Not One More Vet
Written and performed by Sierra Bouchard and Kathryn Wolkin
This song was created as a project for the College of Veterinary Medicine course Small Animal Euthanasia: Clinical Communication and Practice. It is about compassion fatigue related to veterinary euthanasia.
Lyrics:
I came so far, I felt so ready
Thinking everything would be fine
And while I started off a little unsteady
I knew I'd get it down in time
But it wears me down each and every day
Sometimes good things don't come cheap
I've been broke and beaten in every way
But I won't let them see me weep
And I'm finding out that there's no escape
Except to just repeat
It's not that I don't care
It's not that I'm not sure
But playing god ain't fair
When you're tainted with self doubt
I'm gasping for fresh air
How much more can I endure?
Because I'm still suffocating
And the candle's burning out
Then came a day, was down to my last nerve
They beg, "Doctor, save her, please!"
Asking for miracles until the last beat
How much of this do I deserve?
But I fail this time
They cry, "It's not her time to go"
As I hold back my tears
Do they even know?
And there's still no escape, except to repeat
They tell me I don't care,
Can't even find the cure,
But playing god ain't fair
When you're tainted with self doubt
I'm gasping for fresh air
How much more can I endure?
But I'm still suffocating
And the candle's burning out
They just don't realize
From the outside looking in
That I'm wearing a disguise
Tired eyes with a painted grin
More and more we're becoming
Just another sad statistic
Ask me why, here's the think,
I'm my own harshest critic
It's not that I don't care
(Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine)
It's not that I'm not sure
(I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare)
But I'm still only human
(the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources)
And I'm trying to help you out
(the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge)
I'm grasping for some light
(I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity)
To lift me out of the dark
(and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ehtics)
So I stand by my oath
(I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence)
That's what it's all about
So lend an ear, and hear my worries
Give your shoulder to cry on
Find a joy in your heart
To cast a light upon
This could be a brand new start
And now breathe deep, inhale
Release the weight, breathe out
Strengthen my beating heart
Rising about my fear of failing
And I'm stronger now, ready to repeat