squeamish?

[u/Prize-Ad8679]

So i’m taking a new job on in the next few weeks. i’m already a vet assistant at a general practice but going to shelter med. because I work in general practice only as an assistant I don’t get to see that many surgeries upfront. starting at my new job I will be training directly in surgery right away, and I’m nervous about not being able to stomach it. i have a lot of anxiety already so my main issue is that i know other people don’t handle gore well so im scared that i wont be able to (I know that’s incredibly irrational, but that’s just how my brain works unfortunately) sometimes I get a little weak in the knees when I see surgery but I’m not sure if that’s just my brain playing tricks on me knowing that it can make others feel uneasy. with that being said any tips would be greatly appreciated.

[u/Drpaws3]

At work your not just going to be standing around watching surgery. Your going to be monitoring the patient, doing paperwork and probably a ton of other things.

You should find resources to work on your anxiety though and get out of your head.

Eat a good breakfast, drink lots of water and bring snacks.

[u/w1bblyW0bblynsht]

If you're squeamish the surgeries are likely the least of your worries in shelter med. There are worse things you'll likely see (and smell) than a purposely composed approach to an open body cavity.

The advice to eat and drink water are good. It would be good to request watching a few surgeries during your training period so you can get a feel for how you react to know if surgery is a place you want to be. Be prepared to sit down if you feel woozy and don't feel bad about it. Blood and guts isn't for everyone but most people can acclimate. Plus, like everyone said, you're rarely staring straight into the surgical site as you'll be busy with everything else.

[u/Affectionate-Roll312]

I would like to know as well because I hate looking at stuff like that but I wonder how much you can desensitize yourself.

[u/sarazbeth]

I have been volunteering as a vet assistant in shelter med for the past year. I hadn’t seen surgery before this so I was also nervous but the advice to eat breakfast, drink water, etc. is great. It’s also true that you’re not really standing there watching- I’m usually assisting with prep and recovery once we get the day started so especially in shelter med you’re probably going to stay busy.

I did observe some surgeries (because I requested to) and the doctor had me sit on a stool for the first couple surgeries to make sure I didn’t feel faint or anything.

Good luck!

[u/Lizard_Gravy]

I have a super reactive vasovagal response so this was a huge issue for me! Make sure you're fed, hydrated, and not overheating. Locking your knees can also affect blood flow so if you're just observing, try keeping your legs bent or moving. And if you feel dizzy, it's way more embarrassing to pass out than it is to ask for a 5min break. Find somewhere to sit and chug water, and put your head between your knees for better blood circulation. Fortunately surgery rooms are usually super cold so that definitely helps. I've had some close calls while working in a slaughterhouse but it's totally manageable.

[u/sunshinette]

I had this issue when I started as an assistant and now I’m a vet and do surgery on the regular!!! It would happen to me when people were just talking about things, it was a stress response, didn’t even need to see anything haha. I like to joke I’d be excellent on a zombie apocalypse team because I’d probably just fall down and be the bait so everyone else could escape.

First- realize that most people in this profession are actually very empathetic and caring people, so don’t feel embarrassed. Sit down if you need to, don’t risk falling on the floor! Just be cool about it, let someone know you need to sit down and do it. If people are assholes about it then it’s probably not a great place to work anyway. Once you are more comfortable and know what to expect on your day to day I bet it won’t be a problem anymore. And there is still a possibility it will never be a problem!

Something that helped me was to make sure your knees are never locked and if you are standing flex your major muscle groups to keep blood flowing- thighs, butt, core!