Instrument technician at a hospital for small animals

Briefly explain what you do for a living.

I am an instrument technician by profession and I work at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Viikki. My job is to clean and sterilise the equipment and instruments needed for veterinary procedures and examinations. Additionally, I place orders for less commonly used equipment, such as surgical screws, plates and implants, when necessary.

How have you ended up in the profession of your choice?

Over the years, I have had wide range of jobs. After basic education, I studied as a dressmaker and worked for a decade as a salesperson in Stockmann’s clothing department. There were some changes in my life, which initially led me to work in the restaurant sector and later in a bank, where I worked on services related to meetings. After that, I worked as a childcare worker at an early childhood care and education centre until I experienced burnout.

After surviving the burnout, I had a chat with a career counsellor. I hoped for my next job to have purpose and involve working with animals. For a few months, I had the opportunity to participate in a work try-out in the equipment maintenance unit of Viikki’s laboratory. Consequently, I decided to apply for studies aimed at becoming an instrument technician. During my studies, I got a job at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Helsinki University, and soon after graduation, my position was made permanent.

Describe your typical working day or week.

When I arrive at work in the morning, I fill the machines used for cleaning, switch them on and empty the drying cabinets. I then compile the instruments and surgical instrument baskets and sterilise the equipment in a steam autoclave. I take the instruments that were sterilised the night before to a sterile storage facility and distribute some of them to different departments. The animal hospital differs from an ordinary hospital in that we service more disposable devices, such as endotracheal tubes, oxygen tubes and suction bottles. It takes more time.

Part of the morning routine involves going over the schedule for the day. I check the upcoming operations and procedures, and make sure that the necessary equipment is ready. During the day, I work closely with vets and nurses to facilitate the smooth and safe execution of operations.

My working day continues with equipment maintenance. Prior to heading home, I ensure that the premises are clean and turn off all devices. 

What kind of work environment or working hours do you have?

Cleanliness and hygiene are important in the Small Animal Hospital. My work environment is exceptional, as, in addition to cats and dogs, we also provide care for horses, donkeys, alpacas, pigs, small animals and exotic animals, such as lizards. Sometimes we have taken care of a tiger and a couple of monkeys from Korkeasaari Zoo.

My work operates on a three-shift system, with the shifts taking place between 6:00 and 18:45 on weekdays. Weekends are free. Holidays are not always necessarily free, as equipment maintenance cannot be halted for longer than two consecutive days, since the availability of instruments needed for surgery must be ensured.

What kind of competence or qualities are required in the profession?

It is crucial for instrument technicians to have an aseptic conscience, meaning they must strictly adhere to aseptic techniques. Aseptic techniques involve addressing the less clean work stages first before progressing to the cleaner stages. Aseptic conscience indicates that the employee understands and adopts aseptic practices, adhering to established aseptic procedures.

This profession requires special precision, organisational skills, common sense and patience. Additionally, it is important to have strong customer service skills and an eagerness to learn and improve your personal expertise.

What is the best thing about your profession?

The work in equipment maintenance at the veterinary hospital is versatile, interesting and sometimes demanding. It feels good when I can help nurses and sometimes even doctors with difficult questions. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with animals and, alongside my own work, follow their surgical operations and recovery.

What are the downsides of the profession or what seems challenging?

Sometimes you meet colleagues in the field who have not grasped the importance of patient safety or do not understand that each patient is entitled to the best possible service. It feels distressing, since the lives of animals and people are at stake.

Sometimes, it is frustrating to see this work not receiving the recognition it deserves. Many people do not know what instrument technicians do. Moreover, people do not always realise that without instrument technicians, healthcare would not function at all.

What would you tell a person considering the profession of an instrument technician?

Out of all the jobs I have held, the profession of an instrument technician stands out as the most meaningful and versatile. If you are interested in becoming an instrument technician, I recommend that you participate in a work try-out before applying for studies.

How do you see the future of your profession?

The employment prospects are very good, as equipment maintenance cannot be automated and there is a great shortage of labour. As an instrument technician, you can work almost anywhere in the world. I hope that one day I will have a chance to work at an animal hospital abroad.