2.7 out of 5 stars.
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Canada West Veterinary Specialists Employee Reviews for Veterinary Technician

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Job Title
Veterinary Technician5 reviews
Location
Canada5 reviews

Ratings by category

2.1Work-life balance
2.5Job security & advancement
2.2Management
2.5Culture

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Found 5 reviews matching the searchSee all 18 reviews

Misleading management and obvious favouritism

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I worked at CanWest for just over a year as a technician. During that time, I saw multiple technicians and assistants come and go, and at first I wasn't sure why. When hired, management draws this incredible picture of a happy work environment, great wages, a 4 day on 3 day off week and rotating schedules, which none is true. To start - Scheduling. You can be rotating from overnights (9pm-7am) to evenings (7pm-5am) and they claim you have not worked 6 months of overnights. They'll also rotate you "weekends" from Thur-Sun to Sat-Wed and claim that as rotating weekends. Evening/ Overnight and Weekend staffs do not get to attend many of the CE offered since it's always during their night and during the week, which was a huge issue for me since I was trying to grow my career. Every technician hired will go through this, and based on how much the scheduler likes you, you could potentially get a change in shift, but it's highly unlikely. Evenings and overnights are equipped with 1 (maybe 2) doctors to take care of the whole hospital, which means most of the staff are doing mass amounts of overtime and called in on their days off to help with the work load. The care lacks on overnights because there simply isn't enough staffing. Hope to work during the day or in a service (or request it early on) or you will be massively overworked. Pay is adequate. If you look at all the overtime you will do and the "premiums" you receive by working at night, you make slightly more than any other vet tech in Vancouver. Your lifestyle will however suffer and you won't necessarily advance - 
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Opportunity to learn and develop skills

The opportunity to grow and develop is endless for individuals that are motivated and show interest in learning. Despite individuals backgrounds, beliefs, etc., it is inspiring to see the team pull together even during challenging times to support each other, and strive to provide exceptional patient care. Due to the nature of the medicine practiced here and the 24/7 work hours, it can be challenging work, but the rewards of being involved in provided such a level of care can be tremendous. Each day is different, which I enjoy.
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Terrible place to work

If you love the veterinary profession don't come here. It's like working in a highschool with a large bully environment and management turns a blind eye. No trust, unclean, very understaffed and underappreciated. No time off am expected to stay late and harassed for overtime a lot.

Pros

Ok pay for technicians

Cons

No breaks, long shifts, bad shift patterns.
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Very stressful

Canwest is an incredible place. everyone are very compassionate and they do their best. Unfortunately, it’s a very competitive environment, and you don’t receive a feedback properly from your supervisor on time.
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Amazing medicine, terriable work/life balance/work culture

There are a lots of little things that come up that HR doesn't tell you about. Very different work environment from day (when services are on & full staffed) to night/evening. Support staff are not nearly well paid enough for the sweat, blood and tears they are putting in.

Pros

Free lunch truck lunches, social committee, in house CE

Cons

These pros aren't available for anyone other than day staff
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Insights into Canada West Veterinary Specialists

Based on 10 survey responses
What people like
  • Clear sense of purpose
  • Ability to learn new things
  • Supportive environment
Areas for improvement
  • Inclusive work environment
  • Support from manager
  • Ability to meet personal goals

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Veterinary Technician at Canada West Veterinary Specialists

Estimated salary
$31.32 per hour
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Overall rating

Based on 18 reviews

Ratings by category

2.1 out of 5 stars for Work/Life Balance
2.5 out of 5 stars for Salary/Benefits
2.5 out of 5 stars for Job security/advancement
2.2 out of 5 stars for Management
2.5 out of 5 stars for Culture

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