"What skills did I gain/ or improve on from my internship?"
Throughout my internship at Brickyard Animal Hospital I learned a variety of new skills including:
-Taking Temperature, Pulse, and Respiration (TPRs)
-Preparing Animals for Surgery
-Updating Patient Charts
My role as an intern was to assist veterinary technicians. This included monitoring pets and taking their vital signs. On the first day, I was immediately handed a stethoscope and a thermometer, then thrown right into the action. While it was nerve racking in the beginning, it eventually became a natural part of my day and I became more accurate and confident in my abilities to take TPRs.
During my internship, I also learned how to assist with surgeries. This was especially exciting for me as surgery has always been a particular interest of mine. As a result, placing EKG wires, helping intubate, and positioning the animals for surgery was very interesting. In addition, learning how to monitor vital signs both manually and through a machine gave me a deeper understanding of an animal’s health and allowed me to render better help. This often included updating patient charts to display accurate information and communicating with staff about any concerns.
Ultimately, I was excited to be immersed in a medical setting and have the ability to be part of a team. By the end of my internship I realized the importance of collaboration, planning, and delegation in an animal hospital. These are skills I carry into my life today throughout school and other activities.
