Professional veterinary recruitment

A guide for Vet and Vet Nurse Locums

Did you know there is still a lot of negativity towards locums, “they are only doing it for the money or “they want the easier life” or “they don't have to take any responsibility or work the unsociable hours”. The reality is that over recent years the veterinary market has seen more and more vets opt for locum work oppose to having a permanent role and there are now 1000's of Vets and RVN's who are choosing the locum path. But nowadays being a locum is seen by many as a career choice or a supplement to a permanent position.

Why is this? One aspect is the lack of choices in permanent opportunities such as:

Having little choice / control or autonomy etc

Flexibility in days / hours you wish not to work – Huge topic of late.

Time off, more holidays, more time with family etc.

Advancement, career development opportunities.

Lack of training all round especially management level.

Ease to avoid toxic cultures, bad management, bullying, HR issues, politics etc.

Financial benefits - Ultimately, we all have life, family, bills to pay for etc.

Those who are feeling trapped / becoming disillusioned or are feel un-empowered.

So many more factors which, we all know can lead to other issues.

With the above in mind, becoming a locum may offer solutions for a lot of these aspects, well to an extent!

Ask yourself(think of flexibility, money, consistency, security, divisibility, confidence / skills, work-life balance etc)

1.Why do you want to locum oppose to being in a permanent role?

2.Are you looking to locum around your permanent role? Why?

3.Is locum life going to be right for you?

4.What are the pros and cons of being a locum?

5.What is locum life like on a short-and long-term basis?

6.Where do you start?

7.Do you know what to expect and how much your professional life will change?

What is locuming?

A locum is essentially someone who covers a permanent staff member within a practice. This can either be on a short term, sporadic basis, or a medium period to cover low staffing levels, difficulty in recruiting permanently or sickness/holiday leave. Think of it as a kind of supply teacher!

Locums tend to be hired to fill in a gap or need, which means you have to hit the ground running and do the jobs that clinics require of you. Of course, it's a locum vet's prerogative to only choose the work you want to do, which means that, if you don't want to do nights, for instance, you can opt out of that contract.

Who can become a locum?

Anyone with a relevant veterinary degree along with being registered with the RCVS can work as a locum, there is no set amount of experience required. However, as the work often requires covering a period of absence or a particularly busy time within the practice, we would advise you gain around 1-2 years' experience in a permanent role before committing to locuming full time. This is to allow you to be comfortable with your own skills, confidence and be able to be adaptable, flexible, and reliable for potential clients.

The Positives:

• Flexibility of working days & hours – within reason you can choose when you work!

• Higher hourly rate – due to the nature of the work a locum is usually paid a higher rate per hour.

• Explore different practices – work in a variety of practices over a period of time with no strings attached.

• Travel the country – explore all areas of the UK as many roles are available with accommodation.

• Helping out – practices will often be very grateful for you covering them during a sticky period!

Things to consider:

• Sourcing the work – finding regular work on your own can be difficult. Registering with a reliable, hardworking agency will massively increase your chance of finding work, at no cost! Find out how Vet Seekers could help you.

• Support – remember you will not be part of a fixed team, so you could feel lonely at times and lacking some clinical support and guidance.

• Travel – the work won't always be on your doorstep. You must be willing to commute a bit further and consider working away for a few days at a time.

• Getting paid – it's not as simple as just being paid monthly. You will need to consider how you would like to be paid, either via your own Limited Company, using an umbrella company or setting up as self-employed.

• Sick/Holiday/Maternity Pay – as you will not be working under a permanent contract, your rights will be very different. If you cancel a day's work due to illness you will not be paid and will have to claim SSP. Holidays are taken at your own cost, no work = no pay. Maternity pay can be more difficult to get hold of or even at a lower rate, knowing your rights is very important before you commit to locuming.

There are literally 100's of fully flexible locum opportunities for vets and nurses across the UK which can tie in with your lifestyle, no matter what stage you are in your career.

If you would like to discuss with us regarding becoming a locum or how we can help you along the way, please contact us via 0333 014 7374 or helo@vetseekers.co.uk.

Alternatively, search around 1500 roles through vet Seekers here: https://www.vetseekers.co.uk/search