Just pondering...change from clinical work

Re: Just pondering...change from clinical work

mariette asselbergs — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 22:03:40 GMT

"I am pondering, if a vet left clinical practice to work in say vet nurse teaching or industry and then after 3 or so years decided to return to clinical practice how likely would you be willing to employ somone like that. Experience wise it would be 5 years exp in clinical work first. Just wondered reallly....."

I wouldn't worry too much Lisa, here is my experience:

I graduated 36 years ago and worked 2 years in practice (mixed) in Holland, then went to Mozambique. There vet work involved loads of different things but nothing like European practice work. I did some locum work during holidays in Holland the 80s but spend15 years after that running a farm and training centre, bar,restaurant and backpacker place with vet work limited to my own animals and occasional friends' cats and dogs. In 2002 it became clear that I needed to consider going back to Europe, UK this time. I was convinced that I would not be accepted back in vet practice and decided to do an MSc in Sustainable Agriculture. Could I finda job with that? No, but the moment I contacted the RCVS about possible registration I was accepted and had a locum job the following monday and was never a day out of work since.

I did study like an idiot, mainly from reading In Practice and CPD courses, but I found that clinical skills are like riding a bike, you don't forget. And to be perfectly honest, rural practice and first line small animal practice is barely different from 30 years ago, blocked cats, RTAs, lambings,calvings and LDAs, fertility work in cattle, mastitis problems, it is sort of amazing that basically not very much has changed apart from all the amazing specializations. Locuming is a great way to find your feet and build up a reputation.

So I would not be worried about a serious break from clinical practice slave work..... :-)

Re: Just pondering...change from clinical work

Clive Ansell — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 12:53:03 GMT

[quote user="Nutria7"]

[quote user="Clive Ansell"]

nd bike maintenance, most of it is fairly easy. I repaired my cars cruise control on Thursday; Peugeot main dealer wanted to charge £135, £75 to plug it in to a diagnostic computer and £60 to supply and fit the suspected faulty clutch pedal switch. Did it myself for £13 and it took 20 minutes -rather pleased with myself

- and we get accused of being expensive and ripping people off!!

[/quote]

I'm impressed, I can't do that. But what if Peugeot dealer decided to save £££ and spay his dog himself">

[/quote]

could they? there is a tiny tiny difference in skill level between carrying out a major surgical procedure, and fitting a new switch to a car not much harder than wiring a plug.

Had another one today; quote from Peugoet dealer to replace front brake discs and pads, £289. I can buy genuine Peugeot parts for £130 and do the job myself in less than an hour. I don't mind paying someone a fair rate for a job, but resent being fleeced.

Re: Just pondering...change from clinical work

Anna Battek-Kosiorowska — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 13:37:02 GMT

[quote user="Clive Ansell"]

- and we get accused of being expensive and ripping people off!!

[/quote]

I'm impressed, I can't do that. But what if Peugeot dealer decided to save £££ and spay his dog himself

Re: Just pondering...change from clinical work

Clive Ansell — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 08:36:49 GMT

[quote user="Richard Fox"]

BTW - I have changed a cam belt and brake pads, brake bleeds and oil changes but I am not sure how many other pathologists have ;)

[/quote]

Good on ya. I do almost all of my own car and bike maintenance, most of it is fairly easy. I repaired my cars cruise control on Thursday; Peugeot main dealer wanted to charge £135, £75 to plug it in to a diagnostic computer and £60 to supply and fit the suspected faulty clutch pedal switch. Did it myself for £13 and it took 20 minutes -rather pleased with myself

- and we get accused of being expensive and ripping people off!!

Re: Just pondering...change from clinical work

Mark Hedberg — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 21:34:17 GMT

I moved...(wife moved with me.)

Re: Just pondering...change from clinical work

Evelyn Barbour-Hill — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 18:44:57 GMT

[quote user="An On MRCVS"]

A new anon

I have been trying to change for years, not possible without the ability to move which is not an option. (wife has her own business, children close to schools and relatives etc) There is no non practice work here or anything to which a veterinary degree is transferable. As main breadwinner cannot afford to retrain. Cannot move no option but to push on and on

[/quote]

Put up own plate?

Re: Just pondering...change from clinical work

Martin Atkinson — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 18:08:18 GMT

[quote user="Richard Fox"]

Blimey some harsh comments there -

[/quote]

No-one was being harsh, even though I come from the 'get a grip on yourself' school of psychiatry, the last thing I'd want is for the Lisa's health to suffer and if she felt she needed to change direction in the veterinary profession or get out completely then that may be the best thing for her. No-one is judging her for that I was just being realistic about the challenges that she may face if she decided to come back. Maybe I'm lucky that I enjoy my job but two of the major reasons I do are covered in other concurrently running threads. I have a hobby/obsession (cycling) which I can immerse myself in and has equal importance in my life. And being single handed takes many of the pressures of practice away, it adds some others but on balance that was the best professional decision I ever took. Maybe that is an option for Lisa to take either now or after a sabbatical to see if she really does miss veterinary work, I found the pressure of working for someone else and the expectation that was put on me was the greatest problem.

Re: Just pondering...change from clinical work

Richard Fox — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 16:36:21 GMT

The even have GPS units in them if you get lost ;) and they run on bio fuel ;)

Re: Just pondering...change from clinical work

Judith Joyce — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:57:33 GMT

[quote user="Richard Fox"]

BTW - I have changed a cam belt and brake pads, brake bleeds and oil changes but I am not sure how many other pathologists have ;)

[/quote]

Microscopes must have moved on since I was at college.

Re: Just pondering...change from clinical work

Richard Fox — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:33:28 GMT

Hang in there - something maybe around the corner!

Re: Just pondering...change from clinical work

An On MRCVS — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:21:02 GMT

A new anon

Re: Just pondering...change from clinical work

Richard Fox — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:02:58 GMT

LOL - perhaps that's just my vet friends then ;)

My pleasure - although I am afraid I do not have control over things - I wish I did ;)

Edit: I wish I didn't keep clicking "suggest answer" by mistake as you cant remove it!

BTW - I have changed a cam belt and brake pads, brake bleeds and oil changes but I am not sure how many other pathologists have ;)

Re: Just pondering...change from clinical work

Mark Hedberg — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 21:04:08 GMT

Weirdos? Are you kidding? I'm delighted that we can send off any suspicious cells to a place where they've forgotten more about clinical pathology than I'll ever know. (Although I don't think I'd want you changing my cam belt!) :)

(Btw, thanks for the last pathology report, owners are quite happy and relieved at the good news you provided!) :D

Re: Just pondering...change from clinical work

Richard Fox — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 19:42:28 GMT

Blimey some harsh comments there - Clinical work can be hard, tiring and stressful - I would take my hat off to you if you did have a "sabbatical" from it. I would not think you are defeated and I have to say that some of the comment sums up why the profession has a high suicide rate - why be stuck in a job you dislike or is not challenging etc because you think it is defeatist to change?

A lot of vets think pathology, for example, is for 'weirdos' and who cannot handle vet life. To be honest I got dismayed with the day to day regularity of consults and vaccinations and just being a glorified farm laborer (at the time of the over 30 month scheme . My job now is very challenging and requires me to keep up to date with a lot of literature and has opened door to other opportunities including teaching and examining European Diploma candidates. Don't get me wrong I miss elements of practice like surgery (soft tissue and orthopedics) but I do not regret my decision.

Re: Just pondering...change from clinical work

listhestar — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:04:18 GMT

[quote user="Bob Russell"]

Very unlikely to be a problem.

[/quote]

Nice to hear. I may have to move to the New Forest when my Dads health deteriorates further

Re: Just pondering...change from clinical work

listhestar — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:02:16 GMT

Thanks everyone for your replies. It seems to vary from the 'it wouldn't worry be at all- I would employ' to 'I would want to see your medical records first before I went near you!!'

I would gain a PGCE in the teaching area and I would intend on doing clinical work as well in any gaps.

Why would I be wanting to leave -who knows, the hours are silly currently and that has been the case through all the jobs and yes I know I am a vet but health shouldnt suffer through it. Personally I've watched someone close to me work themselves into the ground and now left with nothing. I don't want to end that way. Thats probably the most likely reason.

I think very highly of my bosses and would most likely be very upset if I ever left but sometimes you just have to wonder if theres more on offer out there. I could of course be having an early midlife crisis, I have the jeanes, just not the money for the sports car (damn it )

Regards

Lisa

Re: Just pondering...change from clinical work

Mark Hedberg — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 21:06:28 GMT

I would think it depends on the job. If you took a break from first opinion practice and worked at tesco for 3 years, nobody would touch you with a barge pole. If you took 3 years because you were working in a vet related field, I think it could be eminently relevant to your career progression - ie after 3 years working with a significant administration work load, you might then be ideally qualified to work as a practice manager, for instance! (vet + business.)

edit: or even hang up your own shingle, if that's not too much of a cliche.

Re: Just pondering...change from clinical work

Natasha Wilks — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:06:10 GMT

Hi Lisa,

Without knowing your exact situation, these are questions for you to answer privately..

What is it that you need a break from in clinical work? Is it the hours, the practice, the clients or the job in general? Would changing any of these, change your perception about your career?

Are you being challenged in your work that is invigorating and stimulating or are you finding it draining and exhausting? What specifically and can you eliminate or reduce this?

Do you know what your strengths are?

Are you currently in a position that is not utilising your strengths or does a vet career not suit your strengths?

Sometimes a break from practice, transition to a new practice or working reduced hours may help to reinvigorate you. Or sometimes, getting a life outside of work helps - totally non vet related!

3 years is a large break without any vet work, however a lot of women do this when having a family.

Your ability to return would depend on your level of competence and confidence returning but you must also address the issues that is leading you to want a change in the first place.

Your knowledge, skills and degree are for life and can be leveraged into other positions and careers.

Hope this helps.

Natasha

Re: Just pondering...change from clinical work

Martin Atkinson — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 10:59:54 GMT

As an employer, I would wonder why someone left practice in the first place and would be concerned that they had a psycological problem that lead to them not being able to cope with general practice even before I considered the loss of clinical skills and how much CPD they had done in the interim. This doesn't imply I am judging you personally Lisa but it would very much depend on how I judged the applicant's personality, how much they'd kept up to date and a reference from previous employers.

Re: Just pondering...change from clinical work

Bob Russell — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 09:50:52 GMT

Very unlikely to be a problem.

Re: Just pondering...change from clinical work

HMC — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 08:48:26 GMT

I know someone who did. She worked as a locum for a bit part time then was offered a full time post from that practice.