so annoyed at myself =(

Re: so annoyed at myself =(

Mac Feather — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 22:31:09 GMT

Glad to hear you are a bit cheerier Sarah.

Re: so annoyed at myself =(

Fleabee99 — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 16:16:51 GMT

hey guys just wanted to say thank you for all the support and personal stories they have really helped, speshly me not being the only one who doesnt like shit

i couldnt reply on friday because i was dog sitting improving already so going good so far, feeling much better about everything and think i will stick at it and get through training and find myself an exotics practice or i might wait in my non-tp for a year or two and apply for a tp with exotics

and just for anyone whos following flower, shes doing fine, still chesty but we think this may just not go away and she is currently a junkie on baytril and bisolvon

lots of love guys as i seem to be quite rare on here since starting my new job

xxxxxXXXXXxxxxxx

Re: so annoyed at myself =(

Saskia Quinn — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 22:25:45 GMT

[quote user="Button"]

Much prefered working with dogs - but now I love working with cats, I think they're ace - and a lot easier patients than dogs (in my experience so far....probably because I can lift cats up!!!!)

[/quote]

on that note, I used to work with a vet who couldnt deal with cross dogs and I was quite dubious of cross cats! I handled the dogs and she handled the cats - we called ourselves the dream team

Re: so annoyed at myself =(

Vicky RVN — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 22:22:41 GMT

[quote user="Dreamcatcher"]I find I'm worst at certain times of the month. I can't stand certain smells at times and then other times it doesn't bother me at all![/quote]

That is very true, sometimes i can cope with a smell, other times it will turn my stomach!

Re: so annoyed at myself =(

Dreamcatcher — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 20:21:09 GMT

Hi Sarah,

Don't beat yourself up! It was so refreshing to see a real, honestly written post such as yours. I'm sure lots of people have felt the same at some point, but most would be too ashamed to admit it and just carry on being unhappy. You don't have to prove anything to anyone, and I always think you should do whatever makes you happy - if that means finding something else then no-one has the right to judge you.

However it does sound as if you're feeling a bit more positive now, and as this has been your dream it would be worth sticking it out a bit longer.

Everyone has a certain species of animal they find hard to warm to and it's just unlucky that yours happen to be the most common ones! It sounds as if you do care though so I'm sure you will get past this in time - it doesn't mean you won't be a good nurse. If anything, not being so emotionally attached can work in your favour at times.

I agree that spending time with friends dogs and cats can help! They're great animals. Unfortunately at the vets we quite often see them at their most frightened/aggressive and that can be very daunting, even for people who have owned dogs and cats all their lives. Reading up on dog and cat behaviour might also help. I find it fascinating and it can help you to see them in a whole new light. Animals are always more likeable when you learn more about them! (And that's coming from someone who thanks to David Attenborough, has a bizarre interest in Cassowaries that no-one else quite understands. - Look them up! They're amazing! Most people seem to hate them though :-( )

Anyway, I have rambled on for long enough, I hope you stick with nursing for a bit longer, but don't make yourself unhappy.

As for cleaning up poo etc, I still have moments when I feel my stomach turning (Normally with abscesses. Eugh) but you do get used to it. Unfortunately there's no way of avoiding it in our jobs, and it's only fair that these kind of jobs are split evenly among staff. I find I'm worst at certain times of the month. I can't stand certain smells at times and then other times it doesn't bother me at all! Maybe wear a mask if it's the smell that bothers you and I know it sounds obvious but wearing gloves etc when cleaning out kennels does make a difference.

Anyway... good luck! Keep us posted!

xxx

Re: so annoyed at myself =(

Anonymous — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:32:29 GMT

[quote user="SaskiaVN"]

ok, everyone pat their own backs

I am so pleased for Sarah that what started off as a negative post by her, has been completely turned around to see the benefits etc

Well done everyone

We really are a good bunch on here, eh?

[/quote]

Yup, agreed. Been following this post. And even though what she originally wrote could be misconstrued I think we all know what she meant and it wasn't anything horrible.

I used to be scared of cats and started off a bit dubious when I had to deal with them. Much prefered working with dogs - but now I love working with cats, I think they're ace - and a lot easier patients than dogs (in my experience so far....probably because I can lift cats up!!!!)

Re: so annoyed at myself =(

Saskia Quinn — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:27:18 GMT

ok, everyone pat their own backs

I am so pleased for Sarah that what started off as a negative post by her, has been completely turned around to see the benefits etc

Well done everyone

We really are a good bunch on here, eh?

Re: so annoyed at myself =(

Vicky RVN — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:38:04 GMT

I def agree with others who say there are some animals you will warm to more than others. For me, it is down to not as much experience with them or bad experiences with them (i tend to avoid hamsters after having one hang off my finger as my last practice giving my a nice infection in my finger!). And if rabbits come in (esp big ones) i'm always a bit nervous about handling them because they are SO powerful with their back legs & i'm paranoid i'm going to injure them! But if i guinea pig comes in...give it to me to nurse, love the little critters! I'm glad things seem better for you now Sarah, i do hope it works out for you because you've worked so hard to find this job. And like you say, you can specialise in exotics nursing at an exotic referral centre. Good luck with whatever you decide x

Re: so annoyed at myself =(

Heather Christie — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:03:35 GMT

[quote user="heather mac"]

Its amazing what you come to like within the job- I was always brought up that rabbits were vermin but I really got to like them and enjoyed taking care of them.

[/quote]

True. I used to hate having my face licked and getting my hands dirty. Now i find 'doggy kisses' quite sweet. Just gotta warn my partner not to kiss my neck until i've had a shower lol

Re: so annoyed at myself =(

Mac Feather — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:56:59 GMT

Its amazing what you come to like within the job- I was always brought up that rabbits were vermin but I really got to like them and enjoyed taking care of them.

Re: so annoyed at myself =(

Heather Christie — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:56:50 GMT

Agree with the others when they say the cats/dogs will grow on you in time. When i was doing work experience at a boarding kennels i loved the cats, but didn't like the dogs cuz i was scared of them. I knew i had to get over that if i wanted to be a good VN tho so i kept going in and kept working with them. Although dogs will never be my fave animals, i like them a lot more now i've worked with them for so long. I'm not so scared when they jump up on me and, most importantly, i don't assume that every dog i meet will bite me anymore. As long as you can handle cats and dogs safely and make allowances for the fact that they're not your fave animals, i think you'll be ok.

Re: so annoyed at myself =(

Donna France — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:35:07 GMT

p.s Have you seen the Job advertised at Harcourt&brown, its in Harrogate, North yorks and I believe they deal with a big caseload of exotics,

They advertising for a trainee VN

Re: so annoyed at myself =(

Donna France — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:30:54 GMT

Hi Sarah,

Stick at it, Yesterday I managed to get covered in poo, Urine, anal glands and milk!! all in the space of a few hours, but then I was involved in saving a dogs life, after 10 years nursing it still gives me a huge buzz.

So try and remember the positive thing you do throughout you day, im sure there are plenty that you dont even realise! and try not to think about the poo!

Im very much a dog person and will be 'busy' when a small furrie come in so you have a special talent with them!

chin up.

Donna x

Re: so annoyed at myself =(

Sal the 1st — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 23:46:15 GMT

I can remember Sarah having problems back in March with work experience placements

http://www.vetnurse.co.uk/forums/t/1845.aspx?PageIndex=1

- I hope she does stick at it and it becomes more enjoyable for her,and if it doesnt its important not to waste too much of your life trying to make a job you are not enjoying try to fit for you . But I have a worry that work experience placements are not 'selling' this job acurately if this sort of thing is happening - and its not the first time I have come across this

Re: so annoyed at myself =(

Saskia Quinn — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 23:19:54 GMT

I have just had a text message from Sarah

She is offline right now but can check replies to this thread via her phone.

She has asked me to say thank you and that all your messages of support have given her hope for the future xxxx

Re: so annoyed at myself =(

hissycat — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:48:57 GMT

When I first started training I was mostly in it for the cats and didn't really have an interest in dogs, I had also never owned/been around them so I just didn't 'get' them. However five years on I have really come to like them and would prob have one of my own if time/space permitted! I think with time you will come to appreciate the other species and grow to like them as you learn to read their behaviour and see their sweet sides! I also had a flatmate who really didn't see the point of cats, she was a dog/rat person, but after living with my two gorgeous kitties she really grew to like them. I agree that it would prob help to spend time with dogs/cats if you have family/friends who own them. As for the poo, it'll always happen, but I find a bit of humour goes a long way with stuff like that! i've seen a few vets get covered in explosive diarrhoea, but you've gotta laugh or you'd cry

Re: so annoyed at myself =(

Charlotte says smile — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:46:22 GMT

[quote user="SaskiaVN"]

re-reading these posts again has also made me think - most of us are either a dog or a cat person, though sometimes we can be both.

I am very much a dog person but I have 3 cats whom I love dearly. My husband is a cat person, but he also loves my dogs etc etc

What I am trying to say is that Sarah is a rattie/exotic person and having had experience of these all her life ensures she is good at nursing them as she knows their little ways etc.

I fear if a rat came in to my practice, I would have to go and do some reading on housing, feeding etc. Sarah has a special talent as she knows so much about them already.

Sarah, I am pretty sure that cats and dogs will soon come naturally to you! You will always have a deep love for ratties, the same as I have a deep love for dogs.

You persevere, you will get there and it will get easier

[/quote]

I think that this is very true for many people, I am dog and guinea pig person, so am very confident in handling guinea pigs but put a small furry like a hampster, rat, mouse etc. I am not confident in handling and caring for them, whereas sarah you would know what to do instinctively. I think with time your confidence will build as I had trouble handling cats when I first started and found myself shying away from any that might be challenging it took me a lot of perserverance to get confident but I am now, still have my off days though where I am a complete wimp!

Re: so annoyed at myself =(

supamog — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:28:31 GMT

oh dear sorry to hear that things are not quite what you expected. i have had quite a day like it myself today. not the bonding bit but the sh.t bit! loads of it, lets face it some days are just like that! referring to the Army comment, if you do decide to go down that route in the future DONT at any time say you dont like something cos it will come back and haunt you and they will make damn sure you get to do all the stuff you hate! hope things improve for you soon and good luck if you do decide to do something different

Re: so annoyed at myself =(

Claire Cameron — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:26:10 GMT

[quote user="SaskiaVN"]

re-reading these posts again has also made me think - most of us are either a dog or a cat person, though sometimes we can be both.

I am very much a dog person but I have 3 cats whom I love dearly. My husband is a cat person, but he also loves my dogs etc etc

What I am trying to say is that Sarah is a rattie/exotic person and having had experience of these all her life ensures she is good at nursing them as she knows their little ways etc.

I fear if a rat came in to my practice, I would have to go and do some reading on housing, feeding etc. Sarah has a special talent as she knows so much about them already.

Sarah, I am pretty sure that cats and dogs will soon come naturally to you! You will always have a deep love for ratties, the same as I have a deep love for dogs.

You persevere, you will get there and it will get easier

[/quote]

Yup, my thoughts exactly, having never owned ratties, I cant say I connect with them on the same level I do with cats or dogs.

I agree with Paula re the reading up on proper rattie husbandry as its not something I'm 100% familiar with, which I believe you are in the same situation Sarah, you've never owner cats or dogs so this situation would be the same as rats are to me (I think that makes sense )

Re: so annoyed at myself =(

Saskia Quinn — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:22:07 GMT

re-reading these posts again has also made me think - most of us are either a dog or a cat person, though sometimes we can be both.

I am very much a dog person but I have 3 cats whom I love dearly. My husband is a cat person, but he also loves my dogs etc etc

What I am trying to say is that Sarah is a rattie/exotic person and having had experience of these all her life ensures she is good at nursing them as she knows their little ways etc.

I fear if a rat came in to my practice, I would have to go and do some reading on housing, feeding etc. Sarah has a special talent as she knows so much about them already.

Sarah, I am pretty sure that cats and dogs will soon come naturally to you! You will always have a deep love for ratties, the same as I have a deep love for dogs.

You persevere, you will get there and it will get easier

Re: so annoyed at myself =(

Claire Cameron — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:06:55 GMT

Hi Sarah

Hope things are a little bit better, they sound like they are by reading your posts.

I'm sorry your finding the job different to what you expected, maybe if you give it a litter longer you might find things different? Perhaps try looking after a friends dog/cat and see how you feel if you look after one, as you may feel 'ersonally' connected to it rather than in a veterinary environment?

or perhaps try choosing a patient and caring for it throughout its hospitalisation (where possible) I personally find it incredibly rewarding when a patient I have helped get better leaves the practice to go home, you might find that might be a way to connect with your feline and canine patients? xxx

Re: so annoyed at myself =(

Mac Feather — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:05:38 GMT

The early days of starting out in practice can be a bit daunting,theres so much to learn and such alot going on. And I think if we are honest there are always some types of animals we are more confident around than others- my first job was in a mixed practice and I didnt like dealing with horses- have no experience with them.

Im glad youre feeling a bit better Sarah.

Re: so annoyed at myself =(

Fleabee99 — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:48:38 GMT

and thanks for your comment too charlotte i didnt forget! your personal exp gave me something to think about and abit of hope too thank you!

Re: so annoyed at myself =(

Fleabee99 — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:41:53 GMT

thanks paula, i know i prolly came across abit harsh to julie but it would be for the reason that it has been my dream and the fact that im now doubting it has really devastated me i hope it is just a confidence thing and that with time as i grow with confidence with cats and dogs that i wont feel that way, like i said im used to small furries so prolly just feel more comfortable that way but i always try my best with cats and dogs and would never hurt either of them

i was actually having a think after i wrote that and i had some cats in today and they were lovely and i enjoyed caring for them so again i think it may just be something that goes with time, i hope so anyway

thanks for your kind words paula i really needed that today as i didnt want to come across as mean, i adore animals (more than there human owners lol) and me and the oh are planning to get a husky some time in the future so maybe having one of my own will help

Re: so annoyed at myself =(

Saskia Quinn — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:18:07 GMT

having read lots of posts made by Sarah over a long period of time and having chatted to her on the phone, I feel it would be safe to assume she would not harm a cat or dog in any way.

To a stranger, maybe your post did come across that way Sarah, though for me reading it, I knew what you meant, so dont be getting too upset with what Julie wrote.

I just feel sad for you because this was your dream and you have been disappointed. However, maybe yesterday was a bad day, and hopefully, all those little cats and dogs will grow on you - given time?

Give it your best shot and if you still feel the same 6 months down the line, then you will know its not for you and at least you tried.