Roo Team
Strive for greatness.
Anyone who has ever worked in an animal health setting knows that there’s a wide range of caliber when it comes to veterinary technicians. Anyone can learn the SKILLS required, but there are some qualities that help set some techs above the rest. At Roo, we take quality seriously. Our relief techs represent us and all Roo vet techs each time they set foot in a hospital, and that’s why we hold our folks to such a high standard. But we know there’s always room to learn and improve, and we’re here to help our vet techs grow in their careers! That’s why our Veterinary Technician Coordinator, Kristin, compiled this enlightening list of what makes a truly great vet tech.
What does it take to be a truly great vet tech?
Dedication – A great technician takes an interest in all aspects of patient care from clients to pets to the minute details of medical procedures. They have a great work ethic. They are dedicated to their craft and seek continuing education or alternative and creative ways to educate themselves so that they’re always on the cutting edge of current medical practices.
Responsibility/Dependability – A great technician is someone you can trust to carry out procedures or treatments and log them correctly without much oversight. A technician should take pride in their work and take ownership of it – even if something has been done incorrectly. A responsible, dependable technician is someone who won’t let you down, and who you know will be ready for work (on time, of course) right when their shift starts.
Competency – A great technician is cognizant of their skills and knows what they do well, but isn’t afraid to ask for help with what they don’t. They are willing and eager to learn new things to increase their skill set. A great technician feels comfortable in multiple facets of the veterinary clinic from surgery, pharmacy, and hospitalized pets to outpatient visits and lab work. They’re not a “one-trick pony”.
Integrity – “Integrity is doing the right thing even when nobody is looking”. A great technician embodies this! They want what is best and right for both patients and clients and adheres to best practices, no matter what.
Compassion – Of COURSE we’re compassionate people! A great technician sees pet care as a calling much more than a “job”. A great technician requires a bit of a servant’s heart. Be there for joyous times, yes, but also the sad times that require a personality that isn’t cold and distant. Vet techs are carers by definition, so a great technician should care!
Multitasking & Prioritization – A great technician is able to prioritize efficiently – to think about the order and ways to do things that maximize their time and, therefore, make the day go more smoothly. They can focus, follow through, and handle the pressure that the job sometimes brings.
Anticipation – A great technician generally knows what to expect next and they’re already getting the estimate together when they know their doctor will want to run diagnostics. A great technician is proactive rather than reactive, always trying to find ways to make things run more smoothly. But a great technician never takes shortcuts that could endanger the practice.
Collaboration – A great tech can’t work alone – they work with vets, receptionists, and more often than not, clients. A great technician will communicate effectively between all team members so that everyone is on the same page and nothing gets overlooked.
Communication – All of the above take some excellent communication skills, from updating vets on the status of tests or meds they’ve prescribed for a pet, to making sure owners understand the procedures and discharge instructions, and have their questions answered. Good communication is a skill that must be honed and practiced.
A Good Attitude – A great technician is a cheerful individual who isn’t quick to let the stress of the day get to them. A great technician can be a helpful presence in the clinic with a smile or a laugh when things get serious or overwhelming. A great technician will always contribute to overall good morale.
And finally, a truly great technician will read this list and recognize that there’s always room for improvement, no matter how long they’ve been in the field.
Quote of the Day
To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge.”
– Confucius
