The critical care world can be full of tension. In the rush to save pet lives, it can be hard to remember to take a lunch, or even stop and breathe for a moment. Right now in the medical industry there is a huge shortage of veterinary care, and many vet techs are feeling that pressure. Melissa Evans is one of the many vet techs out there in high demand, but she’s managed to keep her head in even the craziest of circumstances.

Melissa Evans didn’t start out as a vet tech, before she specialized she worked as an actress. She still loves performing, and a part of her still misses that way of life, but not having to hunt down the next job is also a big relief.

Knowing that you matter

Melissa believes that one of the most important things you can do is to make sure other people know that what they are doing matters. Knowing that you are needed can make a huge difference in how a team feels.

In a fast paced environment such as critical care, it’s easy to skip over the niceties and not mention when things are done well. This can lead to people who only hear when they do something wrong, and silence is the only feedback for a job well done.

Vet Techs are often the least valued member of the team, and that pressure is felt. Letting everyone on the team, from the receptionist at the front to the vet tech and vets know that their work matters, can help make a team feel better about the work they do.

A cancer survivor

10 years ago, Melissa was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. She has learned from that time that many more people than you would think have had cancer, but it isn’t talked about due to a stigma with talking about the disease.

Even when life pressures her, she does her best not to get upset over it. Cancer has changed her perspective on life, and she’s determined to make the most out of life. Life is too short to spend it frustrated and angry.

Every morning before work, she does pilates as a form of relaxation. It really helps cut down on the pressure she feels, and to let her start the day in a balanced way.

At the end of the day, she relaxes by watching British crime shows with her husband, snuggled under a blanket with a glass of wine.

Melissa is a talented vet technician that brings a magical touch to critical care on a daily basis. She works hard to bring her best self to the clinic ever day. She also gives lectures on emergency and critical care topics as a Nurse consultant and has been published in the NAVTA Journal and is a regular contributor to Pet Candy.

She works hard every day to help pets, and also help her team members. She cares very much about animals, people, and the special bond between the two.

Follow her journey on Instagram:

Melissa Evans