Week 9: Draft. Scrap. Repeat.
Jenny T -
Hey guys! Wow, it’s crazy to be approaching the finish line with this project.
This week, I took a step back from hands-on work and focused on independent research. I’ve been reading articles and studies about what contributes to the high suicide rates in the veterinary field, along with some of the ways we can create healthier, more supportive work environments for veterinary professionals. With the surveys, interviews, and research, I’ve started working on my final product. I am making a brochure aimed at individuals wanting to enter the veterinary field because I think it’s crucial to be honest about the emotional, mental, and physical toll this career can take. My goal is to validate the struggles that many people face in this line of work, while also emphasizing that there are ways to navigate these challenges so veterinary professionals can continue to thrive in what they love most—caring for and saving animals. My brochure will present the concerning issue of high suicide rates in the field to demonstrate why this brochure matters. From here, I will transition to veterinary-specific challenges and how to identify signs of poor mental health (depression, anxiety, etc) and suicidal ideation. Then, I will have sections dedicated to coping mechanisms, resources, and hotlines. I believe it’s important to include a section on how to help others even when you are not experiencing these struggles yourself. I’ve learned that many people don’t even realize they are struggling, so it’s essential to see the signs in others. I really hope that this brochure can help steer people away from ever considering suicide as a solution in times of hardship.
This is just a rough draft of the information I want to include because my goal is to make it simple and easy to read, but that’s proving to be one of the hardest parts. It’s challenging to condense everything I’ve learned into something clear and concise. Another challenge I’m facing is how to design a brochure. I want to make it visually appealing and not something to toss aside and forget. Honestly, this might even be harder than condensing the information because I don’t know anything about graphic design.
Aside from all the brochure work, I also started my externship at Tucson Veterinary Urgent Care! It was so exciting to finally be in a hospital setting and get a feel for the fast-paced environment. Unfortunately, my mentor wasn’t there, and it was a painfully slow day. As a result, the rest of the staff weren’t really sure what I could jump in on. Don’t get me wrong—slow days are a good thing in urgent care—but I was hoping to put some of my skills and knowledge to use. I ended up spending most of my shift shadowing the technicians doing paperwork, restocking supplies, and folding laundry. As I was getting ready to clock out, a wave of patients started coming in. Just my luck… Still, I’m excited for next week and hopeful that I’ll get to be more hands-on!
Stay tuned for next week, where I will be juggling between surgeries and medical exams for my Skills Saturday! Thanks for stopping by!
– Jenny
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