It’s true unfortunately, that as humans we can psychologically be geared to focus or recall the stressful, anxiety inducing or challenging moments in our life with more ease than the many positive, proud or delighted moments.
As members of the veterinary community, we should pause intermittently and reflect on the numerous highlights in our careers.
What is so good about being a vet or veterinary nurse? Why did we choose this pathway in the first place?
Animals are in many ways like people. Each comes with his or her own personality and set of behaviours. Getting to know them in our role, is like reading a book, each chapter or interaction with them slowly reveals a unique and special being. This process can occur over years when a well patient visits a few times a year or can occur over an intense short period of time for an unwell, hospitalised patient. We are their trusted carers and delight in the opportunity to form relationships and connections with so many animals.
A sense of warm satisfaction is felt when pain of another, is relieved. This is an integral and repeated theme in daily veterinary life.
Do we often enough allow ourselves to feel pride in providing this service to animals/pets?
Owners turn to us concerned, distressed, sometimes helpless and we alleviate these emotions for them. Even if not always communicated, I know gratitude is felt for what we provide.
The ability to educate and impart knowledge to others, is a gift in itself. The excited discussion with new kitten or puppy owners sets them up with a foundation for positive pet ownership. How many animals’ lives have been saved by education and public awareness of the necessity for continuous paralysis tick prevention in endemic areas, for example?
Do we marvel at the diversity of skills able to be mastered and practiced as vets and vet nurses? We have the opportunity if desired to take sole responsibility for the medical or surgical care of our patients. It is possible to consult on all matter of issues, perform intravenous placements, produce and interpret radiographs, perform ultrasound, anaesthetics, surgery, intensive care of patients and we all know the list goes on. What diversity and opportunity we are presented with!
There are many a documented complaint about dealing with the public. But what if we flip that pancake over?
How many wonderful people have you encountered in your career? The opportunity to step into the lives of others, even for a brief interlude, is a privilege. I have met so many diverse individuals, that otherwise I would not have crossed paths with, had I not been their beloved pet’s vet. I have experienced much growth as a person from these many interactions and hope that I am a better person for it.
In particular, being present and integral in the moment an individual, family or group say goodbye to their pet, has touched me in profound ways. It is an intensely personal moment and raw emotions are experienced. Sensitively guiding owners during this time, requires significant emotional intelligence. Feeling proud that you have performed this duty well, is not conceited.
Being a veterinarian or a veterinary nurse certainly presents a plethora of highs and lows. We are in integral part of society. Reviewing veterinary demand during the peak of the COVID pandemic provides testimony to this. Let’s celebrate our successes and reflect more frequently on the positive, proud and delighted moments we experience.