Information Page

Welcome to Cleary Lake Veterinary Hospital. Our staff is glad you have chosen our clinic to visit. We hope your experience will be a enjoyable and informative one.

Our mission is to provide a total health care program for our patients using the highest quality medical and surgical care possible, while also providing the finest personal service for our clients. Because of this mission, there are guidelines which are necessary for all staff, visitors, and interns/preceptors to follow to ensure our goal.

Guidelines to follow:

While we are excited to share the details of our profession with you, please keep in mind our primary goal is patient care. Our client’s have entrusted us with their beloved’s care, and that is our first prioity.
All staff, visitors, and interns/preceptors are to be addressed and treated with respect at all times. When in the presence of clients, all veterinarians should be addressed as “Doctor” not by first names.
The same privacy laws that govern human medicine also govern veterinary medicine. Please keep our client’s and patient’s information private. Posting information on social media will not be tolerated.
At no time will swearing be tolerated.
Animals will be treated with care and consideration at all times.
Everyone is required to wear appropriate attire. When choosing your attire, remember you will be around pets and it is very likely that you will get dirty.

Suggestions for interns/preceptors:

Scrubs or polo shirts and khaki pants. Athletic shoes with good support and traction (no open toed-shoes, or sandals).

Suggestions for Visitors:

Comfortable polo shirt and khaki pants. Comfortable closed toe shoes with good traction. No spaghetti straps.

If you will be accompanying an equine vet you will want to watch the weather forecast. (we are like the postal service, Rain sleet, snow and dark of night, our vets still see patients). Wear shoes that can get muddy and will keep your feet dry, and clothes that will keep you warm or cool (but are not revealing).

Visitors/Mentors/Shadows:

Visitors/Shadows are invited to our facility to watch our daily activities. To see behind the scenes what happens on an average day. As a visitor you will be expected to just watch. An average day can be very dangerous for our staff. Animals are in an unknown environment and are very unpredictable. We hope to show you in the safest manner possible what veterinary medicine is like and in doing so we ask that you remain at a safe distance at all times. You should not anticipate holding or interacting with patients.

Please also be aware that we can not control our schedule, so an average day may be pretty boring for an observer. You may want to bring a good book or a project for the in between times. We have a breakroom available for use for down time.

Interns/Preceptors:

Interns/Preceptors are students filling a requirement to graduate from an institution of higher learning. Although this position is unpaid, you are expected to conduct yourself as one of the staff. If you are unable to work due to illness or you will be late to work do to uncontrollable circumstances you should call as soon as possible. If you need time off from work, you should submit your request in writing to your supervisor at least two weeks prior to the date(s) needed off. As your training progresses you will be relied on as one of the staff and your attendance is important.

All Staff, visitors, and interns/preceptors are required to be trained on the general dangers of the clinic before beginning their first day. It may be necessary to schedule an orientation meeting prior to your first day. (If this is necessary a staff member will call you.)
We fully understand that, as interns/preceptors, and visitors, you are in our facility to learn about veterinary medicine, and we welcome any questions you may have. However, we ask that you do not ask them in front of clients. Please make notes and ask the veterinarian questions or give your comments after the appointment has concluded.
It may happen that a critical emergency may come into the clinic during your time here. In these situations we may ask you to step back or leave a room. We understand that you may be curious or want to see what is happening, but our first responsibility is to the patient and we ask that you understand and respect this.
All interns/ preceptors are required to wear their name badges from school stating that you are a student.

Due to the nature of our business there are a certain number of dangers in the clinic everyday. We will make sure you are aware of the dangers you may encounter. However, you must be aware of your surroundings and be safety conscious for yourself.

The most obvious danger in our practice is the animals. Bites, kicks, scratches and punctures are not uncommon in this business. No matter how careful we are, we always find that one animal we under estimate, or that one pet that is faster than we are. Always keep in mind any pet no matter how cute or cuddly can become frightened at any second.
Because we must disinfect often and, of course we have many different kinds of medicines for treating pets, the next danger in our clinic to be aware of is hazardous chemicals. Be sure to always read labels of everything you may come into contact with. Two of the many I want you to be especially aware of are:

1. Regu-Mate: It is a oral medication for horses that is very dangerous to women. It is necessary to wear PLASTIC gloves when handling this chemical because latex actually makes it absorb faster into the skin.

2. DMSO: Is a chemical used to reduce inflammation usually in horses but sometimes in small animals. This chemical works through absorbing into tissue. However, it has been known to cause severe skin irritation in humans. Not to mention you’ll have a garlic taste in your mouth you’ll be unable to get rid of for most of the day.

We do surgeries on small animals Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. It is necessary to be aware that even though we have a evacuation system, you could be exposed to small amounts of isoflurane gas anesthetic on these days. We also do equine surgeries from time to time. It is unpredictable when they may happen.
X-rays are a part of our diagnostic capabilities. Therefore precautions against radiation exposure will be taken while you are in our practice.
We, as a practice, generate a moderate amount of infectious waste. You must be aware of what infectious waste is:

• Microbiology plates (culture plates containing bacteria)
• Hypodermic needles
• Surgical scalpel blades
• Used syringes
• Blood/Tissue samples

We must sterilize instruments regularly between uses. One of the methods we have for sterilizing is called Ethylene Oxide Gas. This product, although a very effective way of sterilizing, unfortunately is a carcinogen to humans, Along with causing possible reproductive complications. You will always be notified if we are running a load and will never be asked to perform duties around ethylene oxide. However, you need to be aware of where the sterilizer is and that is a hazardous chemical.

If you at anytime feel you are in an unsafe position, let our staff know immediately and leave the area (position) you are in. At no time should you feel it necessary to risk harm to yourself while in our facility.

Thank you,

Christine Hardman, CVT