Vet Assistant Careers as a Surgical Technician

One of the most stressful times in an animal's life is when it requires a surgical procedure. Unlike humans, pets don't understand what is happening to them when it is time for surgery -- all they know is that they are sick or in pain and probably very scared. This is why working as a veterinary surgical technician is one of the most rewarding animal jobs available in the industry. Not only are you providing sick and injured animals with potentially life-saving care, but you have a chance to comfort and nurture them as they regain their health.

A veterinary assistant working as a surgical technician is essentially the primary operating room assistant. They need to be able to help the surgeon perform basic medical functions, such as setting up the operating table, endotrachael intubation of animals and drawing blood. They also might need to help insert IVs and other lines into the animal to prepare them for surgery. The role of a vet assistant working as a surgical tech continues throughout the surgical process. They are responsible for keeping a close eye on equipment and monitoring devices to make sure that the pet's vital signs are doing well during surgery.

The training that a person receives in veterinary assistant school will also come in handy immediately after the procedure is completed. A surgical tech is often responsible for the post-surgical care of an animal, including making sure they wake up from the procedure and come out of the anesthesia. They also frequently handle routine post-operative medical tests such as the monitoring of EKGs.

It's also important that a surgical technician is caring and compassionate. They are frequently the first people that an animal sees when they wake up after surgery, and they can provide warmth and help a pet feel better as they recuperate. In addition, they also are frequently the main point of contact for pet owners who are worried about the health of their animals, so it is important that they have strong people skills and can help relay important information to pet owners while alleviating their concerns.

For graduates of veterinary assistant schools, working as a surgical tech provides an incredible sense of self-worth, as it lets them be actively involved in life-saving procedures. While the job can be very stressful, it also has tremendous potential rewards.



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