Considering a transition from veterinary medicine to ER

Hi all! I hope it’s okay for me to post here.

I’ve been an ICU/ER veterinary technician for the past 8 years, working in specialty medicine. I know our fields are similar in many ways but also extremely different, and I want to say up front that I have a lot of respect for human nurses and the complexity of what you do. I’m not here to compare apples to apples, just to give context.

One of my favorite parts of my job is the level of nursing care, detail, and hands-on patient management that specialty vet med allows. I know this isn’t the case in all veterinary settings, but specialty/ICU has really shaped me for the better, and honestly, it’s the action of nursing (or teching, do not come for me, I am not one of those I’m sorry) aspect that keeps me in love with this career. Several times I have wanted to enter human medicine. Between not wanting to throw away my current degree, obtaining my VTS in ECC, in general imposter syndrome I always ended up backing out of it. It is also a lot to completely start over a new degree.

I recently had a dog hospitalized for 2 weeks with one of the worst cases of ITP I’d ever seen in a dog. Multiple blood transfusions, plasmapheresis, several instances when the owners thought it was time. He made it out though and he will remain one of the better cases of my career. His mom was particularly lovely and at the end of this whole ordeal, she let us know she has been an ICU nurse for decades. She actually officially planted this seed for me. She wrote the medical team personalized cards to show her gratitude. In mine, she told me that my skillset would translate well into human nursing (this is paraphrased, I had the actual words typed out but it felt performative to share those), and it made me consider a path I never thought I’d take I have several family members in human medicine who have been nothing but encouraging as I’ve been researching this move.

However, here’s where I’m struggling: I’ve worked incredibly hard for the degree/certifications I already have (Several state licenses, many additional certifications, and I am now eligible to obtaining my VTS in emergency & critical care), and starting over with prerequisites + nursing school feels intimidating. I’m almost 30. I almost feel like a failure. I cannot afford to live on my own or have any semblance of financial independence. I love learning, reading literature, and expanding my knowledge. (I do have hobbies outside of vet med, though, I swear). The biggest difference between our fields is the level of liability. That definitely freaks me out, but maybe it’s because I always think of “what is the worst case scenario for this case?” I have been mentored by phenomenal technicians and am confident, but respectfully wary of my skillset. I however know that animal life does not hold the same weight as human life (while it may to so many of us, it does not on a legal standpoint).

I love veterinary medicine, and I could see myself doing both eventually. I have some friends who do both. I’m also very aware that human nursing comes with its own drawbacks and burnout points.

My main reasons for considering the transition: •I love nursing care. I love helping animals AND humans alike. • I want more long-term stability/financial security • I don’t want to lose the patient-care aspect I could do without a 1:16 ratio of all dying patients, but I do love having things to do. • I feel like my ICU experience might give me a brief foundation for the beginning of school, but I know it’s still a big learning curve.

For any nurses who have worked with former vet techs (or anyone who made the switch themselves), or even those who just have knowledge to give: • What surprised you most about human nursing? • What do you wish crossover applicants understood? • Has anyone successfully worked in both fields? • What would you recommend for figuring out if this is the right path? (I have several dates booked to shadow in various departments of a local hospital to see things in person thanks to some family)

• What advice do you want to give in general?*

I’m open to honest insight, whether that be positive or negative. I really want to respect the profession as I consider this transition. Thank you so much to anyone who takes the time to reply. I appreciate all that you do❤️