Q: Why did you choose to become a veterinary technician?
Andrea Performs a Laser Therapy Treatment.
A: “When I was a child I grew up with a menagerie of animals; we had goats, ducks, sheep, chickens, dogs, and cats. I had always loved them and caring for them. Over the years my interests led me away from animals and to study geology in college. However, after some major life changes, I found myself answering a help wanted ad for a small two doctor practice. From the moment I took that job, I knew that I had found my calling. Being a veterinary nurse is one of the most fulfilling jobs I’ve ever had. After being a veterinary nurse and doing what I love every day there is no way I could ever do anything else.
Q: One thing you love about your job…
A: “It is hard to pick just one thing I love about my job because there is so much. I really do like the client education that we do here. We strive to give our clients the best and most up to date information we can provide them with. We do this so we can ensure that pets are getting the best medicine and their owners understand why we do what we do. I really love the connection you can make with someone when they understand a disease process or a treatment or even why we are recommending a vaccine and you were able to help with that. I feel like we have such a limited amount of time to talk to our clients and it’s so rewarding when they leave here knowing more than when they came in.”
Q: One thing that is hard about your job…
A: “Patient suffering is the hardest thing to witness. It’s also the most rewarding when we can treat and improve a pet’s quality of life. There are many aspects that can affect the ability to treat patient suffering: disease, old age, client education, neglect, financial hardships, etc. We like to leave no stone unturned- knowing that we did everything we could for our patients and this is sometimes unobtainable.”
Q: One reason why you love working at Longwood Vet Center…
Andrea assists in surgery. Here she is holding a 15 lb splenic mass.
A: “The people! We really are like a big family here. It’s nice to walk in the door every day and know that we are appreciated by not only each other but also our management team and owners. We are always cheering each other on and encouraging others to learn new things and be the best that we can be. I’ve made life-long friendships here and have learned so much from my coworkers. We care about everyone and can depend on each other when times get tough. It’s wonderful to come into work and be greeted by an atmosphere that’s healthy and happy. When you work in a place like Longwood, you can come to work to do what you love and you can leave still loving what you do.”
Q: The place in the hospital where we would likely find you…
A: “I don’t think there is one place in particular that you will find me in the hospital. I like to visit each area to “check in” with everyone. I work with patients in our treatment room, our doctor’s in our exam rooms, and I can be found answering the phone at reception. I like to be versatile and use my skills all over the hospital. I do have a strong interest in oral health so you’ll find me there every Tuesday cleaning teeth and taking x-rays.”
Q: One thing you would like pet owners to know…
A: “We love your pet and treat them like they are our own. Every patient that comes through our doors is treated with respect and love. We always want what is best for our patients and will only recommend the best medical care for them. We are always rooting for our patients and helping them heal and stay healthy is our main goal. I try really hard to make sure that our clients feel comfortable talking to us and asking questions. When we treat our patients and clients with respect it makes it easier for us to come up with a plan together.”
