Locum work

Re: Locum work

Robin Grimmer — Thu, 29 May 2014 18:55:53 GMT

+1 Don't think you are quite ready for locum work yet. As a locum, people just expect you to be able to get on with stuff, and while that might not include orthopaedics, it would definitely include fat bitch spays. I would get another couple of years experience under your belt.

Re: Locum work

Martin Atkinson — Thu, 29 May 2014 15:43:50 GMT

+1 for Francisco's advice. I hate to ask this but are you sure its not more to do with your personality than as you say 'the politics of long term employment'?

Things are different now but I couldn't wait to get out on my own (I didn't even want to do locums) and I just got on with what was thrown at me but I feel you really do need to be confident in something as basic as a large fat bitch spay, albeit we regard these as routine they are in fact one of the most difficult and stressful things we're faced with.

I am sole charge and would not want anyone who was not capable of dealing with everything that was thrown at them other than complicated orthopaedic work or other stuff that an experienced vet would normally refer. Fat bitch spays do not enter that category I'm afraid. I also suspect that a multi-man practice would also want day one omni-competence not having to be doing extra work looking over your shoulder but as the second anon seems to suggest that feeling is not universal.

More than that it will do nothing for your confidence if you can't cope or indeed for future references. I always check previous employer's references I don't rely on the agency although I'll admit I've employed more than one locum who came with a dodgy reference because I suspected it was more a problem with the practice than the employee.

Re: Locum work

An On MRCVS — Wed, 28 May 2014 19:41:25 GMT

Different anon here...

In my experience it varies quite a lot - some places they are very surprised and pleased when you are able to do a bitch spay (and I was 6 years qualified so it would have been concerning if I couldn't!)

Other places you would need to be able to do anything that walks in.

I've never had anywhere that expected me to do orthopaedics.

Just be honest at the outset and hopefully they can find you somewhere you aren't sole charge. TBH plenty of places are so desperate they will take anyone. Keeping clients happy is an important thing too and sadly, being from the UK seems to help with this as many places have had a stream of foreign locums which many clients (and sometimes the staff as well - depressingly) just don't like.

The main thing about locuming is appearing confident. No one knows you and they aren't impressed if you dither about. You need to be able to get on with stuff independently (whilst knowing your limitations obviously). It's better to be able to do the routine stuff well than to be a specialist as generally you are just expected to keep the clients happy, charge properly and get on with the staff. Any complex things you can always defer or refer - they don't happen that often anyway. Of course not having the same level of support from other staff can increase your stress levels, even if you're doing perfectly adequate job!

It is probably worth getting up to speed on bitch spays before starting to locum which should not be that difficult. With other things like GDVs, in an emergency you have to do the best you can, and with good basic surgical skills and a textbook (and a good nurse) these things aren't that technically difficult.

Re: Locum work

Hannah Wynne Richards — Wed, 28 May 2014 18:03:40 GMT

Good advice from Francisco

Wynne

Re: Locum work

Neil Wheadon — Wed, 28 May 2014 18:02:34 GMT

To seemlessly slot into the practice. Look at it from an emplyers point if view. If you can find a position within your capabilities then locum, however many practices are sole charge with little back up and you need to be able to cope with anything that comes through that door.

Re: Locum work

Francisco Gomez — Wed, 28 May 2014 17:04:07 GMT

The sort of experience you're lacking you won't gain while locuming. There's work out there easy enough, but my advice is: Don't do it just yet. If you are unhappy with your job, find another that fills the holes you think you have! [I've been a full time locum for 2 years before coming back to the 'politics' to full time employee]