It wasn’t because of the long days, busy days, or saying goodbye to our patients but instead it was because of how I was treated as a person. My vet med journey started out pretty decent, with volunteering at the local humane society and later a job at a local clinic. I learned a lot and met some really good people along the way. I even adopted my foster cat! But somewhere along the line, there was a shift at my old clinic that was rippling through the whole building and we could all feel it.
There was a moment at a staff meeting where we were told that, in no uncertain terms, we were all replaceable. Another time some of us assistants were pulled into an exam room after work being threatened with being fired if we didn’t step up our game. There was a game plan for learning new things at the clinic but it never really worked and my former bosses acted like they didn’t want to teach us. There was a lot more that went on but in the end, my mental health was breaking. I couldn’t really focus on much anymore, my sleep pattern was wrecked, and I didn’t have much of an appetite anymore. I chose myself over further negativity and toxic behavior and decided to leave that practice.
I took some time off and ended up getting an assistant job at another clinic. I was being cross-trained to be an assistant and part time receptionist. I didn’t get much training in either department to figure out how the team ran and it felt like I was just left to my own devices. The moment I remember crystal clear was having the hospital manager, who was also the wife of the head doctor and owner of the clinic, snap her finger in my face yelling at me to answer the phone because it was my job. I was let go shortly after that and while it hurt in the moment, I’m so glad I don’t work there anymore.
Leaving both of those clinics made my head much clearer, but foggier at the same time. I didn’t really have any idea on what I wanted to do next with my life. I struggled to think of anything good that I got from vet med, all because of how others treated me. My thoughts were crowded with all the bad that I experienced and I couldn’t see a way out of the doom and gloom. I tried searching for other jobs at that time, but nothing felt right. I was a mess.
About a year after that, I received a message on Indeed from a clinic saying that I would be a good fit for them, and if I was interested in doing a series of interviews. I was pretty hesitant and I almost considered saying “thanks, but I’m not interested right now”. I’m so glad I didn’t.
Fast forward 9 months, and I’m thriving. I have learned so much. I got CPR and Fear Free certified. I’m working on my blood draws and will eventually apply those techniques to placing IV catheters down the line. Everywhere I look, there are opportunities to learn and grow.
Me and all my coworkers get treated equally and there’s no yelling, outside of emergencies, or snapping of fingers. I don’t have to feel like I’m walking on eggshells anymore, or in fear that I’ll upset someone. We’re even offered virtual mental health therapy sessions after a tough patient loss or difficult work situation. None of the other clinics I have worked at would ever think of doing something like that.
Working at Latah Creek has been like a breath of fresh air. It’s not without its challenges, but we have a great support system, we all care about each other, everyone gets learning opportunities, and there’s lots of laughter.
We are a team, and we strive to maintain that every day, by showing up for each other and our patients.
