Page 25 - Zoo Animal Learning and Training

Chapter 1 Professional Conduct and Foundation Skills 9

FIGURE 1.2 Fingernail tips.

smoke on your breaks, make sure to remove your scrub top
or to spritz yourself with a deodorizing spray. Non‐smokers
FIGURE 1.1 Clean scrubs ready to work.
are often disturbed by the smell of smoke and even if you
can’t smell it because you are used to it, believe that others
your work and mistakes can occur. In large animal prac­ can! This also is good advice for perfumes and aftershave
tices you will be required to wear rubber boots that fit lotions. It is important to use them sparingly if at all at
over your shoes. Often, if doing large animal work only, work. Many people are affected negatively by scents. Save
those shoes should have a steel toe. Clean shoes and them for your after hours and weekends.
rubber boots are essential to prevent the transmission of Men should keep a clean‐shaven face but if you have
diseases from outside the clinic in and from farm to farm. facial hair it should be kept neat. Women, if you wear
Jewelry should be left at home. Loop earrings, rings, makeup keep it simple; this is not the time to come glammed
and necklaces can become caught on equipment or snag up! Bathe regularly and use a perfume‐free deodorant.
on an animal. An inexpensive wristwatch with a second Remember you may be one of the first visual representatives
hand is acceptable to facilitate pulse and respiration of the clinic so aim for a positive impression!
readings. The practice may have a policy on facial pierc­ Help a co‐worker. Be the person that notices that
ings and tattoos. Check the policy manual or with the there is something in someone’s teeth, a zipper isn’t
office manager before getting any of these things done quite where it needs to be, or if someone smells bad.
in an obvious location. Kindly let them know that there is an issue. You can take
Hair must be kept clean and if long tied back or put the sting out of this information by following up your
up in a bun. Do not allow it to hang free as it will statement with, “I would sure want to know if…”
obscure your vision when bending or leaning over.
Fingernails should not be longer than just over the
top of the tip of the finger and should not be painted
(Figure 1.2). Chipped polish or chipped nails makes a Information Check
person look unkept. If you chew your nails this is a and Reflection
good time to break that habit. Debris and germs can
easily get under fingernails and if ingested you can • Do you meet the personal appearance
become sick. expectations?
If you smoke, drink coffee, or have had food with a • What can you do to make sure you are ready
strong odor for lunch please be kind and take a breath mint. for a day at the clinic?
Chewing gum is usually not appropriate, as the chomping • What items should be stored in your pockets for
and inadvertent snapping of gum can be interpreted as work?
boredom or non‐interest in what you are doing. If you can