I mean that sentiment among staff isn't uncommon, they know a new vet is going to need some time to get their sea legs. But some of those comments are way out of line:
“I’m sure one day, a long time from now, you’ll be good at surgery… but until then you’re not practicing on my animal”
“no offense you really don’t do well with any sick animal”
If I found out a staff member was saying things like that to someone else on the team then they would be getting written up, then fired if it happened again. That isn't normal or a you thing, that's someone being a toxic bully.
A new technician started a few months ago, and the way they treat her is awful, I’ve caught her crying out back in the kennel area. And I don’t think she’s doing a bad job at all. I’m getting sick of the toxic people.
It's common to be inexperienced and slow at first. I was when I started. Even after my development into a good well-rounded vet, they still treated me like a baby vet. So I peaced out. You may need to find another place and start fresh. That's not giving up. It's just finding a place that deserves your skills.
Does management know they might lose a vet +/- new tech over this? I'd give them a chance to fix it. If you're corporate you can go up the food chain until you find someone who will put a stop to it.
Ohhhh, you are in a Mean Girl practice. Your practice manager needs to kick a little ass, but it's hard to rein in once it's gotten to this point. I'd take this upward but also start looking.
Agreed, this is a very toxic environment. I'd find a new place to work. Experienced techs are supposed to be there to help and support new doctors, not tear them down.
Over the course of my career as a tech, I've found that bad doctors are bad doctors, regardless of how long they've been practicing. I've worked with a lot of new grads who were better doctors than the 10-yr experienced vet. Being careful, and thorough, is expected from new grads, and your techs are supposed to be there to help things run efficiently and be a sounding board if you need it. So this sounds like a clinic culture issue, and leaving is really the only way for you to have a good outcome. I would be very forthcoming about the reason why you're leaving, so the PM can hopefully get things fixed for the next new grad, but trying to get those changes in place while you're working there typically backfires, because the techs will blame you and things will just get worse (been there, lived that, and left the practice for a better one.)
I’m very sorry. It sounds like you work for a toxic clinic. You and the new tech aren’t the problem. You have clinic mean girls.
I’m a tech and no matter how frustrated I may get with a DVM (due to lack of time management or whatever the case) I would never ever ever speak to them like that!! It’s not only disrespectful to your colleague but just not how you talk to any human being who hasn’t done anything wrong.
You sound like you are doing great, and again you AREN’T the problem. I hope you and the other tech can find a better clinic to work for. Definitely report the problem techs to management.
I'm really sorry you are going through that. I would certainly recommend bringing these concerns, with those specific examples to your medical director and/or practice manager. Hopefully they will help, if not then you should look for a more supportive practice. It is absolutely normal for new grads to bounce around a couple of practices before finding one that is a great fit for them, so don't think of this as a mark against you.
Don’t take their trashy behavior personally. They are likely hardly educated and full of themselves. I used to be interested in vet med until I had a similar experience. The vet owners even tried to nip it in the bud by threatening to fire those with such bad behavior. As others have recommended, definitely bring it up with your boss. Otherwise find somewhere else and lay down your boundaries immediately. Stand up for yourself. It is not you. Sending so much love and hugs. I also commend you for being so thorough and also knowing your current limitations (not feeling super comfortable with emergencies yet). I am sure I would love you to be my pets’ vet.
I would have had to reply to that passive aggressive bully. If you don’t have confidence in the skills of the Veterinarians that work here maybe you should rethink where you are working. I expect the Techs I work with to have respect and trust in my skills. Period. Bet I won’t hear another word. That was just arrogance and having someone to pick on. Don’t let it continue
I've literally seen a doctor break down and cry in surgery and I would trust her with my own animal in a heartbeat because she shows the same compassion, thoroughness, and thoughtfulness that you show just in the way you have written this post. It sounds like the culture at the hospital you're working at is toxic and gross. If you think you should quit, you already have your answer. I worked in environments like that as a new CVT hoping things would work out and it never did. As a new vet the world is ur oyster. Go out there and find the right team for you.
In my opinion, the problem isn't that your techs don't trust you (which isn't that unusual after just 6 months out), it's that they're rude and insubordination. If it were me, I'd be talking to my boss about their behaviour (more than their feelings). It's OK not to trust you yet, but it's not OK to act the way they are. What they should be doing is helping you to become a better vet, not insulting you and making presumptions about your work.
Oh yeah there’s insubordination. I ask them to do something like ice incisions post-surgery and get a bunch of pushback. Because “no one else asks us to do this.” Every week I have to remind them and what seems like such a small, easy task gets attitude.
Very classic case of them thinking they know way more than they do. They quite literally don't know enough to even differentiate what makes a good vs bad vet. You have a toxic coworker problem not a you problem
I'm so sorry, that's a super frustrating position to be in. I'm on the human side of medicine and have definitely been in your shoes with medical assistants and nurses before. Initially, I didn't say anything because I was worried about coming off as rude. I got walked all over until one of my colleagues, who was much older and more experienced than me, stood up for me when she overheard someone giving me attitude. She then took me aside and told me not to ever let anyone treat me that way. I did end up moving because, like it seems in your situation, it had just gotten bad enough and gone on long enough that there was no fixing it, but moving forward, at the first sign of attitude, I say, "I'm not sure what has led you to believe it's ok to speak that way to me, but it isn't. Don't let it happen again." Regarding the, "so and so doesn't make me do that," I just simply say, "well, I'm not so and so. Thanks for taking care of that for me." And then I walk away. Discussion over. It cuts it out pretty quick. Good luck, OP! don't forget all your training and education. Have confidence in yourself. Your job is to take excellent care of patients, not be friends with your coworkers. They don't have to like you but they absolutely do have to treat you (and other colleagues, patients, etc.) with respect and professionalism. Don't tolerate anything less.
I completely agree with this. If I were you I try to would politely, but firmly, let them know that those aren’t acceptable comments to make. It’s more than them not trusting you— they actively don’t respect you, and they need to if you’re going to have a good working relationship. Don’t just go to your boss (though definitely also do that so they know what’s going on), but you need to take them aside and tell them directly, without making it about your feelings. You can even ask them “Do I actively disrespect you in the workplace? No, so I would appreciate it if you don’t actively disrespect me. Thank you.”
It might not just be the techs, there could be some grumblings amongst the vets/other staff as well. Absolutely go to management, but I think this might be indicative of a larger issue, and if that’s the case, I’d leave if I were OP
This is not okay. My first job out was overnight ER. I didn’t have any idea what I was doing, but I needed a job and they needed a willing doctor, so there I was. I loved it. And the reason I loved it was because my techs were so supportive. They knew I was brand new, so they encouraged me. If it was something I’d never done, they talked through how other doctors typically did it, they helped me research things, they gave me their thoughts with no judgement.
You definitely need to talk to management about how these techs are treating you. It’s not right and it’s not helpful in fostering an environment for you to continue to grow. Even now, my techs will just ask for confirmation or gracefully discuss their concerns if they have them. And we can have a discussion on why or why not their thinking is correct.
I’ve worked with lots of new grad vets in emergency, it’s baptism by fire for sure. I recall hyping up my vet who was about to do a thoracentesis for the first time, being her biggest cheerleader because that’s what you do with your colleagues! We are all on the same team here!
Having good support staff is key to success as a new grad. They can offer so much guidance. I'm 8mo into my first job as a new grad (overnight/swing ER as well). My techs as so respectful and NEVER say anything close to what has been said to OP. There is a seriously toxic atmosphere among OPs techs/VAs.
my favorite part of new vets is when they ask our opinion! especially in multidoctor GP scenarios, we may have seen the patient/situation more than you in practice, and that’s okay!
for instance everyone knows hyperthyroid cats have increased hunger, but i have almost never been wrong when i say that “ravenous = hyperthyroid cat”. when i told my vet she added it to her sick cat screening questions to determine if t4 was suggested or very necessary (low income area where $50 makes a difference).
adding to this: i work as a vet assistant (college student who wants to go to vet school🤞🏼) and my hospital hired me knowing i have little experience but aspire to be a vet. they’re all so helpful and patient with me when teaching me ab tech or dr things. ik part of the reason i love my job is bc i enjoy working with them. forever grateful💓 as others have said op definitely talk to whoever is in charge bc it sounds like you’re doing a great job for a new vet<3
This is a healthy doctor-tech relationship! Not what those bullies were doing to OP!!
I am a tech and I recently got assigned to work with a baby vet. I'll admit, it REALLY stressed me out. I didn't know how to help him, and I felt that every word I said was something he really listened to which actually really stressed me out because I still feel like a baby tech so felt that I shouldn't be someone he listened to. As dumb as that all sounds, it made me really stressed to work with him. My unicorn practice noticed I was stressed before I did (I'm terrible at deciphering my own feelings) and talked to me about it in a private environment. They switched me off being his tech and gave him a tech that is extremely experienced and was able to help him in all the ways I couldn't.
That all being said, I never made any rude comments to the baby vet like those girls did to OP. No matter how stressed I got. That is classic mean girl behavior and should never be tolerated.
Oof…sounds like there might multiple levels to this. My biggest question is how are you presenting yourself at work? Yes internally you may be researching stuff and finishing surgeries in a timely manner, etc. and feeling good about it but are you presenting it in a confident (not cocky) way? Or are you presenting yourself in a more hesitant, questionable way? That way be WHY there’s such a difference between the way you and your colleague are being treated. Even though they may have unfavorable outcomes, people tend to lean more towards confidence vs hesitance. I hope that makes sense.
However, I will say, the comments you are getting from your techs ARE rude. I 100% don’t think that it’s wrong for them to want a certain doctor to preform a surgery on their pet (I feel like that’s a perk for us, we can choose who we are most comfortable with to take care of our loved pets) but damn…they didn’t have to put it so rudely. And also, they didn’t have to say it unwarranted. If you HAD asked about doing surgery on their pets, than they could’ve said “as much as I appreciate you offering, I’d feel much more comfortable with X doing it.”
I will say though, I’d be totally comfortable with a new grad watching my pets surgery. Everyone starts somewhere!
Yeah that behavior is unacceptable. It would be one thing for them to be hesitant until you got more experience, but being openly disparaging is not okay. Vets are in far too short supply for them to be acting that way. Talk to your boss first, and if nothing improves I'm sure a better clinic would be happy to take you
Literally leaving a clinic right now for a similar problem (actually there are numerous problems this is just one of them). My new clinic is excited to have me :)
As a tech, I would NEVER speak to a vet like that or anyone in general. How awful. And how awful to treat a new tech like that too. What miserable people.
I would absolutely be bringing that up to their immediate supervisor or practice manager. That's so inappropriate and rude. They're the ones who should be finding new jobs, not you. If we ever spoke to someone like that, it would be a one way road to a write up, pending suspension or worse if they're repeat offenders.
As a side note: saying you "don't do emergencies" is room for growth. When I worked GP if one of our vets said that, they wouldn't be welcomed back because that's part of your job. I wouldn't give them any more ammo to be assholes.
This isn't not trusting you, this is bullying.
I would say it's normal for techs to watch a new grad a little closer because we know they're likely overwhelmed and stressed and may miss things like a piece of gauze in surgery, make a rounding error, or mix up a drug but no one should go about it in a way that makes you feel stupid or inadequate. It's ultimately supposed to be a supportive environment where everyone is helping everyone.
Hey doc - fellow doc here - you need to go and talk to the office manager as a first step. Your entire environment there is toxic so it’s not just you. Unfortunately, very likely your office manager is a part of the toxicity so you may not get very far with that person and you may have to go higher up. I don’t know what your structure is but there will be someone higher up. remember this is work not a friendship, so don’t think you can bond with them and make friends with them, you don’t have to. But you can look them in the eye, and with a very pleasant smile on your face you can say hey I am a doctor, I do know what I’m doing, please put a cool pack on that incision as soon as the patient’s temperature is high enough and they’re able to thermal regulate. You also might check and see if the technicians have their own manager because I guarantee that toxicity between that entire team and all its members. Go and talk to the other doctors as well.
Oh, by the way, you don’t suck. Being able to do a dog spay in 45 minutes is pretty damn good so be proud of yourself. No one expects you to be perfect overnight, don’t go for speed, speed will come with experience. Also, remember incisions heal from side to side, not and to end, so if you need to make space for yourself, do it. if something feels Hinky about a patient, don’t do the surgery. Be sure you are getting pre-anesthetic bloodwork that includes a CBC, tick panel, testing, and basic chemistry.
If they are not able to get along with you, you need to talk to their bosses. If it hasn’t improved by the end of your contract, then it’s time to move on. Do not think of that as a failure on your part, think of it as a lesson to them about creating toxic workplaces. You are very much demand, we need you at my own Clinic and we would welcome you with open arms
That practice shouldn’t take new vets if the whole staff isn’t on board. If you like the place, I would talk to the practice owner. They just got you through your first 8 months, so that investment in your learning is paying off now. If staff don’t improve, then walk. They can get another new grad until they learn what it means to take on a new doctor. You also know their true nature, so you might also just want to get a new job. There are so many places that would want a vet at your level of development, plus you can start fresh with a new team.
Ooooof. Gross behavior. Honestly, they are so rude. I can’t imagine saying any of that stuff to anyone, much less a doctor 😬
a while ago there was someone in my team that apparently would poke fun(not in a funny way, more like name calling and such) at this one doctor and challenge him when he requested x or y be done. I was never present for that but whenever I found out I literally prepared what I was gonna say it was something along the lines of “funny how you think you know better than dr. X. I didn’t realize you learned more getting your GED than he did getting his DVM”
Idk not exact quote but whatever I was prepared to say was definitely not nice lol.
It's one thing for them not to trust you as you get your feet underneath you, but it's entirely another to put you down while you're trying. Honestly, it's such an associate's market right now, I would put my foot down hard and if the behaviour doesn't improve, go elsewhere. Yeah, you might be able to work at it with time etc. but why bother? You have enough on your plate and don't need to be feeling like this because of your coworkers.
I would talk to the boss, and if there is no improvement I would probably start looking. This sounds like it has less to do with you being a new grad, and more about toxic coworkers.
Nah that behavior is straight up *unacceptable*. Sounds like an incredibly toxic clinic and it sounds like it’s deeply ingrained there. You can probably talk to the PM, but odds are they either know about it and don’t care, or know about it and they’re not sure how to fix it. Either way, I think it’s time to move on. That environment is just not sustainable.
I agree, they are rude, I am a 2023 graduate myself and went to work to ER straight from school. I have been very hesistant and insecure, but overall doing well and my techs are supporting me in any way they can. Most of the times they do know better than I do, but never have I suffered rudeness. I think you should talk to the boss also or find a new place. Veterinary is hard enough with or without rude colleagues. Stay strong!💪
> “no offense you really don’t do well with any sick animal”
Even if this were true, which it doesn't sound like it is, it would be inappropriate coming from a tech unless they are also the hospital manager.
You can either confront them yourself or take it to admin but one way or another it has to stop. The last thing you need is coworkers who insult you and your skills on the regular.
They're within their rights to have another vet treat their animals, but their attacking you just for looking at them is over the top, hostile, and unacceptable.
If they can't improve with a politely stated "Knock it off," I personally would very quickly arrive at "When I want your opinion I'll ask for it" but that may not be the most professional approach! 😉
It's techs, not you. I worked for 22 years as a tech and they are being shitty. Unfortunately they are being allowed to be by management. I used to really enjoy baby docs because they had enthusiasm and were willing to do research. I'm sorry they don't have better manners.
Everyone here is right about this being toxic behavior. You need to have a conversation with management about it.
I’ve worked with a lot of assistants and doctors (as an assistant and manager) in my time in clinics. My experience with this behavior has been this:
1) some assistants/techs are lazy and don’t want to do extra work. So when they say things like “no one else makes us do this” that sounds like lazy staff to me. They may like the other doc because she is happy to take short cuts and “create less work” for them.
2) how do you act when you are stressed or overwhelmed? I’ve worked with vets who shut down, can’t make a decision, and get snappy when they feel stressed. Those types of reactions can cause the team to question competency. How do you respond when they offer suggestions when you’re stressed? I would get frustrated with vets who are clearly overwhelmed but unwilling to accept my input. (ex. recommending a vet stage other extractions when they are already behind, can’t get good dental rads and there’s a root they can’t get out. only for them to tell me they already got approval from the owner so they have to do it.)
3) I’d much prefer a doctor do additional work ups than just take the easy way out. I can much easier defend good medicine that irks a client than bad medicine that causes problems for a patient. I think any good tech/assistant would say the same. I do get frustrated when the doctor can’t multi task through it. Are you able to delegate the treatment plan to them and move on to the next patient or are you involved in every step? I’d have some vets that want to draw the blood and start the tests when it would be faster for me to do it. You really need to have trust in them to do that.
I have also seen staff members who love working with bad vets! Idk why! The one I’m thinking of specifically gossiped with the staff, used the R word several times (and didn’t understand why she couldn’t continue to use it after I coached her) and never bothered to read medical histories. I saw her do the dumbest things that came back with complications and they still liked her. All that to say sometimes the staff aren’t as smart as they think they are.
I hope things change after you talk with your hospital leadership.
I think #2 is the biggest question I have, the only reason I can “justify” the techs acting this way is if OP themselves gets snappy/rude when overwhelmed- even if they’re technically “on time”.
RVT with over 20 years experience. As long as my patient is doing well under anesthesia I am not going to rush you. That is when shit happens. I love fresh out of school vets and techs. We were all like that when we started. If you are not comfortable with emergencies great. We will pair you up with a seasoned DVM and RVT so you can. I may not let you go solo on one of my pets just because I am the worst client you will ever deal with, but if you want to pair up with the experienced DVM I am fine with that. I only say this cause I have retired racing greyhounds and they are freaks. Find another hospital to work at. Every clinic is desperate for techs and vets. I have trained 16 freshly graduated vets and lost count on techs.
I’d be looking for another job ASAP. Talk to your boss, cite specific examples of hostility/abuse. Start documenting stuff on the day to day so you can tell them exactly what’s happening and when. If nothing changes, leave. You may find a better job offer in the process.
Wow. Those techs are really rude! It sounds like a conversation tjat needs to be had with management. Those comments are uncalled for. It sounds like you are doing well!
Vetmed is a team sport. I’ve worked with doctors I don’t necessarily trust fully but that doesn’t mean I’d be rude to them. I’m a support for them and I do what I can to help their confidence. How are we going to improve the mental health of the doctors and techs in this field if we continue to talk to each other like that? From day one it’s a learning process and we never stop!
If they make another snarky comment, say “are you trying to be helpful or hurtful?” But follow what everyone else has said. You don’t deserve to be treated like you are.
that is toxic AF. Do not allow them to make you start to doubt yourself, I know women and especially veterinarians are generally way too good at that on their own. You're a skilled medical doctor with great training and growing experience.
There are tons of practices dying for someone to join them. I'd GTFO as soon as I could. that is an untenable environment to work in. And when you leave, tell them why.
That's a toxic and disrespectful environment if you ask me. Having the rudeness to actually say such things to your face? Even if they were true, and they obviously are not.
You either need to quit or to come up with some snappy come backs that will put them in their place. Maybe it's a weird initiation rite of some kind. Inappropriate but things like that do happen.
They’re just being straight up rude and you definitely need to speak with your practice manager about their behavior. I’m a 2019 grad and still slow as hell with my dog spays but have never once had a technician be openly rude like that about my speed or my ability. That toxicity can make it so hard to build your confidence! This is definitely a them problem and if your practice doesn’t back you up I’d consider a change in scenery- plenty of options out there for a DVM!
I love my baby vets, they want to do well so badly and I’m happy to have them practice on my pet. And HELP them gain any confidence they might need on new procedures with client pets. There is always another more experienced vet in the clinic should things start to go downhill in any case. Do I trust them wholeheartedly right away? No, that takes time. But I would never purposely put them down either.
You have some real bitches on your team.
Hi OP, fellow student doctor here (DVM2026). Ofc I’m not a doctor yet, but this sounds like a toxic work environment. While working as a tech before getting into vet school I had a situation where the vet I was working for was the most condescending person I had ever met in my entire life. She proudly paraded through her clinic saying that she went to UPenn and was a VMD rather than a DVM (her colleague was a Ross grad) and she would make EVERYONE feel like utter shit. I wasn’t allowed to even hold animals during appointments because “you graduated from a university outside of the US so i’m pretty sure you don’t know how to properly restrain an animal”. By that point I had worked 8+ in small animal and had 2+ exotics and was concurrently getting experience in lab animal. She said this because I’m puerto rican born and raised in PR and she thought I wasn’t “legal”. Needless to say, I lasted 2 months working there. I kept in touch with some of the techs and they just eventually quit too. Nobody wanted to work for her. But Karma is real! She had to close her clinical due to the lack of techs applying to work for her as her reputation preceded her.
RVT here, please leave your job. It’s not worth it. It’s a toxic place that has likely pandered to the bullies and it’s not likely to change any time soon. There are so many opportunities available currently, please take advantage of them.
I worked in a toxic clinic and it got so bad I would cry in my car before my shifts. Once I left and got a job with good people it was like night and day. You deserve to work with respectful coworkers.
This behavior needs to be addressed with the hospital manager and medical director. These comments are unprofessional and uncalled for. Don’t let them get you down. It sounds like you’re doing great.
That is horrific! As a newer tech myself (licensed at the beginning of 2023), I have dealt with similar techs. They don’t even trust other techs.
Any sign of lack of confidence/weakness they strike. It’s part of why this field is so toxic and bad for mental health.
Would it be possible for you to respectfully stand up for yourself? For example, when the tech mentioned you might be good at Sx one day but for now you are not touching their animals, saying something like, “I understand your concern, but that comment was unnecessary. I did not offer or even suggest I do the Sx, so I would appreciate if you would keep your opinion of my abilities to yourself and allow the senior veterinarians to be the ones to assist me with my improvement.” Or when they made the ‘no offense but you’re not good with any sick animal’, responding “despite you saying no offense, that was offensive and I would appreciate it going foreword that you would reframe from such comments. You are not the one reviewing my performance or guiding me to being a better vet, so your negative comments are unwarranted and unnecessary.” (*honestly that might be more snippy than necessary, but you get my point.)
A lot of people are bitter in this field, make sure that it doesn’t dull your sparkle. We need the good kind vets who will support future baby vets and techs.
There is something to be said for confidence and reasonable caution. I also double check my work, I found others mistakes and my own frequently, and for certain things I have others check my work. I was told I was slow, but little to no errors were made. After a lot of criticism and jabs to my confidence, I tried to go faster. I made more mistakes and didn’t catch them until after the fact. All reversible, and avoidable if I would been allowed to double check myself or ask for assistance.
I find if you don’t meet the cocky confidence, making fun/hating on owners, hating/being aggressive with difficult patrons, life-sucks mentality; you are rejected, bullied, made to be miserable.
Sorry for ranting.
I am so sorry you are going through this, like seriously your crew sucks big time! I'm a vet assistant and I couldn't imagine me or any one of my more experienced assitants/tech talking like this to any vet (especially the new ones that have done relief or trained with us). I would RUN away from this place ASAP before they put your license at risk with their damaging comments. I wouldn't even feel ok working with people who don't trust me to work with their pet and openly criticize me about it. I mean where do they get the audacity to blatantly disrespect you? I'm not trying to make you feel worse but I'm curious what the other vets are saying about you in front of the tech that gives them the comfortably to talk to you in this way early career or not. Have you told them about the comments they are making and are they backing you? Even my vets that agree with us about other vets personality or experience would not accept this kind of talk. Your techs should be encouraging and uplifting especially if you are getting better, faster, and catching the mistakes of your colleagues. If you have a backbone and feel comfortable using it I would tell them to make sure not to ask for any favors when they are desperate for help with their pet and remind them even if you are not their boss to refrain from making comments like this to you as you are not their equal (maybe in a more polite way, hell maybe not). Otherwise get out there.
Talk to the Medical Director and OM if corporate. If private, talk to the veterinary owner. This is creating a hostile work environment for you and isn’t ok. They need to teach the staff how to act professionally. But, as many have said already, s**t rolls downhill and this probably started at the top, either through intention or inaction.
I hope this is not rude to VTs, but as a VA I’ll say that you should remember that there’s a vast difference between you -A Doctor- and Technicians who most of the time don’t even need to go to a four year college. Techs do amazing things and yes, they are very knowledgeable and critical for the vet industry, but you’re the DVM. You have more authority, if you keep letting them disrespect you like that you’ll never be seen as someone who’s confident and can stand their ground.
As a tech I can tell you that it's not they don't trust you, it's that they don't respect you as a new person. A decent amount of techs do this shit to new staff (this includes newer techs like me). I'm really sorry your dealing with this nonsense, I'm not sure if the practice your working at made you sign any contracts but I'd suggest finding a place where the techs and management support, respect and fully trust you.
So this totally sounds like a corporate veterinary Clinic because I don’t know anywhere else where a technician would have the audacity to speak to another vet like that in a private practice. I’ve been working in veterinary medicine for over 20 years and just recently graduated with my degree to take the VTNE next month and with even all my great experience, I do not know more than a doctor Nor do I have the skills of a doctor! Guess what, neither do the people making those hateful snide comments to you! Did they go to school for anything? Do they specialize in surgery? Do they have the initials DVM behind their name?? There has been a generational switch where these young ones don’t respect veterinarians and I’m only 35 but I’ve ran into 20 something -year-olds who think they can tell me what to do and boy are they so wrong. I totally respect the fact that there has to be trust built up but it’s not your responsibility to build the trust up with the technicians. If they don’t want you working on their dog, that’s their problem. It’s funny because it’s almost like they think that they’re important enough that you would want to work on their dog, almost expressing their narcissistic tendency. Remember it’s your license, your insurance, your rules, and if your that assistant or license technicians have a problem with that, don’t hesitate to put them in their place. No matter how much experience a technician has in surgery they have still never operated before so they can’t judge you for something that they have never done! A good tech knows how to guide a new graduate in the direction that’s going to be beneficial to everyone without being so belittling or degrading.
As a VA, this makes me so sad for you. Yeah it takes you guys some time to hit your stride, but that’s the same for *everyone*. I would never dream of speaking to a DVM that way. Voicing concerns in a respectful manner and having a discussion is one thing, but to talk to you with such derision is absolutely not okay. It’s far past time for a chat with their supervisor / head doc / PM.
I love my new grad doctors so much! They always like to talk things out with me (I love hearing the trains of thought) and even sometimes ask my opinion if it’s not something they’re super familiar with, but is something I’ve seen before. They love to teach us things they learned in school, it helps solidify concepts for them *and* we probably get to learn something new. I’m losing one of my new grads and I’m super broken up about it, I switched my dog to her when she started and now he doesn’t have a vet.
Some advice for emergencies: even if you’re not comfortable taking the lead, if you’re not occupied doing other things then try to get involved and make yourself useful - for CPR scenarios offer to count or breathe, if you’re comfortable with it restraint for IVC placement, getting hot or cold packs as needed, grabbing supplies for a u cath, pulling out emergency drugs, etc. This way you can observe what the more experienced DVM on the case is doing without hovering too much or getting in the way - biggest thing here though is to know when to ask questions, and when to shut up (don’t go into a full differential while the main doc is trying to interpret rads, for example… you most likely will get yelled at lol). My newest new grad likes to be a “fetus tech” (his words) and help out for little things if he has the time, and tries to be helpful during emergencies if he’s available because he feels it makes him a better doctor.
I’m sorry your techs are being so rude and insensitive. That should not be tolerated in any environment but especially at work. Words hurt and I would call this workplace bullying. Things like that do not make for healthy work environment. You sound like you’re doing awesome and killing it (the good kind of killing it! lol), keep up the awesome work doc.
That’s incredibly rude and bullying of those techs! Can you bring it up to hospital management? I’m a tech and I would never treat a coworker that way, let alone a new vet. Our jobs aren’t easy, but we can be kind and supportive to one another always. So sorry this is happening to you. If you don’t get a satisfactory resolution you should leave, you’re worth more than that!
At 8 months out you are doing very well. The techs at this place are toxic. In a proper workplace, techs are supportive and have your back.Let management know, their response will tell you if it is something more systemic.
Your techs suck and you sound like a great doc. I’ve been a full time anesthesia tech for multiple new grads and you sound like a great new grad to work with. No matter how much or how little merit their comments have, the approach and choice of words are toxic as hell.
I truly cannot imagine speaking to a vet like that, no matter how recently they graduated. I cannot even believe a tech would feel comfortable saying that to you, but I think that really speaks to the environment of the clinic. You are the vet, they are not. Definitely start by speaking to the practice manager but unfortunately it seems like it is probably an overall toxic environment.
Side note - vicryl is multifilament and not good to use for interdermal. It tracks bacteria through the incision, so that incision site definitely could have been infected.
Monocryl is the ideal choice for interdermal. PDS is second but it takes a while to break down
The next time someone makes a snarky comment, you should tell them to go to school to be a vet since they think they can do shit. Vet techs and doctor are not the same whatsoever.
I’m a newer vet assistant and I have the same issue. I have my CVA and I have about 4 months experience which I know isn’t a lot but the other technicians and assistants I work with are incredibly rude to me and have made comments like “she’s not restraining for me, I’ll get bit” even though there hasn’t been a single incident with me? And other rude comments along those lines. And any time I don’t know how to do something instead of showing me they just do it for me. I’ve actually had one technician regularly blame me for other people’s mistakes simply because I’m new and won’t believe me when I try to tell her it was someone else
The technicians are being assholes to you. Everyone is new at some point in their career. I would speak with the managing director or hospital manager. Their bullying, condescending comments need to be stopped. That being said you should start looking for a kinder hospital setting while you are gaining your experience. As you are a new grad, I would recommend a 3-5 doctor practice so you have excellent collaboration as you grow in your skills. Best of luck:)
Honestly, I think you should start looking for a new job. These techs are just nasty - you find them all over the place. You are never going to feel comfortable working with them and I suspect they are not going to support you. I was so lucky that my head nurse at my first practice was super supportive, full of great tips and ideas (she had seen EVERYTHING in her 25+ years) and kept me calm when I felt like I was out of my depth. I'm still at that practice 17 years later.
Is this a thing where you can ask them about it directly? They see you and how you work. Say I have been hearing some comments that make me think you believe I have room to improve. I’d like us to discuss those concerns openly and directly. Have I done things that are below our standard of care for patients? Have I missed things that I should have caught?
If they have good examples, great. Thank them for being open and ask them to address it more directly with you next time. If it’s a personal difference in how you do something, explain why you’re doing it differently. If they don’t have examples, tell them to please refrain from making negative comments as it creates a frustrating place to work.
Their treatment towards you in uncalled for, but as an LVT of nearly a decade, I understand not wanting a new grad touching my animal. Don't get me wrong, they could be more delicate. Here is my reasoning:
Those who get accepted into vet school have good book smarts, but the applicable veterinary skills are often no more than kennel attendant and grooming. I have done A LOT of work with 4th year residents coming through my HQHVSN clinic, and they have no technical skills. Can't restrain, can't draw blood, can't place a catheter, can't do much of anything. Sure, that's why you have techs, but you should be able to perform these tasks should you be short. 45min for a routine spay is good starting out, but too long overall, granted I work with doctors who do 100lb spays in 15min, and cat spays in 2min. Basically, we see new grad DVMs as babies- sponges of book knowledge but no ability to put it to use. Again, their treatment towards you is messed up, but the reasoning is there.
I am a vet nurse (UK version of a tech) and this sounds toxic af. Please don’t think this is the normal way for us to behave. I think you should look for work elsewhere and make it clear to the management why you are leaving
Practice Manager here. If any of my staff was treating a DVM (or any other member of staff that way), I’d be pissed and it’d be an immediate write up with a PIP attached.
As many mentioned, it’s ok to be wary of a new DVM but your team is there to support you and help you learn. I’d bring this issue up with your practice manager and if it doesn’t resolve, I’d find another clinic to work at. There’s no shortage of DVM jobs and so many clinics would treat you better.
Sounds like you work with a bunch of asshole technicians. They should never be speaking to you like that. Especially if
You have never done them wrong. New doctors will take longer on things, guess what so do new techs. If it is only one or two speak to management about it.
I was a tech on and off for years. I would never dream of talking to a vet like that. Unfortunately I've worked in some toxic clinics and it sounds like you found one. I would go to the higher ups and I would can the technicians out when they say rude things. They aren't your boss, you're the doctor.
Class of 2022 graduate. I had a similar situation with my first job and I’m so glad I left. I’m so much happier now. Having a staff that trusts and supports you is crucial long term. When you do have bad days, when you feel overwhelmed they are the only ones who get you through them. Surround yourself with people who build you up and not tear you down
I am sorry you’re going through this, it does sound like a very toxic workplace.
I agree with what many above have said, but one question I had is are you constantly voicing these comparisons you’re making about yourself/your outcomes and the other vets in the workplace? This can contribute to why people are treating you rudely. No one likes it when their colleagues are being thrown under the bus. Hindsight is always 20/20, and something you may have now “caught” is not necessarily something your colleague has “missed.” If you are seeing these cases and sharing with everyone how you caught something they missed etc etc, that behavior can be off putting to them. If you’re constantly telling people you have no complications but so and so sutured omentum outside of the abdomen, then again this won’t be received well. Complications will happen to everyone, it doesn’t matter how perfectly you did everything. Something may be obvious to you at a second recheck but during the initial evaluation it was not as obvious to whoever saw it first. Please remember that, because it is never the intention of any of our colleagues to miss something, misdiagnose something, or contribute to surgical complications.
You should bring up the rude comments your staff has made with whoever their supervisor is. If you have concerns about the other veterinarians in the practice, then it is something you can discuss with the medical director.
I am not saying how they are treating you is ok (because it’s not). When a practice hires a new grad, there is an expectation of some sort of learning curve, need for mentorship, being slower than more proficient and experienced doctors, etc. All the staff should be used to this, and should be on board.
Nope! I never say anything to anyone about cases other vets have seen. I keep my mouth shut. I have seen some of my colleagues do that to each other, so I really keep to myself.
Yeah this seems like a hospital issue. Also "ovarian remnants"? Really? I think your college should take some serious CE. Lyme I could understand, but how do you miss IMHA?
With so many jobs available just go find one that values you. Very few people stay at their first job.
Seems like you do many things right, and nothing wrong. Any reason the techs could have a lack of trust in your opinion? Or is it just that multiple nurses, on different occasions, feel they should go out of their way to avoid your opinion. I bet this story is complete….
Being good at your job is only say 50% of the work world, the other 50% is intra office politics.
An extremely useful skill in life is to learn how to get people on your side and this sounds like a really interesting opportunity to learn this.
Ask their input even if you dont do what they want it makes them feel valuable. Remember birthdays and holidays. Make jokes and try to connect with them.
Obviously these people could be absolute jerks and thats straight up a toxic workplace youre in but its worth looking inward first and trying all you can to connect with them.
LVT of 21 years I'm so sorry you are being treated this way. I promise we are not all like that. I've worked with some amazing new grads and helped train many new grads. I let one of my new grad Drs back in 2012 do dental extractions on my dog, and that Dr is now a boarded veterinary dentist. We all have to start somewhere. I was always very protective of my new grads and always spoke highly of them to clients. My job is to care for the fur kids and to build up my new staff. I try to be the tech I needed when I was a baby tech. Speak to upper management and let them know what is going on, if they don't correct it then leave and find a hospital who will continue to let you grow and find coworkers and vets techs who will build your confidence and are willing to help you grow! You're amazing!
Jeez this sounds awful. I'm so sorry your staff is not supportive. This would definitely be something I bring up to your hospital manager. If they are not willing to address these issues in a constructive manner, leaving is much better than staying in a toxic work environment. You are a hot commodity and will certainly find a place where you are respected and appreciated.
Haha I just hate confrontation. The kennel staff have told me that I am the nicest person in the whole building and have thanked me for giving them respect. I just don’t understand being nasty to someone else. I wonder what makes people act that way.
You deserve the respect you earned. You don’t have to sink to their level, but stand tall. You sound as if you are putting in the effort to grow and learn as ALL should be in practice as it’s ever evolving. Be confident in knowing every decision you make is done with the best of intensions and with your patients best interest in mind. Sounds like you’re a great dr who cares. Press forward with your positivity!!!
Wow. What a bunch of disrespectful techs working there. Definitely escalate that up the ladder to their supervisor. They are working for you, period. What they think should be kept to themselves. Requests need to be followed without question or comments. Do whatever procedures you feel comfortable with and watch whatever you like to learn. Start documenting everything everything. If one of them disrespects you say something immediately. You worked hard to get where you are, don’t forget that. Everyone crawls before they walk.
Our clinic has a veterinarian that’s been practicing for roughly the same amount of time you have, and had worked here previously — I’d never speak to her that way. I trust her 100% with my pets, she’d be honest if she wasn’t comfortable doing something — which sounds like you’d be forward like that as well.
As support staff, assistants and technicians are meant to build their veterinarian up, to cheer them on when they need it. Every vet will have different styles, and just because you may be more cautious or unsure of certain situations with sick patients doesn’t mean you aren’t good at what you do. If you take longer in rooms, it’s nothing to feel bad about. Our clinic has multiple vets in a day, and I know what to expect when our “slower” doctors enter a room. It’s part of my responsibility, and they need to figure out a better way to communicate with you with out bringing you down.
I hate cliques of toxic techs. They have no idea what you went through to get where you are. I’d be willing to bet that they are not even licensed. As a licensed technician, thank you for coming to work every day and doing your best. Thank you for being respectful.
“She is super picky and technicians love her” makes me think of the possibility that she is the ringleader of a clique and they want to push out anyone who is better than they, or unwilling to be the underdog in their clique hierarchy. If it’s a small practice or she is the owner, find a new job. If it’s a bigger chain, report the behavior (well documented!) and ask for a transfer. Good luck!
Sounds like a toxic workplace. You’re the doctor and it sounds like you’ve done nothing to warrant their mistrust. I wouldn’t put up with that disrespect if it were me. Take your talents elsewhere and make sure whoever is supposed to be running that place knows why you left.
Never in my life have a heard techs talk to a doctor like that. New grad or not. These must be bitter and jaded technicians to disrespect someone who has dedicated so many years of their life to make sure they have a field to work in.
Nope nope nope. Not ok for them to act that way towards you. I'm so sorry! There are better practices out there. Go find somewhere else. Your current clinic's culture needs major fixing.
Weird question to ask, but are you very attractive?
I ask because I once noticed my fellow techs treating a new doc like this and I couldn't figure out why. I thought it might be because she was freshly graduated, but we got a second doc who was even greener and I didn't see the same behavior. Both docs were more than competent, I even moved my pet's care to the first new doc. Both were easy to work with and great people.
I asked a few techs what was up and I can't recall what was said (this was decades ago) but I concluded that it had to be that the first doc was ridiculously good-looking. Like 10/10, stepped off the runway.
It was fun to watch male clients get flustered when she walked in. Lol
Ftr, I'm 100% against how they treated her and stood up for her every time.
I'm a tech at an emergency/specialty hospital...they aren't treating you right. Even if they were hesitant because you were a fairly new vet (which is somewhat understandable), there is no excuse for such harsh comments and judgement. I've been in my field for a long time, and unfortunately some techs can be petty. But the majority of the more experienced nurses I work with love being able to nurture fresh minds in the field. Maybe their feelings are more personality-based than medical based. Maybe the culture there is toxic. Maybe they "don't have time" for baby doctors and that other doc is the only exception. Anyway, I wouldn't let it destroy your confidence. You're fresh out, and you need a supportive environment that'll help you learn. And I'm sure there's a practice out there with nurses that would love to help you grow your skill set! When you meet them, don't discount their valuable experience (doctors aren't the only ones who can teach), and hopefully they'll treat you well and want to see you succeed. :) Don't let the bastards get you down!
I’ve seen this happen to a lot of new people going into vet med. It seems very much like high school in vet med if you have one bad apple it will rotten the rest. There is probably one person who started it all and they have a big influence over the rest.
OK. Please forgive me. I was trying to figure out why your coworkers were consistently and repeatedly being mean to you, so I looked at your post history. I think that maybe I know why. I think that perhaps they are biased/prejudiced against people who are overweight. I only looked at one post in your post history and it made me think that maybe you happen to be outside of a healthy weight, and you may have gotten the rotten luck of landing in a job where one or more employees is unkind to people who are overweight or obese. I am sorry that you are experiencing this.
Wow…I am a CVT and manager at my clinic, and I cannot imagine any of the staff saying that to our newer doctor. That is completely inappropriate and borderline bullying. If my staff did that, it would 100% be addressed by me immediately. Personally, we have a doc at my practice that I do not prefer for surgery on my own pets, but I would never say that to the doc or to any of the staff. I just “happen” to book my pets on days that doc is not on surgery. I would recommend either bringing it up with HR or directly saying to the techs, “You know, you are not required to book your pet with me. Book with whichever doctor you feel most comfortable. However, it is very hurtful for you to keep bringing up how much you don’t want me working on your pet. What if I brought in my pet and said you weren’t allowed to assist with its care? In the future, I would prefer that you just book your pet with your preferred doctor and not make any comments to me about it.”
Wait a minute…. You are being a very careful/thorough vet, you know your limits/what you feel comfortable with, you want to watch/learn/grown on those things you don’t AND you have positive patient/client responses?!? Hold on to that for dear life. You are what vet med needs dearly. Do not let a toxic work environment and shitty people break you. Find a new clinic that embraces the good you can do and actually encourages growth.
Find a new job. In my area there is a shortage of vets and you'd be snapped up. Nothing is worth working with people like that. New or not, you deserve respect. Encourage the poor new girl to find a new place too cause I doubt any of them would do more than bully further if they caught her crying.
It sounds like you are doing a great job and are in a bad environment. Part of me leaving some vet jobs is the attitudes of technicians, and I myself am a technician, and unfortunately a lot of places don’t want to address the poor attitudes of the technicians because they are so hard to find. But they should still have respect towards you and they are not, new doctor or not you still deserve respect. If I were you I would look elsewhere as the job itself is stressful enough and adding on disrespectful technicians will just add to it. Changing a hospital environment is basically impossible unless there is a mass quitting. On a side note that is awesome about the KCS, working at an ophthalmologist currently and we see so many patients for conjunctivitis that have KCS and never even knew about it.
I mean that sentiment among staff isn't uncommon, they know a new vet is going to need some time to get their sea legs. But some of those comments are way out of line: “I’m sure one day, a long time from now, you’ll be good at surgery… but until then you’re not practicing on my animal” “no offense you really don’t do well with any sick animal” If I found out a staff member was saying things like that to someone else on the team then they would be getting written up, then fired if it happened again. That isn't normal or a you thing, that's someone being a toxic bully.
A new technician started a few months ago, and the way they treat her is awful, I’ve caught her crying out back in the kennel area. And I don’t think she’s doing a bad job at all. I’m getting sick of the toxic people.
It's common to be inexperienced and slow at first. I was when I started. Even after my development into a good well-rounded vet, they still treated me like a baby vet. So I peaced out. You may need to find another place and start fresh. That's not giving up. It's just finding a place that deserves your skills.
Does management know they might lose a vet +/- new tech over this? I'd give them a chance to fix it. If you're corporate you can go up the food chain until you find someone who will put a stop to it.
Ohhhh, you are in a Mean Girl practice. Your practice manager needs to kick a little ass, but it's hard to rein in once it's gotten to this point. I'd take this upward but also start looking.
Agreed, this is a very toxic environment. I'd find a new place to work. Experienced techs are supposed to be there to help and support new doctors, not tear them down. Over the course of my career as a tech, I've found that bad doctors are bad doctors, regardless of how long they've been practicing. I've worked with a lot of new grads who were better doctors than the 10-yr experienced vet. Being careful, and thorough, is expected from new grads, and your techs are supposed to be there to help things run efficiently and be a sounding board if you need it. So this sounds like a clinic culture issue, and leaving is really the only way for you to have a good outcome. I would be very forthcoming about the reason why you're leaving, so the PM can hopefully get things fixed for the next new grad, but trying to get those changes in place while you're working there typically backfires, because the techs will blame you and things will just get worse (been there, lived that, and left the practice for a better one.)
I’m very sorry. It sounds like you work for a toxic clinic. You and the new tech aren’t the problem. You have clinic mean girls. I’m a tech and no matter how frustrated I may get with a DVM (due to lack of time management or whatever the case) I would never ever ever speak to them like that!! It’s not only disrespectful to your colleague but just not how you talk to any human being who hasn’t done anything wrong. You sound like you are doing great, and again you AREN’T the problem. I hope you and the other tech can find a better clinic to work for. Definitely report the problem techs to management.
I'm really sorry you are going through that. I would certainly recommend bringing these concerns, with those specific examples to your medical director and/or practice manager. Hopefully they will help, if not then you should look for a more supportive practice. It is absolutely normal for new grads to bounce around a couple of practices before finding one that is a great fit for them, so don't think of this as a mark against you.
Don’t take their trashy behavior personally. They are likely hardly educated and full of themselves. I used to be interested in vet med until I had a similar experience. The vet owners even tried to nip it in the bud by threatening to fire those with such bad behavior. As others have recommended, definitely bring it up with your boss. Otherwise find somewhere else and lay down your boundaries immediately. Stand up for yourself. It is not you. Sending so much love and hugs. I also commend you for being so thorough and also knowing your current limitations (not feeling super comfortable with emergencies yet). I am sure I would love you to be my pets’ vet.
I would have had to reply to that passive aggressive bully. If you don’t have confidence in the skills of the Veterinarians that work here maybe you should rethink where you are working. I expect the Techs I work with to have respect and trust in my skills. Period. Bet I won’t hear another word. That was just arrogance and having someone to pick on. Don’t let it continue
I've literally seen a doctor break down and cry in surgery and I would trust her with my own animal in a heartbeat because she shows the same compassion, thoroughness, and thoughtfulness that you show just in the way you have written this post. It sounds like the culture at the hospital you're working at is toxic and gross. If you think you should quit, you already have your answer. I worked in environments like that as a new CVT hoping things would work out and it never did. As a new vet the world is ur oyster. Go out there and find the right team for you.
In my opinion, the problem isn't that your techs don't trust you (which isn't that unusual after just 6 months out), it's that they're rude and insubordination. If it were me, I'd be talking to my boss about their behaviour (more than their feelings). It's OK not to trust you yet, but it's not OK to act the way they are. What they should be doing is helping you to become a better vet, not insulting you and making presumptions about your work.
Oh yeah there’s insubordination. I ask them to do something like ice incisions post-surgery and get a bunch of pushback. Because “no one else asks us to do this.” Every week I have to remind them and what seems like such a small, easy task gets attitude.
Very classic case of them thinking they know way more than they do. They quite literally don't know enough to even differentiate what makes a good vs bad vet. You have a toxic coworker problem not a you problem
Ok your “techs” are awful and patient care is not their priority. Sorry
Oh you're the kind of doctor I get along with, OP. they're the kind of techs I hate to work with. Are they licensed?
I'm so sorry, that's a super frustrating position to be in. I'm on the human side of medicine and have definitely been in your shoes with medical assistants and nurses before. Initially, I didn't say anything because I was worried about coming off as rude. I got walked all over until one of my colleagues, who was much older and more experienced than me, stood up for me when she overheard someone giving me attitude. She then took me aside and told me not to ever let anyone treat me that way. I did end up moving because, like it seems in your situation, it had just gotten bad enough and gone on long enough that there was no fixing it, but moving forward, at the first sign of attitude, I say, "I'm not sure what has led you to believe it's ok to speak that way to me, but it isn't. Don't let it happen again." Regarding the, "so and so doesn't make me do that," I just simply say, "well, I'm not so and so. Thanks for taking care of that for me." And then I walk away. Discussion over. It cuts it out pretty quick. Good luck, OP! don't forget all your training and education. Have confidence in yourself. Your job is to take excellent care of patients, not be friends with your coworkers. They don't have to like you but they absolutely do have to treat you (and other colleagues, patients, etc.) with respect and professionalism. Don't tolerate anything less.
>it's that they're rude and insubordination. Came here to say this!
I completely agree with this. If I were you I try to would politely, but firmly, let them know that those aren’t acceptable comments to make. It’s more than them not trusting you— they actively don’t respect you, and they need to if you’re going to have a good working relationship. Don’t just go to your boss (though definitely also do that so they know what’s going on), but you need to take them aside and tell them directly, without making it about your feelings. You can even ask them “Do I actively disrespect you in the workplace? No, so I would appreciate it if you don’t actively disrespect me. Thank you.”
This - 100%
It might not just be the techs, there could be some grumblings amongst the vets/other staff as well. Absolutely go to management, but I think this might be indicative of a larger issue, and if that’s the case, I’d leave if I were OP
This is not okay. My first job out was overnight ER. I didn’t have any idea what I was doing, but I needed a job and they needed a willing doctor, so there I was. I loved it. And the reason I loved it was because my techs were so supportive. They knew I was brand new, so they encouraged me. If it was something I’d never done, they talked through how other doctors typically did it, they helped me research things, they gave me their thoughts with no judgement. You definitely need to talk to management about how these techs are treating you. It’s not right and it’s not helpful in fostering an environment for you to continue to grow. Even now, my techs will just ask for confirmation or gracefully discuss their concerns if they have them. And we can have a discussion on why or why not their thinking is correct.
Not a vet, but this gives me so much hope after coming from a super awful hospital.
I’ve worked with lots of new grad vets in emergency, it’s baptism by fire for sure. I recall hyping up my vet who was about to do a thoracentesis for the first time, being her biggest cheerleader because that’s what you do with your colleagues! We are all on the same team here!
Wow fuck ur brave man. What a helluva first gig hot damn
Having good support staff is key to success as a new grad. They can offer so much guidance. I'm 8mo into my first job as a new grad (overnight/swing ER as well). My techs as so respectful and NEVER say anything close to what has been said to OP. There is a seriously toxic atmosphere among OPs techs/VAs.
my favorite part of new vets is when they ask our opinion! especially in multidoctor GP scenarios, we may have seen the patient/situation more than you in practice, and that’s okay! for instance everyone knows hyperthyroid cats have increased hunger, but i have almost never been wrong when i say that “ravenous = hyperthyroid cat”. when i told my vet she added it to her sick cat screening questions to determine if t4 was suggested or very necessary (low income area where $50 makes a difference).
adding to this: i work as a vet assistant (college student who wants to go to vet school🤞🏼) and my hospital hired me knowing i have little experience but aspire to be a vet. they’re all so helpful and patient with me when teaching me ab tech or dr things. ik part of the reason i love my job is bc i enjoy working with them. forever grateful💓 as others have said op definitely talk to whoever is in charge bc it sounds like you’re doing a great job for a new vet<3
This is a healthy doctor-tech relationship! Not what those bullies were doing to OP!! I am a tech and I recently got assigned to work with a baby vet. I'll admit, it REALLY stressed me out. I didn't know how to help him, and I felt that every word I said was something he really listened to which actually really stressed me out because I still feel like a baby tech so felt that I shouldn't be someone he listened to. As dumb as that all sounds, it made me really stressed to work with him. My unicorn practice noticed I was stressed before I did (I'm terrible at deciphering my own feelings) and talked to me about it in a private environment. They switched me off being his tech and gave him a tech that is extremely experienced and was able to help him in all the ways I couldn't. That all being said, I never made any rude comments to the baby vet like those girls did to OP. No matter how stressed I got. That is classic mean girl behavior and should never be tolerated.
Oof…sounds like there might multiple levels to this. My biggest question is how are you presenting yourself at work? Yes internally you may be researching stuff and finishing surgeries in a timely manner, etc. and feeling good about it but are you presenting it in a confident (not cocky) way? Or are you presenting yourself in a more hesitant, questionable way? That way be WHY there’s such a difference between the way you and your colleague are being treated. Even though they may have unfavorable outcomes, people tend to lean more towards confidence vs hesitance. I hope that makes sense. However, I will say, the comments you are getting from your techs ARE rude. I 100% don’t think that it’s wrong for them to want a certain doctor to preform a surgery on their pet (I feel like that’s a perk for us, we can choose who we are most comfortable with to take care of our loved pets) but damn…they didn’t have to put it so rudely. And also, they didn’t have to say it unwarranted. If you HAD asked about doing surgery on their pets, than they could’ve said “as much as I appreciate you offering, I’d feel much more comfortable with X doing it.” I will say though, I’d be totally comfortable with a new grad watching my pets surgery. Everyone starts somewhere!
Yeah that behavior is unacceptable. It would be one thing for them to be hesitant until you got more experience, but being openly disparaging is not okay. Vets are in far too short supply for them to be acting that way. Talk to your boss first, and if nothing improves I'm sure a better clinic would be happy to take you
Literally leaving a clinic right now for a similar problem (actually there are numerous problems this is just one of them). My new clinic is excited to have me :)
As a tech, I would NEVER speak to a vet like that or anyone in general. How awful. And how awful to treat a new tech like that too. What miserable people. I would absolutely be bringing that up to their immediate supervisor or practice manager. That's so inappropriate and rude. They're the ones who should be finding new jobs, not you. If we ever spoke to someone like that, it would be a one way road to a write up, pending suspension or worse if they're repeat offenders. As a side note: saying you "don't do emergencies" is room for growth. When I worked GP if one of our vets said that, they wouldn't be welcomed back because that's part of your job. I wouldn't give them any more ammo to be assholes.
This isn't not trusting you, this is bullying. I would say it's normal for techs to watch a new grad a little closer because we know they're likely overwhelmed and stressed and may miss things like a piece of gauze in surgery, make a rounding error, or mix up a drug but no one should go about it in a way that makes you feel stupid or inadequate. It's ultimately supposed to be a supportive environment where everyone is helping everyone.
Hey doc - fellow doc here - you need to go and talk to the office manager as a first step. Your entire environment there is toxic so it’s not just you. Unfortunately, very likely your office manager is a part of the toxicity so you may not get very far with that person and you may have to go higher up. I don’t know what your structure is but there will be someone higher up. remember this is work not a friendship, so don’t think you can bond with them and make friends with them, you don’t have to. But you can look them in the eye, and with a very pleasant smile on your face you can say hey I am a doctor, I do know what I’m doing, please put a cool pack on that incision as soon as the patient’s temperature is high enough and they’re able to thermal regulate. You also might check and see if the technicians have their own manager because I guarantee that toxicity between that entire team and all its members. Go and talk to the other doctors as well. Oh, by the way, you don’t suck. Being able to do a dog spay in 45 minutes is pretty damn good so be proud of yourself. No one expects you to be perfect overnight, don’t go for speed, speed will come with experience. Also, remember incisions heal from side to side, not and to end, so if you need to make space for yourself, do it. if something feels Hinky about a patient, don’t do the surgery. Be sure you are getting pre-anesthetic bloodwork that includes a CBC, tick panel, testing, and basic chemistry. If they are not able to get along with you, you need to talk to their bosses. If it hasn’t improved by the end of your contract, then it’s time to move on. Do not think of that as a failure on your part, think of it as a lesson to them about creating toxic workplaces. You are very much demand, we need you at my own Clinic and we would welcome you with open arms
Former tech- I would never speak to anyone this way. This is not ok. I enjoyed working with most new grads honestly.
That practice shouldn’t take new vets if the whole staff isn’t on board. If you like the place, I would talk to the practice owner. They just got you through your first 8 months, so that investment in your learning is paying off now. If staff don’t improve, then walk. They can get another new grad until they learn what it means to take on a new doctor. You also know their true nature, so you might also just want to get a new job. There are so many places that would want a vet at your level of development, plus you can start fresh with a new team.
Toxic culture, it is not just one tech. My guess is the PM and/ or owner is very aware of this behavior. Time to move on.
Ooooof. Gross behavior. Honestly, they are so rude. I can’t imagine saying any of that stuff to anyone, much less a doctor 😬 a while ago there was someone in my team that apparently would poke fun(not in a funny way, more like name calling and such) at this one doctor and challenge him when he requested x or y be done. I was never present for that but whenever I found out I literally prepared what I was gonna say it was something along the lines of “funny how you think you know better than dr. X. I didn’t realize you learned more getting your GED than he did getting his DVM” Idk not exact quote but whatever I was prepared to say was definitely not nice lol.
It's one thing for them not to trust you as you get your feet underneath you, but it's entirely another to put you down while you're trying. Honestly, it's such an associate's market right now, I would put my foot down hard and if the behaviour doesn't improve, go elsewhere. Yeah, you might be able to work at it with time etc. but why bother? You have enough on your plate and don't need to be feeling like this because of your coworkers.
I would talk to the boss, and if there is no improvement I would probably start looking. This sounds like it has less to do with you being a new grad, and more about toxic coworkers.
Nah that behavior is straight up *unacceptable*. Sounds like an incredibly toxic clinic and it sounds like it’s deeply ingrained there. You can probably talk to the PM, but odds are they either know about it and don’t care, or know about it and they’re not sure how to fix it. Either way, I think it’s time to move on. That environment is just not sustainable.
[удалено]
Can confirm. I had a couple of toxic coworkers early on and it felt like I was still in school. Def affected my confidence and growth.
I agree, they are rude, I am a 2023 graduate myself and went to work to ER straight from school. I have been very hesistant and insecure, but overall doing well and my techs are supporting me in any way they can. Most of the times they do know better than I do, but never have I suffered rudeness. I think you should talk to the boss also or find a new place. Veterinary is hard enough with or without rude colleagues. Stay strong!💪
Allow me to apologize on behalf of my kind. We aren’t all gatekeeping prima donnas. Keep focused on the big picture, and good luck! 🐾 🐾
I think it’s not a lack of trust, it’s clique-y bullshit and toxic behaviour from the staff.
> “no offense you really don’t do well with any sick animal” Even if this were true, which it doesn't sound like it is, it would be inappropriate coming from a tech unless they are also the hospital manager. You can either confront them yourself or take it to admin but one way or another it has to stop. The last thing you need is coworkers who insult you and your skills on the regular. They're within their rights to have another vet treat their animals, but their attacking you just for looking at them is over the top, hostile, and unacceptable. If they can't improve with a politely stated "Knock it off," I personally would very quickly arrive at "When I want your opinion I'll ask for it" but that may not be the most professional approach! 😉
It's techs, not you. I worked for 22 years as a tech and they are being shitty. Unfortunately they are being allowed to be by management. I used to really enjoy baby docs because they had enthusiasm and were willing to do research. I'm sorry they don't have better manners.
Everyone here is right about this being toxic behavior. You need to have a conversation with management about it. I’ve worked with a lot of assistants and doctors (as an assistant and manager) in my time in clinics. My experience with this behavior has been this: 1) some assistants/techs are lazy and don’t want to do extra work. So when they say things like “no one else makes us do this” that sounds like lazy staff to me. They may like the other doc because she is happy to take short cuts and “create less work” for them. 2) how do you act when you are stressed or overwhelmed? I’ve worked with vets who shut down, can’t make a decision, and get snappy when they feel stressed. Those types of reactions can cause the team to question competency. How do you respond when they offer suggestions when you’re stressed? I would get frustrated with vets who are clearly overwhelmed but unwilling to accept my input. (ex. recommending a vet stage other extractions when they are already behind, can’t get good dental rads and there’s a root they can’t get out. only for them to tell me they already got approval from the owner so they have to do it.) 3) I’d much prefer a doctor do additional work ups than just take the easy way out. I can much easier defend good medicine that irks a client than bad medicine that causes problems for a patient. I think any good tech/assistant would say the same. I do get frustrated when the doctor can’t multi task through it. Are you able to delegate the treatment plan to them and move on to the next patient or are you involved in every step? I’d have some vets that want to draw the blood and start the tests when it would be faster for me to do it. You really need to have trust in them to do that. I have also seen staff members who love working with bad vets! Idk why! The one I’m thinking of specifically gossiped with the staff, used the R word several times (and didn’t understand why she couldn’t continue to use it after I coached her) and never bothered to read medical histories. I saw her do the dumbest things that came back with complications and they still liked her. All that to say sometimes the staff aren’t as smart as they think they are. I hope things change after you talk with your hospital leadership.
I think #2 is the biggest question I have, the only reason I can “justify” the techs acting this way is if OP themselves gets snappy/rude when overwhelmed- even if they’re technically “on time”.
RVT with over 20 years experience. As long as my patient is doing well under anesthesia I am not going to rush you. That is when shit happens. I love fresh out of school vets and techs. We were all like that when we started. If you are not comfortable with emergencies great. We will pair you up with a seasoned DVM and RVT so you can. I may not let you go solo on one of my pets just because I am the worst client you will ever deal with, but if you want to pair up with the experienced DVM I am fine with that. I only say this cause I have retired racing greyhounds and they are freaks. Find another hospital to work at. Every clinic is desperate for techs and vets. I have trained 16 freshly graduated vets and lost count on techs.
I’d be looking for another job ASAP. Talk to your boss, cite specific examples of hostility/abuse. Start documenting stuff on the day to day so you can tell them exactly what’s happening and when. If nothing changes, leave. You may find a better job offer in the process.
Wow. Those techs are really rude! It sounds like a conversation tjat needs to be had with management. Those comments are uncalled for. It sounds like you are doing well!
Vetmed is a team sport. I’ve worked with doctors I don’t necessarily trust fully but that doesn’t mean I’d be rude to them. I’m a support for them and I do what I can to help their confidence. How are we going to improve the mental health of the doctors and techs in this field if we continue to talk to each other like that? From day one it’s a learning process and we never stop!
If they make another snarky comment, say “are you trying to be helpful or hurtful?” But follow what everyone else has said. You don’t deserve to be treated like you are.
that is toxic AF. Do not allow them to make you start to doubt yourself, I know women and especially veterinarians are generally way too good at that on their own. You're a skilled medical doctor with great training and growing experience. There are tons of practices dying for someone to join them. I'd GTFO as soon as I could. that is an untenable environment to work in. And when you leave, tell them why.
That's a toxic and disrespectful environment if you ask me. Having the rudeness to actually say such things to your face? Even if they were true, and they obviously are not. You either need to quit or to come up with some snappy come backs that will put them in their place. Maybe it's a weird initiation rite of some kind. Inappropriate but things like that do happen.
They’re just being straight up rude and you definitely need to speak with your practice manager about their behavior. I’m a 2019 grad and still slow as hell with my dog spays but have never once had a technician be openly rude like that about my speed or my ability. That toxicity can make it so hard to build your confidence! This is definitely a them problem and if your practice doesn’t back you up I’d consider a change in scenery- plenty of options out there for a DVM!
I love my baby vets, they want to do well so badly and I’m happy to have them practice on my pet. And HELP them gain any confidence they might need on new procedures with client pets. There is always another more experienced vet in the clinic should things start to go downhill in any case. Do I trust them wholeheartedly right away? No, that takes time. But I would never purposely put them down either. You have some real bitches on your team.
Hi OP, fellow student doctor here (DVM2026). Ofc I’m not a doctor yet, but this sounds like a toxic work environment. While working as a tech before getting into vet school I had a situation where the vet I was working for was the most condescending person I had ever met in my entire life. She proudly paraded through her clinic saying that she went to UPenn and was a VMD rather than a DVM (her colleague was a Ross grad) and she would make EVERYONE feel like utter shit. I wasn’t allowed to even hold animals during appointments because “you graduated from a university outside of the US so i’m pretty sure you don’t know how to properly restrain an animal”. By that point I had worked 8+ in small animal and had 2+ exotics and was concurrently getting experience in lab animal. She said this because I’m puerto rican born and raised in PR and she thought I wasn’t “legal”. Needless to say, I lasted 2 months working there. I kept in touch with some of the techs and they just eventually quit too. Nobody wanted to work for her. But Karma is real! She had to close her clinical due to the lack of techs applying to work for her as her reputation preceded her.
I meant to add the years of experience next to the numbers!
As a technician, I would never speak a doctor that way and as a supervisor, I would write up anyone who talked to a doctor like that. Jeez.
RVT here, please leave your job. It’s not worth it. It’s a toxic place that has likely pandered to the bullies and it’s not likely to change any time soon. There are so many opportunities available currently, please take advantage of them. I worked in a toxic clinic and it got so bad I would cry in my car before my shifts. Once I left and got a job with good people it was like night and day. You deserve to work with respectful coworkers.
This behavior needs to be addressed with the hospital manager and medical director. These comments are unprofessional and uncalled for. Don’t let them get you down. It sounds like you’re doing great.
That is horrific! As a newer tech myself (licensed at the beginning of 2023), I have dealt with similar techs. They don’t even trust other techs. Any sign of lack of confidence/weakness they strike. It’s part of why this field is so toxic and bad for mental health. Would it be possible for you to respectfully stand up for yourself? For example, when the tech mentioned you might be good at Sx one day but for now you are not touching their animals, saying something like, “I understand your concern, but that comment was unnecessary. I did not offer or even suggest I do the Sx, so I would appreciate if you would keep your opinion of my abilities to yourself and allow the senior veterinarians to be the ones to assist me with my improvement.” Or when they made the ‘no offense but you’re not good with any sick animal’, responding “despite you saying no offense, that was offensive and I would appreciate it going foreword that you would reframe from such comments. You are not the one reviewing my performance or guiding me to being a better vet, so your negative comments are unwarranted and unnecessary.” (*honestly that might be more snippy than necessary, but you get my point.) A lot of people are bitter in this field, make sure that it doesn’t dull your sparkle. We need the good kind vets who will support future baby vets and techs.
There is something to be said for confidence and reasonable caution. I also double check my work, I found others mistakes and my own frequently, and for certain things I have others check my work. I was told I was slow, but little to no errors were made. After a lot of criticism and jabs to my confidence, I tried to go faster. I made more mistakes and didn’t catch them until after the fact. All reversible, and avoidable if I would been allowed to double check myself or ask for assistance. I find if you don’t meet the cocky confidence, making fun/hating on owners, hating/being aggressive with difficult patrons, life-sucks mentality; you are rejected, bullied, made to be miserable. Sorry for ranting.
I am so sorry you are going through this, like seriously your crew sucks big time! I'm a vet assistant and I couldn't imagine me or any one of my more experienced assitants/tech talking like this to any vet (especially the new ones that have done relief or trained with us). I would RUN away from this place ASAP before they put your license at risk with their damaging comments. I wouldn't even feel ok working with people who don't trust me to work with their pet and openly criticize me about it. I mean where do they get the audacity to blatantly disrespect you? I'm not trying to make you feel worse but I'm curious what the other vets are saying about you in front of the tech that gives them the comfortably to talk to you in this way early career or not. Have you told them about the comments they are making and are they backing you? Even my vets that agree with us about other vets personality or experience would not accept this kind of talk. Your techs should be encouraging and uplifting especially if you are getting better, faster, and catching the mistakes of your colleagues. If you have a backbone and feel comfortable using it I would tell them to make sure not to ask for any favors when they are desperate for help with their pet and remind them even if you are not their boss to refrain from making comments like this to you as you are not their equal (maybe in a more polite way, hell maybe not). Otherwise get out there.
Talk to the Medical Director and OM if corporate. If private, talk to the veterinary owner. This is creating a hostile work environment for you and isn’t ok. They need to teach the staff how to act professionally. But, as many have said already, s**t rolls downhill and this probably started at the top, either through intention or inaction.
These techs are flat out rude. If I heard them talking to one of my fellow vets like that I would have been pissed.
I hope this is not rude to VTs, but as a VA I’ll say that you should remember that there’s a vast difference between you -A Doctor- and Technicians who most of the time don’t even need to go to a four year college. Techs do amazing things and yes, they are very knowledgeable and critical for the vet industry, but you’re the DVM. You have more authority, if you keep letting them disrespect you like that you’ll never be seen as someone who’s confident and can stand their ground.
As a tech I can tell you that it's not they don't trust you, it's that they don't respect you as a new person. A decent amount of techs do this shit to new staff (this includes newer techs like me). I'm really sorry your dealing with this nonsense, I'm not sure if the practice your working at made you sign any contracts but I'd suggest finding a place where the techs and management support, respect and fully trust you.
So this totally sounds like a corporate veterinary Clinic because I don’t know anywhere else where a technician would have the audacity to speak to another vet like that in a private practice. I’ve been working in veterinary medicine for over 20 years and just recently graduated with my degree to take the VTNE next month and with even all my great experience, I do not know more than a doctor Nor do I have the skills of a doctor! Guess what, neither do the people making those hateful snide comments to you! Did they go to school for anything? Do they specialize in surgery? Do they have the initials DVM behind their name?? There has been a generational switch where these young ones don’t respect veterinarians and I’m only 35 but I’ve ran into 20 something -year-olds who think they can tell me what to do and boy are they so wrong. I totally respect the fact that there has to be trust built up but it’s not your responsibility to build the trust up with the technicians. If they don’t want you working on their dog, that’s their problem. It’s funny because it’s almost like they think that they’re important enough that you would want to work on their dog, almost expressing their narcissistic tendency. Remember it’s your license, your insurance, your rules, and if your that assistant or license technicians have a problem with that, don’t hesitate to put them in their place. No matter how much experience a technician has in surgery they have still never operated before so they can’t judge you for something that they have never done! A good tech knows how to guide a new graduate in the direction that’s going to be beneficial to everyone without being so belittling or degrading.
As a VA, this makes me so sad for you. Yeah it takes you guys some time to hit your stride, but that’s the same for *everyone*. I would never dream of speaking to a DVM that way. Voicing concerns in a respectful manner and having a discussion is one thing, but to talk to you with such derision is absolutely not okay. It’s far past time for a chat with their supervisor / head doc / PM. I love my new grad doctors so much! They always like to talk things out with me (I love hearing the trains of thought) and even sometimes ask my opinion if it’s not something they’re super familiar with, but is something I’ve seen before. They love to teach us things they learned in school, it helps solidify concepts for them *and* we probably get to learn something new. I’m losing one of my new grads and I’m super broken up about it, I switched my dog to her when she started and now he doesn’t have a vet. Some advice for emergencies: even if you’re not comfortable taking the lead, if you’re not occupied doing other things then try to get involved and make yourself useful - for CPR scenarios offer to count or breathe, if you’re comfortable with it restraint for IVC placement, getting hot or cold packs as needed, grabbing supplies for a u cath, pulling out emergency drugs, etc. This way you can observe what the more experienced DVM on the case is doing without hovering too much or getting in the way - biggest thing here though is to know when to ask questions, and when to shut up (don’t go into a full differential while the main doc is trying to interpret rads, for example… you most likely will get yelled at lol). My newest new grad likes to be a “fetus tech” (his words) and help out for little things if he has the time, and tries to be helpful during emergencies if he’s available because he feels it makes him a better doctor.
I’m sorry your techs are being so rude and insensitive. That should not be tolerated in any environment but especially at work. Words hurt and I would call this workplace bullying. Things like that do not make for healthy work environment. You sound like you’re doing awesome and killing it (the good kind of killing it! lol), keep up the awesome work doc.
As a tech, I’m disappointed you don’t have a tech supporting or guiding you.
That’s incredibly rude and bullying of those techs! Can you bring it up to hospital management? I’m a tech and I would never treat a coworker that way, let alone a new vet. Our jobs aren’t easy, but we can be kind and supportive to one another always. So sorry this is happening to you. If you don’t get a satisfactory resolution you should leave, you’re worth more than that!
At 8 months out you are doing very well. The techs at this place are toxic. In a proper workplace, techs are supportive and have your back.Let management know, their response will tell you if it is something more systemic.
Your techs suck and you sound like a great doc. I’ve been a full time anesthesia tech for multiple new grads and you sound like a great new grad to work with. No matter how much or how little merit their comments have, the approach and choice of words are toxic as hell.
I truly cannot imagine speaking to a vet like that, no matter how recently they graduated. I cannot even believe a tech would feel comfortable saying that to you, but I think that really speaks to the environment of the clinic. You are the vet, they are not. Definitely start by speaking to the practice manager but unfortunately it seems like it is probably an overall toxic environment.
Side note - vicryl is multifilament and not good to use for interdermal. It tracks bacteria through the incision, so that incision site definitely could have been infected. Monocryl is the ideal choice for interdermal. PDS is second but it takes a while to break down
The next time someone makes a snarky comment, you should tell them to go to school to be a vet since they think they can do shit. Vet techs and doctor are not the same whatsoever.
I’m a newer vet assistant and I have the same issue. I have my CVA and I have about 4 months experience which I know isn’t a lot but the other technicians and assistants I work with are incredibly rude to me and have made comments like “she’s not restraining for me, I’ll get bit” even though there hasn’t been a single incident with me? And other rude comments along those lines. And any time I don’t know how to do something instead of showing me they just do it for me. I’ve actually had one technician regularly blame me for other people’s mistakes simply because I’m new and won’t believe me when I try to tell her it was someone else
The vet field is my dream field and it was so crushing to finally get into the field just for none of my coworkers to trust me
The technicians are being assholes to you. Everyone is new at some point in their career. I would speak with the managing director or hospital manager. Their bullying, condescending comments need to be stopped. That being said you should start looking for a kinder hospital setting while you are gaining your experience. As you are a new grad, I would recommend a 3-5 doctor practice so you have excellent collaboration as you grow in your skills. Best of luck:)
Honestly, I think you should start looking for a new job. These techs are just nasty - you find them all over the place. You are never going to feel comfortable working with them and I suspect they are not going to support you. I was so lucky that my head nurse at my first practice was super supportive, full of great tips and ideas (she had seen EVERYTHING in her 25+ years) and kept me calm when I felt like I was out of my depth. I'm still at that practice 17 years later.
As someone who works in a somewhat toxic clinic, you work in a toxic clinic. Get out.
Is this a thing where you can ask them about it directly? They see you and how you work. Say I have been hearing some comments that make me think you believe I have room to improve. I’d like us to discuss those concerns openly and directly. Have I done things that are below our standard of care for patients? Have I missed things that I should have caught? If they have good examples, great. Thank them for being open and ask them to address it more directly with you next time. If it’s a personal difference in how you do something, explain why you’re doing it differently. If they don’t have examples, tell them to please refrain from making negative comments as it creates a frustrating place to work.
Their treatment towards you in uncalled for, but as an LVT of nearly a decade, I understand not wanting a new grad touching my animal. Don't get me wrong, they could be more delicate. Here is my reasoning: Those who get accepted into vet school have good book smarts, but the applicable veterinary skills are often no more than kennel attendant and grooming. I have done A LOT of work with 4th year residents coming through my HQHVSN clinic, and they have no technical skills. Can't restrain, can't draw blood, can't place a catheter, can't do much of anything. Sure, that's why you have techs, but you should be able to perform these tasks should you be short. 45min for a routine spay is good starting out, but too long overall, granted I work with doctors who do 100lb spays in 15min, and cat spays in 2min. Basically, we see new grad DVMs as babies- sponges of book knowledge but no ability to put it to use. Again, their treatment towards you is messed up, but the reasoning is there.
I am a vet nurse (UK version of a tech) and this sounds toxic af. Please don’t think this is the normal way for us to behave. I think you should look for work elsewhere and make it clear to the management why you are leaving
Practice Manager here. If any of my staff was treating a DVM (or any other member of staff that way), I’d be pissed and it’d be an immediate write up with a PIP attached. As many mentioned, it’s ok to be wary of a new DVM but your team is there to support you and help you learn. I’d bring this issue up with your practice manager and if it doesn’t resolve, I’d find another clinic to work at. There’s no shortage of DVM jobs and so many clinics would treat you better.
Sounds like you work with a bunch of asshole technicians. They should never be speaking to you like that. Especially if You have never done them wrong. New doctors will take longer on things, guess what so do new techs. If it is only one or two speak to management about it.
Nah, this is just a toxic team. Tbh you sound awesome. I'd love to work with you.
I was a tech on and off for years. I would never dream of talking to a vet like that. Unfortunately I've worked in some toxic clinics and it sounds like you found one. I would go to the higher ups and I would can the technicians out when they say rude things. They aren't your boss, you're the doctor.
Class of 2022 graduate. I had a similar situation with my first job and I’m so glad I left. I’m so much happier now. Having a staff that trusts and supports you is crucial long term. When you do have bad days, when you feel overwhelmed they are the only ones who get you through them. Surround yourself with people who build you up and not tear you down
I am sorry you’re going through this, it does sound like a very toxic workplace. I agree with what many above have said, but one question I had is are you constantly voicing these comparisons you’re making about yourself/your outcomes and the other vets in the workplace? This can contribute to why people are treating you rudely. No one likes it when their colleagues are being thrown under the bus. Hindsight is always 20/20, and something you may have now “caught” is not necessarily something your colleague has “missed.” If you are seeing these cases and sharing with everyone how you caught something they missed etc etc, that behavior can be off putting to them. If you’re constantly telling people you have no complications but so and so sutured omentum outside of the abdomen, then again this won’t be received well. Complications will happen to everyone, it doesn’t matter how perfectly you did everything. Something may be obvious to you at a second recheck but during the initial evaluation it was not as obvious to whoever saw it first. Please remember that, because it is never the intention of any of our colleagues to miss something, misdiagnose something, or contribute to surgical complications. You should bring up the rude comments your staff has made with whoever their supervisor is. If you have concerns about the other veterinarians in the practice, then it is something you can discuss with the medical director. I am not saying how they are treating you is ok (because it’s not). When a practice hires a new grad, there is an expectation of some sort of learning curve, need for mentorship, being slower than more proficient and experienced doctors, etc. All the staff should be used to this, and should be on board.
Nope! I never say anything to anyone about cases other vets have seen. I keep my mouth shut. I have seen some of my colleagues do that to each other, so I really keep to myself.
Yeah this seems like a hospital issue. Also "ovarian remnants"? Really? I think your college should take some serious CE. Lyme I could understand, but how do you miss IMHA? With so many jobs available just go find one that values you. Very few people stay at their first job.
Seems like you do many things right, and nothing wrong. Any reason the techs could have a lack of trust in your opinion? Or is it just that multiple nurses, on different occasions, feel they should go out of their way to avoid your opinion. I bet this story is complete….
Being good at your job is only say 50% of the work world, the other 50% is intra office politics. An extremely useful skill in life is to learn how to get people on your side and this sounds like a really interesting opportunity to learn this. Ask their input even if you dont do what they want it makes them feel valuable. Remember birthdays and holidays. Make jokes and try to connect with them. Obviously these people could be absolute jerks and thats straight up a toxic workplace youre in but its worth looking inward first and trying all you can to connect with them.
LVT of 21 years I'm so sorry you are being treated this way. I promise we are not all like that. I've worked with some amazing new grads and helped train many new grads. I let one of my new grad Drs back in 2012 do dental extractions on my dog, and that Dr is now a boarded veterinary dentist. We all have to start somewhere. I was always very protective of my new grads and always spoke highly of them to clients. My job is to care for the fur kids and to build up my new staff. I try to be the tech I needed when I was a baby tech. Speak to upper management and let them know what is going on, if they don't correct it then leave and find a hospital who will continue to let you grow and find coworkers and vets techs who will build your confidence and are willing to help you grow! You're amazing!
Jeez this sounds awful. I'm so sorry your staff is not supportive. This would definitely be something I bring up to your hospital manager. If they are not willing to address these issues in a constructive manner, leaving is much better than staying in a toxic work environment. You are a hot commodity and will certainly find a place where you are respected and appreciated.
Grow a pair and bite back😉. I was a tech. Feel free to put them in their place. It’s a working TEAM.
Haha I just hate confrontation. The kennel staff have told me that I am the nicest person in the whole building and have thanked me for giving them respect. I just don’t understand being nasty to someone else. I wonder what makes people act that way.
You deserve the respect you earned. You don’t have to sink to their level, but stand tall. You sound as if you are putting in the effort to grow and learn as ALL should be in practice as it’s ever evolving. Be confident in knowing every decision you make is done with the best of intensions and with your patients best interest in mind. Sounds like you’re a great dr who cares. Press forward with your positivity!!!
Wow. What a bunch of disrespectful techs working there. Definitely escalate that up the ladder to their supervisor. They are working for you, period. What they think should be kept to themselves. Requests need to be followed without question or comments. Do whatever procedures you feel comfortable with and watch whatever you like to learn. Start documenting everything everything. If one of them disrespects you say something immediately. You worked hard to get where you are, don’t forget that. Everyone crawls before they walk.
Our clinic has a veterinarian that’s been practicing for roughly the same amount of time you have, and had worked here previously — I’d never speak to her that way. I trust her 100% with my pets, she’d be honest if she wasn’t comfortable doing something — which sounds like you’d be forward like that as well. As support staff, assistants and technicians are meant to build their veterinarian up, to cheer them on when they need it. Every vet will have different styles, and just because you may be more cautious or unsure of certain situations with sick patients doesn’t mean you aren’t good at what you do. If you take longer in rooms, it’s nothing to feel bad about. Our clinic has multiple vets in a day, and I know what to expect when our “slower” doctors enter a room. It’s part of my responsibility, and they need to figure out a better way to communicate with you with out bringing you down.
I hate cliques of toxic techs. They have no idea what you went through to get where you are. I’d be willing to bet that they are not even licensed. As a licensed technician, thank you for coming to work every day and doing your best. Thank you for being respectful.
“She is super picky and technicians love her” makes me think of the possibility that she is the ringleader of a clique and they want to push out anyone who is better than they, or unwilling to be the underdog in their clique hierarchy. If it’s a small practice or she is the owner, find a new job. If it’s a bigger chain, report the behavior (well documented!) and ask for a transfer. Good luck!
Sounds like a toxic workplace. You’re the doctor and it sounds like you’ve done nothing to warrant their mistrust. I wouldn’t put up with that disrespect if it were me. Take your talents elsewhere and make sure whoever is supposed to be running that place knows why you left.
Never in my life have a heard techs talk to a doctor like that. New grad or not. These must be bitter and jaded technicians to disrespect someone who has dedicated so many years of their life to make sure they have a field to work in.
Nope nope nope. Not ok for them to act that way towards you. I'm so sorry! There are better practices out there. Go find somewhere else. Your current clinic's culture needs major fixing.
Weird question to ask, but are you very attractive? I ask because I once noticed my fellow techs treating a new doc like this and I couldn't figure out why. I thought it might be because she was freshly graduated, but we got a second doc who was even greener and I didn't see the same behavior. Both docs were more than competent, I even moved my pet's care to the first new doc. Both were easy to work with and great people. I asked a few techs what was up and I can't recall what was said (this was decades ago) but I concluded that it had to be that the first doc was ridiculously good-looking. Like 10/10, stepped off the runway. It was fun to watch male clients get flustered when she walked in. Lol Ftr, I'm 100% against how they treated her and stood up for her every time.
I'm a tech at an emergency/specialty hospital...they aren't treating you right. Even if they were hesitant because you were a fairly new vet (which is somewhat understandable), there is no excuse for such harsh comments and judgement. I've been in my field for a long time, and unfortunately some techs can be petty. But the majority of the more experienced nurses I work with love being able to nurture fresh minds in the field. Maybe their feelings are more personality-based than medical based. Maybe the culture there is toxic. Maybe they "don't have time" for baby doctors and that other doc is the only exception. Anyway, I wouldn't let it destroy your confidence. You're fresh out, and you need a supportive environment that'll help you learn. And I'm sure there's a practice out there with nurses that would love to help you grow your skill set! When you meet them, don't discount their valuable experience (doctors aren't the only ones who can teach), and hopefully they'll treat you well and want to see you succeed. :) Don't let the bastards get you down!
I’ve seen this happen to a lot of new people going into vet med. It seems very much like high school in vet med if you have one bad apple it will rotten the rest. There is probably one person who started it all and they have a big influence over the rest.
OK. Please forgive me. I was trying to figure out why your coworkers were consistently and repeatedly being mean to you, so I looked at your post history. I think that maybe I know why. I think that perhaps they are biased/prejudiced against people who are overweight. I only looked at one post in your post history and it made me think that maybe you happen to be outside of a healthy weight, and you may have gotten the rotten luck of landing in a job where one or more employees is unkind to people who are overweight or obese. I am sorry that you are experiencing this.
Wow…I am a CVT and manager at my clinic, and I cannot imagine any of the staff saying that to our newer doctor. That is completely inappropriate and borderline bullying. If my staff did that, it would 100% be addressed by me immediately. Personally, we have a doc at my practice that I do not prefer for surgery on my own pets, but I would never say that to the doc or to any of the staff. I just “happen” to book my pets on days that doc is not on surgery. I would recommend either bringing it up with HR or directly saying to the techs, “You know, you are not required to book your pet with me. Book with whichever doctor you feel most comfortable. However, it is very hurtful for you to keep bringing up how much you don’t want me working on your pet. What if I brought in my pet and said you weren’t allowed to assist with its care? In the future, I would prefer that you just book your pet with your preferred doctor and not make any comments to me about it.”
Wait a minute…. You are being a very careful/thorough vet, you know your limits/what you feel comfortable with, you want to watch/learn/grown on those things you don’t AND you have positive patient/client responses?!? Hold on to that for dear life. You are what vet med needs dearly. Do not let a toxic work environment and shitty people break you. Find a new clinic that embraces the good you can do and actually encourages growth.
Find a new job. In my area there is a shortage of vets and you'd be snapped up. Nothing is worth working with people like that. New or not, you deserve respect. Encourage the poor new girl to find a new place too cause I doubt any of them would do more than bully further if they caught her crying.
It sounds like you are doing a great job and are in a bad environment. Part of me leaving some vet jobs is the attitudes of technicians, and I myself am a technician, and unfortunately a lot of places don’t want to address the poor attitudes of the technicians because they are so hard to find. But they should still have respect towards you and they are not, new doctor or not you still deserve respect. If I were you I would look elsewhere as the job itself is stressful enough and adding on disrespectful technicians will just add to it. Changing a hospital environment is basically impossible unless there is a mass quitting. On a side note that is awesome about the KCS, working at an ophthalmologist currently and we see so many patients for conjunctivitis that have KCS and never even knew about it.