Welcome to our ‘Day in the Life’ blog series where we interview a colleague to reflect on their career and experiences at Aldgate Vets.
Ocean has been with us just over a year now as a Hydrotherapy Assistant in the Rehabilitation team. The Rehabilitation team offers a range of services such as Acupuncture, Hydrotherapy and Chronic Pain Management, and collectively they have transformed the health and happiness of many, many patients.
Let’s find out about her role…
In 50 words Ocean, what does your role involve?
My role currently involves assisting my colleagues during appointments, this includes prepping/cleaning equipment before and after appointments, physically supporting the patient during the session, note taking, accurate water testing, maintaining all equipment, managing the washing/drying, administrative duties, contacting clients and liaising with other professions related to our client’s needs.
What has been your career journey so far?
Having recently completed the Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy, I am currently waiting to receive my certificate that will then allow me to treat patients directly, opposed to assisting another hydrotherapist. The last year at Aldgate has enabled me to experience veterinary care from a professional position and to understand the dedication that is involved with treating pets daily. During my training to become a rehab specialist, I’ve learnt various techniques to help improve the quality of life of animals that struggle with various conditions and diseases and these experiences and training will enable me to effectively treat patients in the future.
What has been your career highlight so far?
So far, I have thoroughly enjoyed contributing to the rehabilitation of one of our patients suffering with a spinal condition who underwent surgery to remove the damaged disc, this condition caused the patient to suffer hindlimb paralysis with the inability to walk unassisted. However, the surgery was a success and within the 4 months this patient has been with us, we are now witnessing her walk on her own and be able to stand unassisted for minutes at a time. Although there is still a lot of rehabilitation needed, this patient and their owners are doing a fantastic job and we look forward to their sessions every week.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My typical day will begin with looking at the appointments booked for the day, this will allow me to prepare equipment and rooms appropriately and quickly between patients. I will then check all our rooms used for rehabilitation to ensure they are clean and ready for use. Next will be the water testing, both the pool and treadmill water gets tested three times a day and takes approximately 10 mins.
I will also check the washing and any reply to any missed phone calls too. Our first appointment starts at 9am therefore the room and equipment being used will need to be prepped before the appointment can begin.
We finish for lunch around 1330, and our afternoon appointments being at 1400. By the end of the afternoon appointments that finish at 1730, the rehab department is due a thorough clean, including the treadmill, floors, drains etc.
With the working day ending at 1830, it’s important to make sure everything is cleaned and ready for the next day as quickly and efficiently as possible.
What do you like most about your job?
I enjoy being able to observe a patient begin their hydrotherapy session when they experience some discomforts, stiffness or lameness and then be able to watch as they walk out of the appointment feeling and looking a lot more comfortable and happier than they were before. The way we use water to help alleviate pain and discomfort helps all of our patients live a happier and more comfortable life, some of our patients even have the ‘zoomies’ when they leave!
What do you see as the top 3 skills it takes to become a Hydrotherapy Assistant?
- To become a hydrotherapy assistant, a person will need the skill to recognize and understand animal behaviour and the warning factors of pain and discomfort the animal may show during their appointments and how to react appropriately if needed. This is to ensure the safety of themselves, the animal and other people/animals present.
- I believe intuition is important in this role. A hydrotherapist will rely on their assistant to help them through their appointments and will need them to be two steps ahead at all times.
- Another skill required to work in animal rehabilitation is emotional intelligence. It is important to perceive and understand an owner’s emotions and feelings and be able to respond in a professional but empathic manner.
Thanks to Ocean for providing a great insight into what it’s like to be a Hydrotherapy Assistant at Aldgate Vets.
If you want to learn more about the Rehabilitation services here at Aldgate to see if your pet could benefit from some additional support, please click here.
