You have probably worked in a ton of clinics by now. I'm sure you have heard us preach about toxicity and why we believe it is happening. That would need to be a separate post in itself.
There are other options out there. If you have worked in a clinic setting and it just isn't working out for you, that's okay! That is not your only option out there. You just have to keep an open mind, and think outside of the clinic's four walls.
Teach Your Knowledge and Skills
This will depend on your location. Each state ( or country if outside of the U.S.) has their own rules and regulations for teaching. Most states will at least require an Associates Degree of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology from an AVMA accredited school. they may or may not require a license, that would be something you would have to look into when pursing this option.
They usually want someone who has had experience within the clinic or research setting. So, if you are just starting out in this field, this option might not be the best for you just yet. If you have both of those qualifications, and love to teach people this is an excellent option! You would get to teach your experiences within the field to people coming into this field. Like shaping new veterinary minds entering veterinary medicine. Maybe YOU could be the change veterinary medicine truly needs.
Pet Insurance Companies
According to what I researched, pet insurance has been around for over 100 years. It was mostly available to livestock and large animals. It wasn't until 1982 that it would reach America to insure the infamous Collie, Lassie. By 1997 both dogs and cats were insurable.
We all know the basics of pet insurance..."they don't cover pre-existing conditions," blah blah blah. We've made the spiel a million times to pet owners. But did you know you could actually work for one of these companies? There are tons of them out there and a lot of them are even work from home positions.
Keep in mind, some positions do require you to be an LVT/RVT/CVT and have a few years under your belt. They offer anywhere from customer service, sales (if you like to promote!), claims adjusters, and many more! Most of these companies offer excellent benefits, pay, and time off. Which a lot of us do not get in a clinic.
Laboratory or Research Facility
Now, I realize there are a lot of mixed feelings out there regarding these two topics. However, it is not exactly what you're thinking.
If you're like me and live near a very popular veterinary teaching hospital (UC Davis) there is a huge need for nurses in these facilities. Not all laboratory or research facility is "bad." Some are zoo's, wildlife conservations, sea-life centers (not SeaWorld..don't get me started on that), food companies - Science Diet to be exact, and many more. There are places that indeed do use laboratory animals for research, and those animals need the same exact love and care as domestic animals do.
Pharmaceutical Companies
Have you ever thought about working for one of the companies that makes the medications we prescribe to our patients? Merck, Boehringer Ingelheim, Zoetis, Elanco; you know all the companies.
Yes, a lot of times these companies want doctors and scientists. BUT if you love people (I know, we got in this field for a reason) and love to sell stuff, this type of job might be perfect for you. This type of job isn't working directly with patients. This is working with practices. In general, you are a sales representative and try to sell their product. You need to know and understand the medication they are selling, know the side effects, etc. and build a relationship with them.
It takes a special personality to do a job like this, one I personally do not possess. There are people out there that are great at this type of thing, and if that's you then this option is for you!
Get A Specialty
For this you will most definitely need to have a license. However, you can get a specialty in so many things:
Behavior
Nutrition
Emergency/Critical Care
Anesthesia & Analgesia
Dentistry
Internal Medicine
Zoological Medicine
Laboratory Animal
Clinical Pathology
Dermatology
Equine Medicine
Physical Rehabilitation
Ophthalmic
Surgery
Diagnostic Imaging
Having a specialty can give you a more customized veterinary experience. You can focus on doing what you love instead of all the added in extras that you could do without. I will say these can take years to complete. Each specialty has lists of qualifications and tasks you have to complete, along with a final (almost like VTNE) exam you have to pass to obtain your specialty. So if you're looking for something to quickly get you out of the clinic, this option may not be for you. Or it may be something to start working towards while you look for a better clinic in the meantime.
In the end, it would be worth the time. Having a specialty will add more value to you as a nurse. It adds more to your resume and will help you shine above other potential hires. You will also have the added benefit of possibly being paid more.
For a list of the specialties and their requirements, click here.
Veterinary Product Distributors
You know who they are: Covetrus, MWI, Midwest Vet, Patterson, Jorvet...
These may not utilize your nurse skills as much, but it is an option. It is another way to stay connected to the veterinary field. The positions are generally customer service, sales & marketing, corporate, etc. so depending on the position and your qualifications you don't need to be a licensed technician.
A benefit to a job like this would be they generally offer awesome benefits! That is a huge struggle within veterinary clinics. Oftentimes we are not afforded the luxury of having good healthcare when we have families in this field.
Management/Supervisor
I realize I talk mad shit about management. I think we can all agree that most of what I say is the unfortunate truth.
BUT...
What if YOU could be the change we need?! What if YOU are the voice of reason to change the culture in your practice?
I am aware that things happen if and when the top allows them to happen. Have you ever asked your parent to do something so many times that they are like "Fine! You can go to the baseball game!" Change does not happen without persistence.
Maybe YOU hold the key to offering that final suggestion to make them change their ways. We will never know if we don't try, right?
Pet Poison Control
This is another interesting option. It is a different way of helping animals. You are helping the owners or doctors know what to do for toxicities. They have options for DVM's, LVT's or non-credentialed support staff. Most of these jobs are work from home positions. This would be a great option for those who need a break but still want to utilize their skills.
Relief Technician/Nurse
If working in one clinic isn't for you, there is the option of doing relief work. This is working in different clinics while they have people out on vacation, sabbatical, etc. and filling that position. Sometimes this can require you to have a license and/or experience. A lot of times clinics who need relief work don't have the time to train so experience is a huge plus.
This gives you a chance to be your own boss and make your own schedule. This affords you the opportunity to work with different people, clients, animals, and gain experience. Since you won't be a full time employee at these clinics, you will not be eligible to be protected under their liability insurance. You would need to take out your own liability insurance so that if you do end up getting injured either by an animal, or by falling you are covered.
Technically this isn't "outside" of the clinic but it is still a great option.
Be A Solo RVT
This is a new one I stumbled upon thanks to a follower! This program is dedicated to helping LVT/RVT/CVT's start and run their own housecall business. You are required to have a license and have passed the VTNE. The program is ran by an RVT who has worked in the field for over 12 years. She coaches others how to succeed outside of the clinic.
If interested in her program, click here!
Traveling Vet Nurse
You could go to other countries and help with spay/neuter clinics, vaccination clinics, education, and so much more!
There are tons of rescues out there that need our help. This would afford you the opportunity to see another country, different culture, different animals & species and help animals around the world. A lot of times they do require you to have a license, but that would depend on the organization or rescue.
Keep in mind, these do require having the money up front and during Covid they may have specific protocols. But if you have been wanting to do something new and different, this is where it's at!
For a list of rescues and organizations, click here!
I am sure there are more options out there. We don't have to be stuck in a clinic day in and day out. We get to be the director of our career. Go out there and pursue your dreams, but never take bullshit!
Thank you for joining my Ted Talk :)
Shena Humbert, LVT
Not Another Vet Nurse