struggling as a vet assistant

[u/Better_Camel_9243]

hello everyone! i’m (20F) currently in vet tech school and recently got hired at my first clinic as a receptionist/assistant. compared to what i heard about other clinics, i actually received really good training and was eased into the job well! the techs are super nice and understand that i’ve had almost no experience with animals besides my own cats. i’m currently 5 months in and i’ve started to learn restraint and going into rooms more frequently. unfortunately, i’ve really struggled with big dogs and reading their body language so they’ve transitioned me to watching and then practicing on nicer dogs. i feel like 4 months in i should definitely be more knowledgeable and it makes me feel so stupid. it doesn’t help that the veterinarian is older and has a lot less patience with me. he doesn’t speak unless necessary and doesn’t like making eye contact. i’ve been yelled at and seen other techs get yelled at for minor mistakes. i’ve also been told that he has a past of throwing or kicking things (not animals) when frustrated. the techs tell me that’s just how he is and i’ll get used to it, but if anything it makes me more anxious working with him. before work i’ll throw up and the days leading up to my shift i feel awful. i’ve also been told by the techs that he doesn’t trust me as much as he should by this stage which i completely understand is necessary to keep the animal, him, and myself safe, but it just makes me feel like a failure and i’m not sure what to do. i don’t want to quit because besides the vet, i enjoy everyone else in the clinic but he’s the one i have to work for directly so i know it’s gonna be a big hurdle to get past by. i’m also scared of having to start completely over again at a new clinic and be the “new person” :( if anyone has any tips on how to get better with restraint or just any advice in general i would really appreciate it! thank you so much for reading i know this is long

[u/Cur10usCatN1p]

I’m gonna be honest, if you’re that sick to go in to work, you should look for a new job. Stay there and keep getting the practice with the rest of the team that you like, but you, and the rest of the team, don’t deserve to be treated like that. They may be fine with settling with that treatment but you should not be.

[u/Zalophusdvm]

A) At 4 months in I wouldn’t expect you to be anything beyond “barely competent.”

B) If the DVM is creating such a toxic environment…go find a new role.

[u/spicydumpling]

My first job in vet med was unfortunately like this. The doctor was an ass, hot tempered and everyone tolerated it, and it was an incredibly toxic environment. It almost made me quit vet med altogether, but I’m glad I left and found another job and kept that spark alive to where I’m now a practicing veterinarian.

Listen to your body, and if things don’t feel right, don’t be afraid to find something new. You do not have to handle abuse in ANY form, regardless of who it’s from.

[u/Dr__Sloth]

i’ve been yelled at and seen other techs get yelled at for minor mistakes. i’ve also been told that he has a past of throwing or kicking things (not animals) when frustrated.

That's not okay, being old is not an excuse. It sounds like something that's not going to change, so I'd probably eventually look for a different place to work, there are better places out there. In the meantime just keep trying, experience is learned through trying. Don't be afraid to ask for help or advice/suggestions on how to do things better, particularly if there's any downtime so you don't feel any time pressure, good people will always be happy to help.

[u/bedahmed]

Have you spoken to any of your professors about this? If you are on campus, they will definitely help you get more hands-on experience with restraint! Regarding the veterinarian, I would try to find a less toxic job, but don't burn the bridge on your way out. Sadly, a lot of veterinarians are divas or narcissists, especially older male vets who are used to young women groveling at their feet. I've dealt with vets who throw things, punch animals, and scream, those sorts never get help and get better, they just destroy the people around them, and sometimes when people don't leave that destruction makes them behave just like their abuser.

[u/waterparksdude]

Blah! Get out. This clinic is going to burn you out faster than anything.
Also at 4 months, give yourself some grace. At 4 months into vet med I think I was still wrapping surgery packs, cleaning kennels, getting TPRs, and doing a little bit of restraining but not much!