Adrianne's Blog

Not A Vet Tech Anymore

imaginebliss — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 06:07:58 +0000

My job ended abruptly. Banfield has their own product they sell, called Wellness Plans. It is the nurse’s job to present these plans to clients and potentially enroll them on one for their pets. I consistently had a healthy number of sales, when there were a few ‘long-time’ nurses who were not selling many for weeks at a time. I was doing well. One month our sales were falling behind, mine included. One of my clients one day was a cat room. An angry cat. I barely escaped tooth and claw and was really shaken up afterward. I went into the back of the hospital to settle my nerves down a bit. The vet went in, the client left, and I had forgotten to talk to her about the wellness plans. Shortly after, the CSC at the time left the busy front desk and came into the back of hospital where he confronted me in front of everyone as to why I didn’t get her on a WP. And it was not to be helpful. If he had meant to be helpful he might have talked to me in private. He did this to reaffirm his authority over me. Later my manager pulled me aside and said I was being written up for it. Even though the client DID get on a WP THAT SAME DAY I was still being punished. I didn’t lose the hospital any money. They got their WP. So that night on FB I stated that I felt criticized. I felt down on myself and was looking for something better.
The next day my manager said I was being written up because 3 people called her and said “I was bashing Banfield on a social networking site.” My comment was in no way eluding to work, Banfield, employees, etc. It might have been related to ANYTHING. She even ADMITTED that she did not read the post herself, but stated that it had to be pretty relevant if 3 people called her. I could see right there that this person was gullible. She was more interested in trusting her little friends rather than finding any evidence herself. It was a weak argument but it seemed I was in trouble again.
I had done nothing wrong. I had not roughly handled an animal the way I had seen management do routinely. I did not falsify lab results as a means to clearing them off the screens, as I had seen every nurse there do, including management. How was it that I was about to lose my job when were nurses at that same hospital that assisted a vet on probation in a surgery? How was it that this minute issue was blown up so quickly when there were problems persisting in the quality of medicinal care patients were receiving? I had observed the employees there who would kiss up to management. I had seen the ones that didn’t, and they were no longer employed.
I was told I’d have to write a letter to Banfield saying how I would improve. To promise that I would not bash them on social networking sites anymore. I was being treated unfairly. Management said “You’re not allowed to say ANYTHING about work on FB.” Meanwhile I’d seen dozens of comments by fellow employees about the nature of their work that day. I was being outed. I am 100% certain she would not have called out at least 5 of her little favorites for what she called me out on. Had, let’s call her, Linda missed a WP would she be written up? No because she curtails to you. She is your “little you.” Would you have cared if, let’s call her, Jenny posted some frustration on FB? No. There was no integrity in this situation. I quit. I did not return to work because I would not have felt centered in my job, knowing that 3 of my employees called me out on a ridiculous charge, and they know it. They were set on letting me know how much they were there for me if I needed anything. They did not bother to come to me first. They ran right to their ‘mommy’ and cried. There was NOTHING to complain about. They were reaffirming their status as favorite, kiss up, next in line for little Brittney.
And I have nothing to lose in posting this. I’ve lost my job. And now I CAN bash Banfield on a social networking site.
Don’t take your pets to Banfield. They might forget to run your dog’s heartworm test, but instead of postponing it for a later visit, they will still have you pay for it and tell you it was negative. They will wrap your puppy’s paw too tightly after surgery time and time again, while your puppy goes home with “mega paw.” They don’t improve on the things that need improvement. Instead, they weed out the people who have insight as to how things CAN be improved. They write up the ones who forget to say something. They don’t write up the ones who lie. They don’t write up the ones who have been told OVER AND OVER again to stop wrapping pressure wraps so tightly. I left because I had standards as to the way I was being treated. I would not work with people who were so catering to a manager and so unconcerned with a fellow employee.
Yes I know this post has a bitter tone. And I am bitter about this situation. I was a good vet tech. People told me on numerous occasions they could see the love I had for animals, the love I had for that job, that I was there purely for the pets. And my heart was telling me to get out of there. And now I can’t find another job. Now I’m applying at Circle K and McDonald’s, competing with accountants and people with degrees for a damn cashier job. I was hung out to dry. And I have to deal with it.

Married 5 months

imaginebliss — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 06:08:20 +0000

I’ve been working as a vet tech for 3 months now. I love being at work. Helping animals has always been my passion, and being a tech helps me achieve that each day. At times it can be stressful and strenuous, and I enjoy it. I’m trying harder every day to be a better tech, and my previous teacher from Apollo college has been my role model in doing so.

Unfortunately I needed to drop from the vet asst program there. None of the lab machines worked and there were no supplies to practice with. We needed to bring our own animals to practice on, because the ‘dummy dogs’ the school had were broken. The class was from 8-1, but for most of the time we were on break, or sitting and doing nothing because there was no material left to cover in the course. I wasn’t going to be certified, none of the credits would even transfer to a community college. So I decided the best thing that would come from staying in school was a job. I was hired in November without any formal education or training, so I could see it wasn’t a necessity.

Dave and I are moving into a new home next month. We will be living across the street from my dad’s mom. We are very excited. Dave is still searching for schools/careers. He is most interested in culinary arts. I think he would make a great chef! He’s always creative when it comes to making our meals, sometimes a little too creative We’ve already been married 5 months! We’ve been together for almost 5 years. We are having an open house reception when we move, in lieu of having a formal wedding I suppose.

Long periods of time between posts! Seems to be every few months I get on here…

Hopes & Dreams

imaginebliss — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:15:30 +0000

Dave and I are mostly on the same page when it comes to long term goals. We’d both like to move somewhere. I want to live in Colorado, preferably somewhere like Conifer, Pine, Evergreen, just somewhere green, lush, & foresty. I think Dave would ultimately like to live in California again.

I want to own a few acres of forest land, and have a Friesian horse. Friesians are a good-sized horse, generally with excellent temperaments and they’re always black. I love black animals, they are so beautiful! I also want to have 2 German Shepherds. I won’t be acquiring any new cats since we already have 5. I think once the ones we have die, I’ll keep the downsize permanent.

I’d like to work as a vet tech close by in town, or even work as a wildlife rescue tech or something of that nature. Even though I love clinical teching, it’s not the work I want to do for the rest of my career. I’d eventually like to get into something more like rescue work.

I think my plans are realistic, but they will take time to accomplish. Dave has been researching career choices and schools for a while. He changes his mind a lot, but lately and currently he is interested in respiratory therapy. It will take him a year and a half to complete school if that’s what he chooses. He and I have thought about moving to Flagstaff soon after he has a career in place. We’d want to move there before Colorado to see if distance between family is something we can be okay with, also to adjust to the weather as it won’t be 120 degrees half the year. If all works out, pick up and move to a new home in CO.

I know plans change (4 year engagement, remember?), but this is my dream. And if that’s what it takes for me to work my butt off for something, I’m going to keep dreaming of the day when I can live a life similar to the days I spent as a child in the forest at our family cabin.

Life Is Starting…

imaginebliss — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:00:28 +0000

To get good! I’ve been in school for 4 courses now. I have completed Laboratory Procedures I & II, Animal Handling & Restraint, and Medical Nursing I. I have 6 months left in my program. I really love school. My teacher is amazing and she so obviously loves the work she does.

I’ve been working at Banfield, The Pet Hospital for a month now. I’m working part-time until I finish school. Everyone I work with is very supportive and encouraging towards me. I tend to get frustrated because I want to be better at the work I do, but that will come with experience. I mostly run lab work. Here’s what I do on a daily basis: restrain dogs & cats for procedures, draw blood from 3 venipuncture sites, set catheters, collect fecal and urine samples, operate lab equipment such as the centrifuge, Idexx and VetTest, SNAP tests, microscope evaluations, electrolyte analysis, complete blood count tests, and anesthesia monitors. I have also started to room patients, which I will be doing by myself starting tomorrow. Basically I visit with the owner and pet, examine the pet and complete computer screens, and work with the vet to inform the owner of any issues. I draw vaccines, give vaccines, work in the pharmacy, fill out medical chart notes, and soon I’ll be learning surgery nursing.

I LOVE the work I’m doing. At times it can be very physically strenuous, but I enjoy that. There’s always something to be doing, always something different. My schedule is pretty full now. I go to school M-R from 8-1, and then I usually work M-R from 2-8. On Friday and Saturday I work from 7-4. So I really love Sundays now. It’s my day to sleep past 6 and spend time at home with my husband and cats. Dave and I have been doing a lot of dreaming lately. I’m going to post my hopes and dreams next.

Life’s Looking Up…This Just In

imaginebliss — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:44:43 +0000

Things in my life are starting to pick up! I absolutely LOVE school! My teacher is amazing and she’s truly my role model for my career. She has so many qualities that make her a wonderful vet tech and you can see she loves what she does. I’m so excited to be at school every day and I’m doing really well. I’m finally an A student in school!

Work is going great! I started last week as a nurse at Banfield Animal Hospital, right down the street from our town house. I love going to work. I enjoy my job, even the yucky parts of it (we do treat sick, leaky, stinky pets after all).

AND, I’m married! I’m still loving saying that! Here’s some pictures we took of our special day.

September 9th, 2009

imaginebliss — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 18:20:41 +0000

Dear friends & family who follow my blog,

On September 9th, 2009 Dave and I became husband and wife in the Chandler Justice Court. We have been together for 3 years and 10 months. The judge who married us was Sam Goodman, a former acquaintance from church a few years ago. He told us that the rings on our fingers remind us of the commitment we share with one another, and they also show others that we are not available, that we belong to someone. He said we need to make time to spend together, whether it’s a date once a week or a few minutes a day. To honor, cherish, and keep each other always.

Dave and I looked into each others eyes the whole time, and he was starting to choke up. I thought he would cry. Even though it wasn’t the wedding I had been dreaming about, I was just so elated to finally be marrying him. The person I have been so close to, and someone who has always been there for me is my husband now. He is my absolute best friend. He has taught me so much about patience, love, understanding, friendship, and hardship. We will be together for the rest of our lives and I know I couldn’t have found anyone who is more perfect for me.

I will be finishing veterinary assistance school in May of next year, soon after Dave plans to start culinary school. For now we are newlyweds. I’m still so unused to referring to him as my husband, and I’m a wife! I’m Dave’s wife And I love him. I do.

Sincerely,
Adrianne Heather Bliss

Wedding August 28

imaginebliss — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 04:40:21 +0000

I’ve enrolled for the veterinary assistance program at Apollo College, and I start September 3. I’ll be done in 9 months.

Dave and I are getting married the weekend prior to school starting. We’re getting married up at the family cabin, with only about 20 people from our families there. We’ll have a ceremony, dinner, and some dancing and cupcakes. I’m going to get a really simple dress, Dave can just wear a church suit, and we’ll honeymoon there, too. I know it’s quite quick, but with money always being so tight I just don’t think we could ever save up for our dream wedding. Also, we’re really going to need each other’s income since Cooper and Black went out. I’ll get more financial assistance if I’m married, and I think we’re just tired of putting it off already. I’m kind of nervous, but it has to happen sometime.

If anyone has any ideas on the wedding (cheap things to do to make it better) I’d love to hear them.

Brief Updating

imaginebliss — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:37:59 +0000

School
I’m in the process of deciding on a trade school to enroll in for veterinary technology. I will have to take time off work to complete school, so my family and I are trying to figure out what to do. Dave and I could get married so his income can support me while I’m in school, or I could use my savings.

Plans
Not too long ago I had plans to visit California for about a week with one of my best friends, her boyfriend, and Dave. We were all going to chip in for gas, a hotel room, and concert tickets to Coldplay. Well none of us were able to meet the finances needed for that trip, but we have all decided to at least try and go up to Flagstaff for the fourth of July. Nice weather is so picnic-inviting. We’re keeping our fingers crossed. So far we’re all good to go, as long as no emergency expenses pop up.

Work
Work is slowing down again, due to lack of manpower for Cooper & Black. When FAS sends us properties to complete, we have the option of declining because we can only handle about 6 trashouts a week. The thing we were unaware of is that it lowers our business’s score. In an attempt to generate work and revenue we all tried to get as many trashouts done as possible, but as a result some of the properties didn’t pass inspection. In all honesty, FAS is a very difficult company to work under. They will literally deny payment if we don’t send a picture of ONE fan being dusted. We send over about 500 photos for each property. The longer they can deny payment, the more interest they make. Dave and I haven’t had work for 2 days. I’m starting to get worried that I may need to find a new job. Which, I suppose, is a good thing considering I’m not really enjoying it as much as I used to, but making $15 an hour will be hard to find elsewhere, and it’s what I need to keep myself up.

Family
Dave’s siblings are planning a trip up to Denver to visit their sister, Shelby. She is staying at the children’s hospital there until she gets a heart and thankfully, she’s first on the list. I didn’t know quite how time-pressing her case is, because she can take a turn for the worst any day. I asked Dave if we could plan to go up for the holidays, because we are both strapped for cash. He said she won’t make it ’till then if she doesn’t get a heart. I’m very worried. I really hope she can get a heart.

Not Much To Say

imaginebliss — Fri, 08 May 2009 03:46:19 +0000

It’s been a while since I’ve blogged anything on here. Well for about a month my job was going through the ringer and then for a while I didn’t have one. But it’s safe to say I am back at my job for now. Working for family has proven to be much more difficult and stressful than I originally thought it would be.
I’m finally all moved in to my town house, the cats are settled in and loving the extra space. I had a talk with my parents about career options and education. Maybe shooting for veterinary school is a long shot right now, so I’m going to get into the field as a veterinary technician. I’m going to try and enroll at MCC this fall for their veterinary technology program. It will only take a year or two and then when I’m done I’ll have work available to me because I’ll have the education to back it.
Hopefully during that time Dave will figure out what it is he wants to pursue as a career and make the transition back into school when I’m done.
I hadn’t written about this before because I wasn’t sure how long it was going to last, but… Dave and I have acquired yet another cat. It happened shortly after I moved into the town house. During a clean out (when we go to a house right after it’s been evicted and remove belongings) we came across our first encounter with an abandoned pet. People have been leaving their pets to die in their foreclosed homes and it’s been all over the news. An upstairs closet was bolted shut and we heard a little meowing coming from inside. The carpet underneath the doorway was ripped up. Dave kicked open the door and a little calico burst out.
We took her to my place and got her some food and water. I suppose she’s only a few months old. She fit right in despite having been left for dead for over a week. She warmed up and laid in my lap the rest of the evening, purring and soaking up the attention. I had worries about keeping her because Isabelle is so easily stressed out. But everything has been working out so far. Her name is Cali.
As for some rather unfortunate news, Dave’s half sister is at UCLA for an indefinite period of time, waiting for another heart. We are all hoping and praying that one will find her in time. She is very tolerant of everything she’s had to go through to keep her heart in good function.
Well that’s about it for the updates. I’ll try to blog a little more often.

Been Doing Some Thinking…

imaginebliss — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 05:08:21 +0000

Work is going smoothly for me right now. I’ve got enough properties to maintain so that I can provide for myself. Dave and I are doing great together. I feel like our relationship has reached a new level of independence and maturity. Not sure when we’re getting married. I don’t feel like we have to do it anytime soon, we’re comfortable where we’re at for now.

But, I’ve been thinking. When Dave and I do get married, more income will be needed if we are ever to buy a car, a house, have children, etc. I’m not ready to have children. I’m not even sure I want to. I know Dave doesn’t want to do recut services forever, and neither do I. I’ve looked at several career options, including massage therapy, interior decorating, sign language interpreting, and various others. I always come back to animals.

I know for sure that is where my heart is. Veterinary technicians and assistants don’t make enough to support a family, but veterinarians do. I feel the urge to do something with my life, pursue an education, and have a career. I don’t know if I’m cut out for 6+ years of veterinary medical school though. It’s a lot of money, it’s a lot of time, it’s far away, it’s disciplinary. I know I’m smart enough. Dave has expressed much support, saying if I needed financial help he would provide while I study. I’m so lucky to have him. I appreciate his encouragement.

Even if I complete pre-requisites for veterinary school, I may or may not be admitted. There are SO many issues to factor. I know I’m still young, but I can’t help noticing that every year is going by faster, all the while I’ve done nothing with myself but work meaningless jobs here and there.

I’m stressing myself out. It would be extremely difficult to get started on this. I would have to move away, and I’m so afraid to be away from family. I wanted to stay in this town home for many years, at least until I can buy a home. Any advice, ideas, encouragement, words of caution, constructive criticism, and practical reminders are totally welcome. I need to make a move for my future, and I don’t want to make the wrong one or wait around for something while the right one passes me by.