VOLUNTEER INFORMATION:
VETERINARY TECHNICIANS AND ASSISTANTS
Volunteer veterinary technicians and assistants are essential to the success of the RAVS program. We depend on the many knowledgeable, compassionate professionals who generously contribute their time and expertise. We literally could not do it without your support.
The role of volunteer technicians in the field may range from anesthesia, to critical care/recovery, to humane education, to receiving or triage, depending on your interests and experience. While experienced technicians will also be engaged in clinical teaching of veterinary and veterinary technician students, there are opportunities for technicians and assistants of all backgrounds and experience levels.
THE RAVS EXPERIENCE
There are many compelling reasons for veterinary technicians to
participate in RAVS’ field clinics. For many, the opportunity to care
for some of the neediest of patients and to alleviate suffering in animals
who would otherwise go untreated is what draws them to the program. For
others, the chance to share their skills and knowledge with students and
other volunteers is extremely rewarding. Volunteers often find the teaching
aspect of our clinics to be their favorite part. Working with dedicated
veterinary professionals and students from all over the country can also
provide an opportunity to learn new and different skills. Certainly the
chance to travel and interact with people and animals in “out of the
way” places is also an attraction. If you haven’t experienced
life on a reservation, seen the wide prairies of the Dakotas, or high desert
of northern Arizona, RAVS is a great way to go there with a purpose.
Of course, working on a RAVS trip is unlikely to be a restful vacation. The hours are long and the accommodations are not always the best. Volunteers must be prepared to accept such inconveniences as camping out on the floor of a high school gym without the benefit of hot water. The days start very early and often end late. There are often long travel times and meals can be sporadic. In many ways this adds to the shared challenge of the trip and a sense of camaraderie. Adventure and humor are two very important “senses” in a RAVS experience.
Because of our case load, the limited time for each clinic and our policy of providing the best and most consistent care possible it is important that all volunteers are familiar with RAVS protocols before the start of a trip. In the case of experienced technicians, who may act as supervisors and teachers, it is also critical that a standardized ‘curriculum’ is presented. For this reason we ask that all volunteers spend the time to read the website and volunteer training materials and take a brief training evaluation before coming on a RAVS clinic.
For volunteers who are motivated and prepared, the field clinic can provide an opportunity for significant responsibility. Many technicians find that their technical skills and judgment are challenged more in the field than in most other settings. There is no doubt that joining a RAVS field clinic can be extremely challenging. For the right person, living and working as part of a team of dedicated volunteers to provide care for the neediest of animals and their families can also be an amazing opportunity and a life-changing experience. The support and hard work of volunteer veterinary technicians and assistants is crucial to the success of RAVS’ field programs. I hope you will consider joining us!
Windi Wojdak, RVT
(wwojdak@ravsmail.org)
