6pm – 7pm
"During the day I can catch up with friends and walk the dog"
My shift starts at 6pm which is where the phones get switched over and the answer machine is taken off, I check for any voice messages that may have been left during the day and also check the post to see what needs dealt with. We start setting up our reception area and waiting room as we are based in a PDSA Clinic which means our stuff gets put away every morning, then do the rounds with the vets and nurses to see what inpatients there is and what monitoring of them is needing done overnight.
7pm – 8pm
From about 7pm to 8pm this is the time we will mostly get calls from our Member Practices with transfers they are sending over to receive treatment overnight and also during this time is when I open the post and process insurance cheques or fill out insurance claim forms to send off to the insurance companies.
9pm – 11pm
"I have a young family so working nights suits me as it means I get to take my kids to school every morning and pick them up in the afternoon"
About 9pm onwards is generally when we get the real emergency calls and this can be anything from a RTA, to a dog or puppy eating something they shouldn't have, fitting pets, or GDV's. You just never know what the next phone call is going to be and you always have to be prepared to calm owners down, get at least the basic details from them and explain as much as possible about what is happening to their pet tonight, as well as giving them the directions to get down to the clinic asap.
Unfortunately one of the downsides of working in an emergency clinic is that sometimes the outcome isn't good for the pet and owner and the animal is too sick to save and dies, this is a very distressing time for the owners and you need to be strong enough to be there for them, support them and advise of the choices they have.
Working for Vets Now everyone definitely works as a team and there is no real set job description for each position, if someone needs help with something be it the receptionist, nurse or vet anyone that is free will help as best they can and that's one of the things that makes it such a great place to work and we all support each other through the highs and the lows.
11pm – 12 midnight
There is nothing like the emergency c-section that comes in at 11pm. It's a case of all hands on deck! While the vet and nurse are performing the operation, we get ready with the hot water bottles and the towels to take the puppies and help revive them and get them breathing. At the end of a long and tiring shift there is nothing better than hearing the little puppy squeak and knowing that you have saved a life, I go home tired but happy.