A Day in the Life of a Veteran

Military service entails unique challenges that most civilians cannot begin to imagine or understand. These include being away from home, combat, and physical demands.

When a veteran transitions to civilian life, it can trigger PTSD or other issues he or she may have experienced during deployment. Fortunately, there are programs in place to help veterans adjust back into civilian life.

Day in the Life of a Vet

Many veterans have a difficult time readjusting to civilian life, a Pew Research Center study finds. Returning to civilian life can trigger feelings of isolation, family dysfunction and PTSD symptoms.

Vets are trained to be mission-focused, stoic and brave, but those qualities can come under fire when returning home from the military. According to the survey, 27% of veterans say re-entry was difficult for them.

A day in the life of a vet is incredibly varied. While all small animal hospitals have the same basics, a vet’s daily routine can be wildly different, depending on what patients are coming in that day or whether surgeries or appointments are scheduled.

Typically, the first part of the day is spent with animals that have been admitted to the hospital. They are examined and evaluated to create treatment plans for their owners. This includes taking a pet’s vitals, listening to their heart and lungs, and conducting a physical exam.

Working at a Vet Hospital

If you love animals and want to put your compassion into action, a career as a veterinarian is an excellent choice. The job involves a variety of rewarding experiences, including nursing sick pets back to health; teaching pet owners about how to care for their animals; and providing vaccinations.

Veterinarians work in many different settings, including private practice and veterinary hospitals. They may also be hired by shelters, NGOs and zoological centers.

Often, the best part of working at a veterinary hospital is the amazing diversity in patients that come through your door. The majority of a day’s activities will involve treating animals from dogs and cats to turtles, chameleons and snakes.

Despite their hectic schedule, veterinary technicians are some of the most caring people in the field. They take in abandoned and pitiful pets, bottle-feed them and help them recover. They also perform euthanasia, which is difficult for anyone to do.

Working at a Vet Clinic

Veterinarians and their support staff work around the clock to diagnose, treat, and care for sick or injured animals. They perform surgeries, administer drugs, and advise pet owners on how to keep their pets healthy.

Many veterinarians find that interacting with animals is incredibly rewarding. They often hear from former students that they saved a pet’s life or that they helped them cope with a difficult situation.

Veterinary receptionists greet animal owners and book appointments, dispense prescriptions, fill out medical records, and process payments. They also assist the veterinarians with x-rays, exams and treatments.

If you love animals and want to work with them, consider working at a vet clinic as an entry-level employee. It’s a great way to get hands-on experience and build skills that you can use in other careers. Start by applying for internships at local vets’ clinics. Then work your way up to a full-time position.

Staying at a Vet Hospital

There are many reasons your pet might need to stay overnight in a veterinary hospital. They might have surgery, be recovering from a serious illness, or be in critical care.

In all cases, the hospital will do their best to keep your pet comfortable and happy during their stay. They will walk your pet, administer treatments, and check up on them.

They’ll take vital signs, place them on a drip, collect blood, give medications, and take radiographs. The vet will also create an electronic hospital chart of your pet’s treatment and send it to you by email.

The cost of keeping your pet at a vet hospital can vary greatly, depending on the procedure and location. Prices can range from $50 to $1,000 or more.