning and committed to the industry. Medicine and techniques are always changing. By attending continuing education courses, it shows the devotion an employee has to maintain the most recent knowledge and skillsets.
Another way to stand out to an employer is the willingness to take on and learn new tasks. Learning new tasks is a way to climb up the ladder at work. Employees who do not want to take on extra tasks or learn something new are less likely to expand their career due to their knowledge being at a standstill. Having the knowledge of new tasks will also look great on a resume for future employment or other goals you would like to achieve.
Sharing your knowledge with others also helps to stand out because it shows the employer you are a team player. Working in the medical field should not be competitive; it should be a group effort. Every employee should have two common practices: taking care of patients and making sure they get the necessary care. By utilizing experiences, techniques, and skills that have been learned through practice, the team can grow, become knowledgeable, and provide the best care possible.
Laura Switkowski has been a Licensed Veterinary Technician since 2008 after graduating from Macomb Community College’s Veterinary Technician Program. She has worked in many different aspects in the Veterinary field including general medicine, education, and specialty practice. For the past ten years she has worked at an ophthalmology specialty practice and has taught veterinary assistance and veterinary technician students at multiple colleges across the country. Her passion as a Veterinary Technician is anesthesia and pain management. In her free time she loves being with her family, traveling, and gardening.
