Locum work advice request

RE: Locum work advice request

An On MRCVS — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 20:12:57 GMT

[quote user="Emma Middleton"]

So many practices are running on locums and like Clive mentioned, some have to close due to no vet at all. I locum at 2 different practices over 3 short days around the school run. 1 practice only need me til 2 or 3pm and they are keeping me on going as they have been trying to find someone for years to do the hours I do 2 days a week. The other practice is a corporate with problems recruiting a full time vet and they are happy for me to work whatever hours I can, it's a bit of a commute so I do 9.45am-2/2.30. I'm a single parent with 1 child in school and 1 in nursery so I have to leave on time. It works well. Im fortunate that ive only had one child sick day in 14 months but i have grandparents to cover so I can still work.

The surgery thing I can't see being an issue. Routine surgery you should be happy with, but be warned you may get stuck consulting a lot.

[/quote]

All in all small animal practice in the UK in 2018 is in a sorry state.

RE: Locum work advice request

Jill Butterworth — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 12:58:21 GMT

I've been doing locum work for local practices for years, both as a sole trader and Ltd Co. You actually won't need many practices to fill up the time you want to work. Charge by the hour, then you chose what hours you can offer, as reliability is imperative. There are several part/full time locums in this area doing the same thing we help each other out and try to avoid inconveniencing practices. The owner of one practice loves being able to call and see if she can go to the theatre etc at short notice, and as long as she gives me at least 3 hours pay, I don't mind.

RE: Locum work advice request

Emma Middleton — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 12:41:50 GMT

[quote user="vs0u "]being able to fit in around different ways of doing things and keeping their clients happy, are more important than particular skills.[/quote]

I second that. As a locum, being a good people person is way more important than your clinical or surgical skills. And slotting in and going along with their way of doing things, no matter how you feel about it (and you may see some questionable things!).

Charge properly as well.

[quote user="vs0u "]One slight issue is that some of the corporates can be awkward about self employed locums. Depending on area there may be no choice as CVS may own everything. If you are willing to set up as a Ltd co that could be worthwhile but self employed is easier when you are starting out so it would be worth making the practices aware of that at the start. I've had issues where they refused to pay me for work already done because of this, even though it was never mentioned before I started. [/quote]

I've had the same issue. I had to sign up with an umbrella company retrospectively to get paid for work I had done. And that was through an agency so they really should have told me this before I started. The agency feigned ignorance and there was nothing I could do. Needless to say I don't work for CVS or through agencies anymore!

RE: Locum work advice request

vs0u — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 11:43:57 GMT

Not being able to do orthopaedics definitely won't be a problem. Most places ask if you can do a bitch spay so that is the basic level they are after. Being reliable is the no. 1 priority. You need to just get your head down and do the work, being able to fit in around different ways of doing things and keeping their clients happy, are more important than particular skills.

You should be able to get set up with several local practices where you cover for their holidays etc ongoing to avoid travelling too much, these days you are often covering for working mum vets so there is understanding about that aspect. Second the suggestion to go round the local practices and introduce yourself. I only really had to travel when I was starting out before I built up local connections.

Although agencies can be useful, it's best to avoid them if you want to go back somewhere, as the practice normally has to pay them every time you go back for the next 2 years, so it will put them off using you again if they can get anyone else.

Many practices work till 6.30 or 7 so finishing early may be an issue but on the other hand, many are so desperate that they will take whatever you can offer. I worked somewhere where none of the vets had been able to take their 4 weeks holiday because they couldn't get cover.

One slight issue is that some of the corporates can be awkward about self employed locums. Depending on area there may be no choice as CVS may own everything. If you are willing to set up as a Ltd co that could be worthwhile but self employed is easier when you are starting out so it would be worth making the practices aware of that at the start. I've had issues where they refused to pay me for work already done because of this, even though it was never mentioned before I started.

RE: Locum work advice request

Emma Middleton — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 22:55:52 GMT

Totally do able. So many practices are running on locums and like Clive mentioned, some have to close due to no vet at all. I locum at 2 different practices over 3 short days around the school run. 1 practice only need me til 2 or 3pm and they are keeping me on going as they have been trying to find someone for years to do the hours I do 2 days a week. The other practice is a corporate with problems recruiting a full time vet and they are happy for me to work whatever hours I can, it's a bit of a commute so I do 9.45am-2/2.30. I'm a single parent with 1 child in school and 1 in nursery so I have to leave on time. It works well. Im fortunate that ive only had one child sick day in 14 months but i have grandparents to cover so I can still work.

I deal with practices directly by email and on here. No agencies. Regret my previous use of them.

The surgery thing I can't see being an issue. Routine surgery you should be happy with, but be warned you may get stuck consulting a lot. I don't mind this if it means I get the hours I need.

There is definitely a market there, just be upfront about your availability and see what uptake you have. You are not that restricted if you can work til 5/5.30pm so I'm sure you will have more work than you need.

There is a supportive group on Facebook called Vet Mums where there have been similar discussions if you are not already a member. Good luck whatever you decide!

RE: Locum work advice request

An On MRCVS — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 20:52:29 GMT

Thank you so much for all the replies, it's really useful.

When I was saying about it working with a young family, I was mainly meaning in terms of day length, as I'd basically need to pick up from nursery (the latest I can pick up is 6pm). For sick-child days my husband could cover the odd day/week if needed so I would not anticipate having to cancel at short notice, but for the most part the nursery drop off/pick up falls with me due to the nature of his work so if most jobs require locums to finish later than 5.30pm then I'd have to give that aspect some thought... But I couldn't locum and go into it with the idea that I'd just let people down at the last minute - couldn't live with the guilt!! Definitely believe that if you've committed to something you should follow it through!

(Slight aside, but Neil I don't think you deserve a one star for your comment, I think it's perfectly reasonable - like you said, practices need the locum for a reason!!)

It's good to know the orthopaedic side of things shouldn't be too much of an issue.

Thanks also for the tips re- agencies, it's another area to consider how to manage :-)

Appreciate all the guidance - thank you!

RE: Locum work advice request

Neil Wheadon — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 12:21:51 GMT

[quote user="An On MRCVS"]- is there much of a market for locums at the minute? Don't know if this is location specific?[/quote]

There seems to be, however it depends where you are I the country.

The simplest thing to do is sign up with a few agencies and get their E mails, you can then gauge the levels in your area.

There is a comment here to avoid agencies like the plague. I get E Mails from most of them and will delete the vast majority, however do occasionally take work if there is a gap. Don't give a mobile number, they can't call you. RIG (remember them) once got my number ad they were a right pain, calling all the time.

[quote user="An On MRCVS"]- does/can locumming work around a young ish family? Both in terms of timings of shifts and being relatively tied to one region?[/quote]

Michael is right, you need to be reliable. Sick child or a locum day, it's the latter (I'll get one starred for that) remember you are filling in for a reason. A locum that doesn't turn up is THE biggest complaint I hear from practices. You need to consider a back up plan.

[quote user="An On MRCVS"]- is there much weekend locum work?[/quote]

Lots.I was asked a few years ago to do regular late surgeries as some practices are starting to open till 2200 or 2300. This may also be an option

[quote user="An On MRCVS"]- are practices ok with locums with good overall skills but lacking in one area (specifically, I have limited orthopaedic surgery experience but am happy with fairly common surgeries like ex-laps, pyos, caesars etc)[/quote]

Few locums I know will tackle an orthopaedic, but leg amputations should be on your list. A practice isn't employing locum to baby sit them. If your skill set means you can do most things that'll be fine

[quote user="An On MRCVS"]Having never locumed or investigated it before I'm just trying to get an idea of the market! Thanks[/quote]

Locumming is NOT an easy option. In my opinion you can get away with it for so long, but long term you need a particular skill set and getting on with people, getting on with the job and not rocking the boat are some of the things you need

Good Luck

Neil

RE: Locum work advice request

Clive Ansell — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 12:16:52 GMT

There is certainly a market for locums, and particularly for good experienced locums. I know practices that have struggled too, and in some cases have not found a locum.

If you're willing to work weekend shifts, there should be plenty, particularly with the corporates that tend to run Saturday and Sunday all day surgeries. The same with working for OOH providers.

If you have family and child care commitments, I guess that would restrict your ability to travel too far, or work away from home?

If you want earlier finishes, or may have to leave at short notice because of children, that will make sole charge and small practice locums difficult or impossible. As Michael says you would need to be 100% dependable. That said, I did some locum work last year for a group of 8 practices; on some days only 3 of 8 were open as they had no vets - they would have been grateful of anyone who would have been able to cover any shifts or part shifts.

maybe regular part time work, maybe across more than one practice, may be more suitable?

I became a locum in 2001, and only intended it for about 2 years when I wanted the flexibility and time off for mountaineering expeditions lasting 4 - 6 weeks. 17 years later still a locum.

Wouldn't worry about orthopaedics either. Most smaller practices don't do any, and no longer have the kit anyway. Most practices that do it will have someone with an interest in it usually. Can always refer.

RE: Locum work advice request

Nikki Geddes — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 10:36:23 GMT

I work as a locum with a young family and it is a great thing to do, although I second Michael that you cannot obviously cancel due to childcare issues! I visited local practices to introduce myself and let them know what I could offer in terms of days and hours. I have found that there seems to be a good demand for this type of thing and I often get reasonably regular work. The main problem is that I really miss being part of a veterinary team and getting to know a practice and clients well. To counter this I only work for a small number of practices, that I have come to know well.

It is definitely possible and even more so if you are prepared to do Saturday morning shifts.

RE: Locum work advice request

Bob Russell — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 10:01:50 GMT

Are you really talking about flexible part-time working (perhaps for more than one practice) or true locum work?

Zero hours contracts are not for all (probably bad for most) but they can work if you want to work often at several practices but maintain the freedom to say no.

RE: Locum work advice request

Julie Innes — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 08:46:38 GMT

Definitely a market for locums! I'd do a covering letter introducing yourself and send it round to local practices- you might find they bite your hand off! I'd be delighted to get such a letter as I hate using agencies, both because of the expense and because I am getting someone I don't know. Go for it!

RE: Locum work advice request

Thomas Johnson — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 08:27:43 GMT

[quote user="Michael Woodhouse"]When someone employs a locum it's to cover holiday or sickness.[/quote]

Practices also employ locums for longer periods such as maternity cover and to cover gaps when looking for replacement permanent staff. I know that we have sometimes found it difficult to get good locum cover so I definitely think there is a market out there. I don't think an inability to do orthopaedic work would be a problem.

RE: Locum work advice request

Marie Kubiak — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 08:24:23 GMT

There is a good market for locums, but if you can try and deal directly with the practices you work with and don't get tangled up in agencies.

I locummed when I had a 2 yr old and did fewer days per weeks (2-3) - my husband sorted school runs those days so it worked well. One practice had a 9am start so school drop off was possible too on those days. Working nights and weekends can make childcare easier too. Weekend work is readily available - I have seen a couple of practices near me looking for Saturday vets and there is a steady stream of OOH provider shifts too.

I don't think not being confident with orthopaedics would be an issue, when I have worked in practice most of the permanent vets I have worked with haven't been!

[quote user="Michael Woodhouse"] A locum needs to be dependable and able to work full days.[/quote]

A locum needs to work the agreed shifts, that is all. I have worked places that wanted half days, Saturday mornings or weekday evenings only.

Marie

RE: Locum work advice request

Michael Woodhouse — Wed, 21 Mar 2018 21:40:48 GMT

Yes there is a market. Location depends on how flexible you are and what types of work you are willing to do.

When someone employs a locum it's to cover holiday or sickness. In that regard you can't drop the practice at last minute because of a childcare emergency. You can't (usually) work a short day and come in after school drop off and leave at 3. A locum needs to be dependable and able to work full days. I'm not sure what you mean when you say 'work around young family', if you want to work less in the summer holidays then absolutely.

Lots of practices don't do any orthopaedics.