[claudster]

I have a one week planned work experience at a small animal veterinary clinic. Today was the first day and I hated it. I literally awkwardly stood in a corner for 9 hours and had nothing to do. They have more than enough people there and I feel like I'm just in their way. When I ask if there is anything I can do, they would always say no. I hate it and I'm dreading the rest of the week. What should I do?

[tigercallie]

That happened to me A LOT, and its really crap. However, you need the week to increase your numbers of weeks before application, so although you're not learning anything, you just have to suck it up and do it. Try asking some questions, maybe they'll get more used to you as the days go by. Its really rubbish, but you just have to stand through it.

[SilverstarDJ]

That really sucks and sorry it's not the best experience for you. At the vets they always seemed to like students to do things like wipe down the table between consults - perhaps ask if this would be useful? Make sure you try to ask them questions on what you have seen (when it is quite, such as between consults or during tea break) - I hope they will at least answer any questions you might have. Don't let this put you off, and as has been said before, this week will really count towards your application,.

[sulpicia]

Just try and chat with people. Got to be pushy / forward.

[JHP1996]

(Original post by claudster)
I have a one week planned work experience at a small animal veterinary clinic. Today was the first day and I hated it. I literally awkwardly stood in a corner for 9 hours and had nothing to do. They have more than enough people there and I feel like I'm just in their way. When I ask if there is anything I can do, they would always say no. I hate it and I'm dreading the rest of the week. What should I do?

I had the exact same thing. Don't worry about it because work experience (especially in small animal practices) are mainly about shadowing the vets/nurses. You could sit in on the consultations with a vet you feel more comfortable with as they might let you help (I got to hold a litter of puppies while the vet checked them over and I got to look in a rabbits ear and listen to its heart - all huge things for a hopeful like me hahaha) you could also be asking them questions about what they're doing so they can see you're interested. That way you're not just sitting around, and you're putting there knowledge to the test hahahahaha xx

[claudster]

(Original post by SilverstarDJ)
That really sucks and sorry it's not the best experience for you. At the vets they always seemed to like students to do things like wipe down the table between consults - perhaps ask if this would be useful? Make sure you try to ask them questions on what you have seen (when it is quite, such as between consults or during tea break) - I hope they will at least answer any questions you might have. Don't let this put you off, and as has been said before, this week will really count towards your application,.

thanks guys for all the suggestions! it sucks but i'll just make the best of my time there! thank you hope you all make it to your dream school <3

[Shockley]

I have been in the exact same position as you, so I totally sympathise. Work shadowing can be very boring and you will feel like a lemon standing there for hours on end, but as everyone has said before, it is worthwhile getting that experience. A lot of it is down to health and safety restrictions, unfortunately. Which is why I did most of my experience abroad

I would recommend looking for a mixed practice, where there is an opportunity to go out on call to farms, you are more than likely to be more use to them when they need a helping hand holding animals, filling up water buckets, passing instruments etc.