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Veterinarian Quits Dream Job, Citing Emotional Toll of Animal Deaths
🇳🇴 Norway /Culture & Society

Veterinarian Quits Dream Job, Citing Emotional Toll of Animal Deaths

From Aftenposten · () Norwegian

Translated from Norwegian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A Norwegian veterinarian resigned from her dream job due to the emotional toll of dealing with animal deaths and difficult procedures.
  • She described performing emergency surgeries, including C-sections, where she had to choose between saving a mother or a puppy, and pulling out dead calves.
  • The veterinarian noted that while the work is emotionally taxing, there is also a significant sense of accomplishment when procedures are successful.

Hanna Marie Nes, a 36-year-old veterinarian, found her dream job unbearable due to the constant emotional strain of dealing with life-and-death situations. She recounted the heartbreaking reality of her profession, where she has held dying animals, including a mother and her puppy during a difficult birth. Nes described the agonizing decision-making process, such as choosing which animal to save during a C-section, and the grim task of delivering stillborn calves.

Is it you a veterinarian? How cute!

— Hanna Marie NesNes describes the common public reaction when she reveals her profession.

While the work is undeniably tough, Nes acknowledged the profound satisfaction that comes with successful outcomes. She noted that the public often perceives veterinary work as 'cute,' a perception that clashes sharply with the often-grim realities she faces. Her story highlights the significant emotional burden carried by those in demanding veterinary roles, a challenge that ultimately led her to resign from a profession she once aspired to.

In situations where life and death are at stake, it is anything but cute.

— Hanna Marie NesNes explains the stark contrast between public perception and the reality of her work.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Aftenposten in Norwegian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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