Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey;
Im an r.n. ive worked in a hospital setting for 7 years in obstetrics. I love what I do but............

Ive always loved working with animals, I have l0 reptiles, all lizards,geckos,dragons etc.......no snakes

ive recently looked into schools but they are all really far more than 1 1/2 hrs away, not practical with kids in school and a job (although only three days a week)

any suggestions or on how I could get more education, or how I could get into more of an animal career?

I have alot of medical skill, just that its with humans, besides my own work with my own critters......

would appreciate some insight........
do you find what you are doing rewarding, mentally, financially...do you feel satisfied?
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Life is what happens when you are making other plans.......

Could try correspondence classes or evening classes if they are offered. I am sure veterarian assistant is a course that is offered via correspondence. It is in Canada so I don't see why it won't be in the states.

Talking to the schools offering veternarian sciences for out student options would be a good ideal. They may be able to work something out that works for you.

I was a vet tech over 20 years ago. I wasn't trained and didn't go to school for it. A few years ago, I was holding my cat for a free rabies clinic and it was obvious I knew how to hold a cat. Then when I asked the doctor a question about my dog's teeth, that I cleaned myself, he offered me a job right then and there. He didn't know me but could see I knew what I was doing. I know someone else who got a job recently and she wasn't trained either.

After a few years (6 actually) I burned out. The pay isn't really the greatest either for the amount of work you do. It's hard to put animals down, especially ones that don't have to be (yes, people pay to put their animals put to sleep if, say, they are moving and feel no one else would be able to take care of them the right way and you have no say) Cruelty is bad too. Some of it is ignorance but still. Then again, when a sick animal pulls through because of you, you feel great.

Maybe you could work for one a few days a week to see if it is something you would like to do full time. Since you already have nurse training, maybe you can find a vet who would hire you without a degree. I know mine liked it because he didn't have to pay me as much.

I was a vet tech. Went to school, became lic. and STILL got paid lousy for all the work I did. As a nurse, I'm sure you know all about how the Dr. "places an order" and you do all the work. He's just getting paid for his knowledge. It can be very rewarding, emotionally, as I'm sure obstetrics is. Bottom line, I left because I became a Mom. It wasn't worth it to me to have him in daycare for what I made. If you have the ability to do it "for fun, not nessesity", then give it a shot. As the previuos post said, you could probably get a job quite easily because of your nursing backround...very much the same with animals. Use many of the same drugs/theories/techniques. You just won't be paid as much. Never made above $18,000...even after 5 years experience/licensed...including over time!! Good luck!! If you love to "play" with the animals...a kennel assistant is fun! You get to help in the exam rooms, etc., but no where near the responsibility..which means no "orders" being barked at you.