#NerdsUnite: The secret life of a veterinary technician (on #love)

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Lindsay. She and I met ... well, somewhere in the social space. I think we might have started talking through this site directly, then through facebook - maybe ... I'm not sure. But she's awesome. I talk to her on twitter almost every day, and she's really rad and TOTALLY a big huge animal lover. Like crazy huge!! In these series of posts she will be talking about her life and random adventures with sometimes more than two legged creatures. I guess there's only one more thing left to say ... HIT IT LINDSAY!!</editorsnote>

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @TheCraftafarian

Hey Nerds! Sick of valentines day posts and tweets yet?? Well sorry, you're about to get another one. I promise not to be too sappy but just share my experience with my two valentine's dates. 

Ha! That was sorta a trick, its sounds very interesting but in actuality I hung out with my good friend on vday night and my boyfriend and I make our own valentines day....

My boyfriend and I have been together for 5 years. We've lived together for 3. Throughout all 5 years we have struggled to spend time together. We started dating when I lived in Gainesville, FL. I worked the night shift in small animal ICU hospital and he worked as a cook in Orlando, FL. We saw each other on the weekends when I had days off--which was crazy because he usually worked weekends and had days off during the week (go figure). So I would come down and stay at his place and we would spend time together when he wasn't working. I moved back to Orlando in December 2008, which is when we moved in together. Now I work full time as a vet tech in a general practice and he works as a server at an italian restaurant. Our days off hardly ever match up and he works later in the evening than I do. Maybe that's why we work so well, because we have plenty of time by ourselves--everyone needs time to be by themselves. So anyway my boyfriend and I aren't all that into valentines day. We do celebrate it because we are both so very busy and like to be able to devote a night or day to each other. 

We do a few things different though:

1. We never ever ever go out on the actual day/night of February 14. Even if we both have off we wouldn't want to go out during that madness. But he didn't because he was busy serving other people out for their valentines dinner. We always go out the before, after, or within a few days. This year we went out February 15th around 8pm and it was awesome. 

2. We don't do gifts, its not about that. It's about spending time together and enjoying it. (Ok I take that back, one year we were too broke to swing a nice dinner and I was working late so he went out on February 15th and got me a cute little bear, heart candle, a bunch of candy, and mcdonalds. He met me at the door when I got home. So cute. That's the only time he actually purchased gifts for the holiday.)

3. We usually go out to dinner to a place we both like AKA steak (or a new place) and if we can afford it will go "all out" and get appetizers, dinner, drinks, and dessert. We talked during dinner and had a great time. I even had plenty of leftovers for a yummy dinner the next night (he had to work). That night we had talked about going to a movie but we both agreed we would just go home and watch TV--we just got cable after two years of using the internet for TV, downloading, and antenna. It was a great night, yummy food, drinks, TV, and my boyfriend. :)

The actual night of Valentine's Day I made dinner for my good friend @therabidsmiley and we watched the Harold and Kumar Christmas Movie and you know, did what you should be doing while watching Harold and Kumar. Good times! I didn't want my friend to have to be alone on Wicked Heart Day or Single Awareness Day (or myself for that matter) so we hung out, talked, and had a general good time. I guess the point of this story is that you don't have to be in a relationship to have a nice vday (although I'm sure its much preferred, I understand) and just because you don't get to be with significant other during the holiday doesn't mean you can't' make it happen. However if I had to go to court on vday like Jen, I wouldn't be too happy about it either. Honestly going to court any day sounds terrible--speaking of which I just got a jury duty summons and I'm pretty sure I don't have a way out of it....

Thanks again @therabidsmiley for being my valentine's night date and thanks to my awesome boyfriend for taking me out to dinner (he would correct me and say WE took us out to dinner).

#nerdsunite

<3 Lindsay 
twitter: @thecraftafarian
blog: craftafarian.blogspot.com
email: craftafarian at gmail d c

#NerdsUnite: The secret life of a veterinary technician (Healthy Dog Treats or Poison in Disguise?)

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Lindsay. She and I met ... well, somewhere in the social space. I think we might have started talking through this site directly, then through facebook - maybe ... I'm not sure. But she's awesome. I talk to her on twitter almost every day, and she's really rad and TOTALLY a big huge animal lover. Like crazy huge!! In these series of posts she will be talking about her life and random adventures with sometimes more than two legged creatures. I guess there's only one more thing left to say ... HIT IT LINDSAY!!</editorsnote>

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @TheCraftafarian

So I just found out that the "healthy" treats I've been giving my dogs have been reported to cause illness several times throughout the last five years. In addition the FDA recently released a consumer report warning purchasers to be wary of pet food or treats manufactured in China--Specifically those containing chicken jerky.

 I'm so upset!!! Both my dogs are fine and have been totally normal but I wanted to share this with you all as I was under the impression I was feeding my pups some excellent and tasty treats. 

Here's the scoop: 

I asked my family to purchase healthy treats for my dogs for christmas as River has IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) and is sorta allergic to chicken products. Wynnie can probably eat anything (she has a habit of stealing hot wings...) but I try to make sure they both eat healthy. None of their treats or food contain wheat or corn gluten. I usually give River raw veggies as treats--she would literally eat anything, she eats broccoli, lettuce, asparagus, whatever I toss to her! 

So my family purchased Cadet Duck wrapped yams and Chicken wrapped yams as well as two bags of plain Waggin Train Yam treats. (Think dehydrated strips of yam and jerky type meat.) This week I sat down to write a post about healthy dog treats on my blog, typed in Cadet yam treats and BAM recall information. No actual recent recalls but the FDA juuuuust released the above warning November 2011---a little too close for my comfort. So later I will be researching healthy dog treat RECIPES so that I can control the ingredients/quality aaaannnnddd it gives me a chance to share this with the TNTML community (super important info for pet parents!). 

Here's a few more links with info: 

1. Initial Warning September 2007--FDA officially informing us that there has been reports of sick pets that have consumed chicken jerky treats. It goes on to state that some dogs have died. The FDA as well as several veterinary diagnostic laboratories are working to determine the cause of illness in these pets. They have done extensive chemical and microbial testing and have not determined a contaminant. (click here for more info)

2. Preliminary Animal Health Notification December 2008--FDA continues to caution owners against feeding their pets chicken jerky treats or if they decide to continue feeding them they instruct you to watch for lethargy, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, increased urination and drinking, etc. We are informed that these alleged contaminated treats are imported into the USA from China. The report also states that University of Sydney is investigating the association of these treats with sick dogs in Australia. They report that their treats also came from China and they have since been recalled in Australia. Still no known cause. (http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm054448.htm)

3. November 2011 Consumer Warning--FDA again cautioned owners about chicken jerky. They state in the last 12 months they have seen an increase in the number of complaints of dog illnesses associated with chicken jerky treats made in China--the amount of complaints has increased so much to the point they are as concerned as they were at the first warning of 2007. (http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm280586.htm)

4. December 2011 Consumer Warning is still up on the FDA home page for Animal and Veterinary. (http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm092802.htm)

So I will definitely be throwing away the remaining treats I have that have been manufactured in China. There are a few pet companies that I know I can still trust and will stick with those but otherwise I think I will be feeding more fruits and veggies and make my pets their own healthy poison free treats. Other food recalls have included rat poison or melamine contamination. A big problem is that the small companies that we trust are being purchased by the large companies and a lot of dog food/treat manufacturers actually use the same plant, so multiple brands of food/treats can be contaminated! More on pet foods another time.

If your pets have been ill after eating food or treats and it is unrelated to any medical condition please do not hesitate to contact the FDA. 

Food and Drug Administration

Center for Veterinary Medicine

Communications Staff, HFV-12

7519 Standish Place

Rockville, MD 20855

240-276-9300 

240-276-9115 FAX

This is the website to file a complaint against a product: http://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints

#nerdsunite

Click here to follow Lindsay on Twitter!

#NerdsUnite: The secret life of a veterinary technician (exciting news)

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Lindsay. She and I met ... well, somewhere in the social space. I think we might have started talking through this site directly, then through facebook - maybe ... I'm not sure. But she's awesome. I talk to her on twitter almost every day, and she's really rad and TOTALLY a big huge animal lover. Like crazy huge!! In these series of posts she will be talking about her life and random adventures with sometimes more than two legged creatures. I guess there's only one more thing left to say ... HIT IT LINDSAY!!</editorsnote>

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @TheCraftafarian

I have news!! Yay!! I start school this Summer and I'm so freaking excited (I'm starting to feel like a dork). *happy dance* I'm even more happy because if you remember my post 10 Life Tweaks for 2012, figuring out school was on there. So I've accomplished a goal also. YES.

After researching several schools I finally applied to a school with a veterinary technician program so I can earn my certification and license for Florida, super exciting! I was conflicted for a long time about what to do regarding school and my career. I mean I love animals, medicine, and science so I feel like I'm in the right field but it would be nice to further my education and/or have something to fall back on. Plus many times more education in the field means more compensation so that would be great. I don't know if I'm going to stop after this degree, I guess it just depends on how I feel. 

I enrolled at San Juan College, located in New Mexico-They have an awesome online distance learning program. I chose this school for a number of reasons:

1. Highly recommended by a graduate I spoke to online.

2. When I emailed the adviser for information she responded immediately and even gave me a phone number to call her directly if I had any questions. (I can't even get on the phone immediately with a real person at any of my previous schools when I call.) She encouraged that I call to discuss  any questions(I never did, hehe I just like that I can if I need to).

3. Even though the school is located in New Mexico the cost for my out of state tuition is less than the cost of Florida in state tuition. Maybe I should move their because their in state tuition is a steal. 

4. NM considers me a degree seeking student while the state of FL classifies me as a non-degree seeking student (personal interest) because I have an AA degree. This classification is very important because only degree seeking students can receive financial aid. 

5. I don't have to take a drug test for this school--which is great because I really hate going to the lab centers and waiting to pee in a cup.

6. I don't have to travel to the school to take exams or do hands on skills. The school in FL requires you to drive to their testing center or pay someone at UCF $25 per exam to proctor. 

7. Maybe more, I  can't think right now. 

Basically I take my tests and quizzes online, submit assignments, and group chat discussions. The thing about the distance learning program is that you have to be working at a veterinary office in order to get "classroom experience." My boss is going to be my mentor and he has to sign off on skills so that I can move forward in the classes. Just because I live and work in FL doesn't mean I have to go to the school here. I chose an AVMA and AAHA accredited school (vet associations) which means its a good solid school and the degree being on my resume will be an asset. Once I earn the degree I have to take the national exam which costs $300 or more--it takes about 6 weeks to find out if you passed. Then in order to be licensed in FL I have to take yet another exam (and pay another $50) once all that is finished I will have earned my veterinary technician degree. Like any medical degree you have to obtain a certain number of continuing education credits to keep your license active (and pay dues, of course). I think this will make me feel very accomplished. Also being certified tends to get you loads more respect in the field than experience. *sigh* With 12 years experience you would think I wouldn't be talked to like a kid...(not my boss or coworkers, just other people, other colleagues)

My plan after that is to start a bachelors program in biology or marine biology (I like science) and then maybe a masters, maybe one day a PhD or DVM (veterinarian). The reason I'm not starting a bachelors degree now is because my GPA isn't awesome and I'm kinda blacklisted from UCF so I don't really have a public university that I can go to right now. That's why I decided to get my vet tech degree as I am currently working in the field and don't plan to change anytime soon. Plus taking these classes will help boost my GPA (if I do well, I mean WHEN) and then I can apply with a nice plump GPA. More on that stuff next week, its a fun tale. 

I haven't taken classes in over two years (I think). Now I have even more stuff to juggle but I'm really happy about it. Sometimes I had trouble with classes that didn't interest me so I'm hoping that since this is going to be all vet tech stuff I'm going to dive right in and be a genius. Haha. It will take hard work but it's so going to be worth it. 

Anyone else out there going to school? Let's help motivate each other!

Next week I'll share the story of my epic education failure...(even though it was lame then I'm happy it all happened otherwise I would not be the same person I am today, nor would I be living the same life. ie. boyfriend, current job, pets, LIFE)

#nerdsunite

<3 Lindsay 
twitter: @thecraftafarian
blog: craftafarian.blogspot.com
email: craftafarian at gmail d c

#NerdsUnite: The secret life of a veterinary technician (What do veterinary techs do?)

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Lindsay. She and I met ... well, somewhere in the social space. I think we might have started talking through this site directly, then through facebook - maybe ... I'm not sure. But she's awesome. I talk to her on twitter almost every day, and she's really rad and TOTALLY a big huge animal lover. Like crazy huge!! In these series of posts she will be talking about her life and random adventures with sometimes more than two legged creatures. I guess there's only one more thing left to say ... HIT IT LINDSAY!!</editorsnote>

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @TheCraftafarian

Hey nerds :) I'm sure many of you have pets and have been to the veterinarian's office. Do you ever wonder what the veterinary technicians do besides hold the pet for the doctor? This is what most vet techs do around the clinic; keep in mind--not all clinics have "techs" (they have assistants which don't do as much medical stuff) and some just may not have all the skills below. Also for legality purposes all skills described in this post are performed under the direct supervision of the veterinarian on staff. 

Appointments: We take all the history and vitals including weight, temperature, and heart rate. We draw any blood or take samples that are needed as well as go over any estimates for recommended procedures/treatments/services. Prescriptions are filled at the clinic or called into pharmacies. If there is only one of us scheduled for the day the doctor helps us with radiographs (xrays) but generally we do those without assistance. 

Surgery: In preparation for surgical procedures blood work is performed to ensure the patient has no problems that would complicate surgery, an IV catheter is placed for IV fluids and for emergency venous access, drugs are calculated based on dosages the doctor provides. We prepare the surgical room for the patient, get all the necessary instruments and supplies, and set up the anesthesia machine. After the doctor performs a pre-op exam we are then able to induce anesthesia and prep the patient for the procedure. Sometimes the doctor helps shave and scrub if I'm busy setting up the monitors for heart rate, blood pressure, pulse oximeter (measures oxygenation), temperature, and depth of anesthesia. Once the doctor starts surgery we record vitals every 5-10 minutes (from the monitors as well as manually) and run the anesthesia. Based on vital signs I increase or decrease amount of anesthesia the pet is getting as well as administer additional pain medications or other drugs as instructed by the doctor. Once surgery is over we assist the doctor in discharging the pet at the end of the day by going over medications and home care instructions. OH! And sometimes in surgery if the doctor needs an extra hand (or two) I get to scrub and glove in!! So so so cool. I'd totally share photos if I wasn't worried some people would freak out over blood and such. 

Hospitalized Patients: Cared for by techs from doctor's orders. We do all of the treatments throughout the day. 

Emergencies: When they come the doctor performs the initial assessment and if the patient is stable he will go talk to the owners while we take vitals, place catheter, and start treatments. In cases of arrest CPR is started  the doctor is needed to access the patient and call out orders while one tech does chest compressions and the other is breathing for the patient.  

Dental Cleaning: This is the part that surprises everyone--and the inspiration for the post. Technicians perform dental cleanings!!! Yes that's right, when the pet is under anesthesia I get to clean and polish their teeth. If there are any extractions or dental procedures required the doctor does that, but yeah I clean their teeth. It's fun! Teeth are cleaned on all sides (which is why anesthesia is important and necessary--also all the tartar, bacteria etc should not be swallowed-so my stance on non-anesthetic dental procedures is NO), polished, fluoride foam is applied, and then if the owner wants we also apply a barrier gel which helps protect the teeth from build up of plaque and bacteria.

Besides the skills above I also discuss medical decisions with owners, end of life care, puppy training, food questions, behavior questions, and pretty much anything under the sun that an owner can think of and ask. If I don't know I ask the doctor. We take 99.5% of all the calls for the clinic and answer any questions, with the help of our veterinarian. Never EVER underestimate the power of veterinary support staff. And hey, thank your vet tech next time you are in the office--it means sooo much to us. (Seriously, I get so super excited when people genuinely appreciate what I do at work, so so so happy)

 I plan to further my veterinary education soon, details to come next week! :)

#nerdsunite

Click here to follow Lindsay on Twitter!

#NerdsUnite: The secret life of a veterinary technician

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Lindsay. She and I met ... well, somewhere in the social space. I think we might have started talking through this site directly, then through facebook - maybe ... I'm not sure. But she's awesome. I talk to her on twitter almost every day, and she's really rad and TOTALLY a big huge animal lover. Like crazy huge!! In these series of posts she will be talking about her life and random adventures with sometimes more than two legged creatures. I guess there's only one more thing left to say ... HIT IT LINDSAY!! </editorsnote>

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @TheCraftafarian

This past week has been kind of crazy. My car broke down over the weekend and my friend/coworker and I switched days off this week so I could get the car taken care of Tuesday. And then all the crazies have been coming out of the woodworks lately (basically if I was there tuesday I would have been screamed at by a client instead of my coworker who took it very well, sometimes are screamed at, insulted, I have been called heartless before). I think I need a vacation...not even to go anywhere, like a staycation. I think I just need some time off for me.

My boyfriend David tells me all the time I need to be more positive and that it will help me feel better. I know he's right but sometimes its so hard when you deal with depression, work in a veterinary clinic (in not the best part of town, aka kinda poor), and in general I can be very cynical. I know I feel best when I'm positive and optimistic. With the week we've been having at work its been extremely difficult. 

We received a fax this week from a group called ExecTech Management Consulting. They send us daily or weekly faxes with tips (usually for our boss or manager) on how to deal with certain things. One of the faxes we got this week was about being optimistic. I read it and since I already planned on writing about being more positive it fits right in!!

So to give credit to their company (http://www.exectechweb.com/) this is an excerpt from 2011 ExecTech Services Inc part of their ExecTech Management Consulting Tips and Ideas. The paragraph is titled: We Can All Be More Optimistic. They call this the "Optimist Creed."

Promise Yourself....

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.*

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet. 

To make all your friends feel that ther is something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.*

To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. 

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.*

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. 

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.*

I know many of us are always trying to better ourselves and when I read this it really put a huge smile on my face because I knew I needed to do this. I've put asterisks near the ones I need to work on the most. I know this is just a piece of paper or a excerpt on the internet but I really feel like I can do this :)

Update on kitten: One of my pretty good friends in Gainesville, FL may be interested in adopting him! So happy!!

Sending happiness and positive thoughts and energy to you all. If you would like to share any ideas with me please feel free to drop me a line on twitter: @thecraftafarian or email me: craftafarian@gmail.com or check out my blog: http://craftafarian.blogspot.com or find me on almost any social media. 

<3 Lindsay @thecraftafarian

Thanks for tuning in guys :) 

#nerdsunite

Click here to follow Lindsay on Twitter!