Veterinary emergency and critical care (ECC) is one of those areas in veterinary medicine that you either love or steer clear of. For those of us drawn to ECC, there’s an undeniable thrill in the unpredictability, fast decision-making, and the direct impact we have on our patients’ lives.
Starting out in veterinary practice
For most veterinarians, the first few years in practice are about finding our footing, building confidence, and growing our skills at a rapid pace. Those initial years are intense—rewarding, challenging, and sometimes overwhelming. Over time, many of us start feeling comfortable in our routines, learning to recognize patterns and developing our own “scripts” for common conditions. At some point, though, the desire for new challenges and deeper experiences starts to creep in. And that’s when some vets start to look at veterinary ECC as a career option.
What is veterinary emergency and critical care like?
Working in veterinary ECC is like stepping into a different world compared to general practice. The pace, cases, and even the team dynamics are unique, and it takes a solid adjustment period to settle in.One of the biggest shifts is moving into a smaller, more intimate team environment. In general practice, most are used to working with a larger staff, but in ECC, it might just be you, a veterinary nurse, and (if you’re lucky) a receptionist or veterinary assistant. While the small team has its challenges, it also offers an incredible sense of camaraderie. There’s something deeply satisfying about finishing an intense shift, knowing that everyone worked together seamlessly as a unit.As an ECC vet, every shift brings high responsibility, requiring quick, confident decision-making. That kind of pressure isn’t for everyone, but it can be very satisfying to work alongside some of the most talented, capable veterinary nurses, whose skills in client communication and handling high-stress situations are invaluable. This environment is a test of skill and resilience, but the rewards are immense.
Overcoming challenges in ECC
As most vets are perfectionists, and sometimes even ‘control-freaks’, it can be hard to embrace ECC’s unpredictable nature. Surprisingly, though, the freedom of not knowing exactly what the day (or night) holds can become liberating. Handling cases as they arrive, triaging patients, and prioritizing care can shift the focus from striving for a final diagnosis to stabilizing and managing patients in real time.Compared to the structured flow of general practice, ECC can often feel chaotic. However, adapting to the pace, managing multiple cases simultaneously, and adjusting priorities on the fly quickly becomes second nature. This flexibility—embracing the need to pivot plans and respond to the most urgent needs—can be incredibly satisfying. It's a skill set that only develops through hands-on experience, making the time spent in ECC both thrilling and rewarding.
Navigating night shifts: A unique part of veterinary ECC
For many veterinarians interested in ECC, night shifts are part of the job. Adapting to a nocturnal schedule can be challenging, and the best strategies vary from person to person. For those who prioritize sleep, it can help to sleep in as long as possible before the first shift and then switch to a day-sleep schedule in between shifts. Resetting to a normal schedule after a night shift run is often tougher, but taking a short nap and pushing through the rest of the day can ease the adjustment.Each person may have a different approach, but prioritizing self-care, even when the schedule is reversed, is essential. Although it’s an adjustment, having more time off to recover is a definite benefit. Many find that they spend more time outdoors and value those moments even more during their off-hours.
The veterinary emergency and critical care community is one of its strengths
One of the unexpected benefits of working in veterinary emergency and critical care is the strong sense of community. Although emergency shifts can sometimes feel isolating—like those challenging 2 a.m. cases when relying on a small team—the ECC field is remarkably supportive. Whether it’s advice from a colleague or encouragement from friends in other practices, there is always a sense of connection, even during the toughest shifts.
Is veterinary ECC right for you?
So, is veterinary ECC a good fit? The only way to truly know is to experience it firsthand. This field keeps professionals engaged, continuously promotes growth, and offers moments of satisfaction that are hard to find elsewhere. The challenges are significant, but the chance to make an immediate difference in patients’ lives is immensely rewarding. And the bond built with the team is unlike any other.
Ready to build your skills with veterinary ECC continuing education?
If ECC sounds like your calling, consider taking some continuing education (CE) to boost your skills and confidence. Our Emergency and Critical Care Certificate, an accredited GPCert/PgC course developed in collaboration with RECOVER, combines the latest in emergency medicine and surgery with a balanced mix of online and hands-on training. Looking for shorter emergency medicine CE? Our Accelerated Emergency Program is an online-only course that results in a Foundation Certificate from the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS).
