How To

The growth in demand for veterinary care shows no sign of abatement, and most veterinary practices are finding themselves “under the pump” and feeling the pressure to serve their clients and patients, many of whom they have known all their lives. So when one of the team moves on, or the practice wants to give their team members the rest and recovery time they deserve, they turn to Locum Relief Veterinarians, Veterinary Nurses and Technicians for support. And, of course, this means talented and capable locum relief veterinary professionals are in high demand and more welcome than a treat while a chocolate lab is getting her shots! But how do you get started if you are a newbie? Here are the top five benefits of locum relief veterinary work, plus our Locum Relief 101 guide…

As a Veterinarian, Vet Nurse, Technician, or Veterinary Team Member, you probably don’t get told this enough; we are deeply grateful that you care so passionately about our pets and animals, and their family members. You are generous and empathetic, and your many years of study and your practical experience make you an expert that we trust. And as a caregiver, you are uniquely rewarded each and every day. But you also know vulnerability, occasional helplessness, and that there will inevitably be a small number of failures, even if they are often out of your control. So, if you are finding that your days are not as sparkly as they once were, that kittens don’t make you smile quite as often, or that a senior dog still vigorously wagging their tail doesn’t make you feel as warm inside as it once used to, you may well have Compassion Fatigue. Emotional and physical exhaustion that can often lead to a diminished sense of satisfaction in both work and life generally. Here are some practical tips to help you maintain your passion for your profession…

Like many practice owners, you may be finding yourself a bit short-staffed these days. As the demand for veterinary services increases, there simply aren’t enough Veterinarians, Veterinary Nurses and Technicians to fill every single open position. In many practices, this shortage means temporarily relying on the help of a locum relief team member. While locum relief Veterinary Professionals can offer tremendous value to your practice and help with filling in gaps, they can also be in short supply. Depending on your location, there may be a limited number of locum relief vets, nurses and techs in your area, and there might be a surprisingly large number of practices courting them. Learn how you can make your practice stand out, improving your likelihood of finding, attracting and keeping high-quality locum relief team members…

So, unless you have been hiding under a warming blanket for the last few years, you know that your services as a Veterinary Professional are in high demand*. Lately, even more so with the recent pandemic, rising trends in pet ownership and growing consumer interest in high-quality veterinary care. And nearly all forecasts indicate that this customer demand is only going to increase over the coming few years*. But, before you head out for an innocent coffee with that recruitment consultant who has been so persuasively persistent of late to “test the market”, the smart thing to do first is to have “that chat” with your current boss. Here are the seven key steps you need to guide you towards achieving a mutually successful outcome…

Returning to work after a period of parental leave can be a rewarding yet daunting organisational balancing act for veterinary professionals. Whether you’re seeking a financial boost, mental stimulation, or some actual adult conversation (or all three!), we’ve got some practical tips on how to get your figurative ducks lined up for a smooth transition back into the workplace. Whether you’re seeking a financial boost, mental stimulation, or some actual adult conversation (or all three!), we’ve got some practical tips on how to get your figurative ducks lined up for a smooth transition back into the workplace. Whilst you are a skilled, knowledgeable veterinary professional, you may have some mixed feelings about the prospect of re-entering the workplace. Many new parents understandably worry about leaving their baby in the care of someone else. Your workplace may have changed, with new staff members, drugs or clinic protocols introduced during your period of leave. And in all likelihood, you probably feel different too, with altered priorities, a constant family-related mental workload chatter, and more limited time availabilities. Apply the organisational and self-care advice outlined here, and you too can genuinely achieve the healthy, sustainable long-term balance between working and parenting that we all desire…

Setting boundaries means being honest about what you can and cannot handle right now…and often that is a daunting admission…an admission that we are indeed human, have our limitations and need to be constantly balancing and rebalancing work, life and play. Perhaps if we all learned how to set and respect boundaries, we could foster more mutual respect and compassion amongst each other, rather than resentment or anger. And we might just add another small but important facet towards improving the overall mental health of the veterinary profession. Here are some key steps toward setting mutually beneficial boundaries…

Locum Relief Veterinary Professionals are invaluable to practices that need a little extra support while key team members are away, or that want to give their team a well-earned break. Yes, you need the same foundational skills as any other talented Veterinarian, Nurse, or Technician. However, there are certain attributes and skills Locum Relief team members must be particularly good at. And yet, a great full-time Veterinarian may not make a great Locum, and vice versa, a talented Locum Relief Nurse may not be ideally suited to a permanent role. So what exactly does it take to be a successful Locum Relief Veterinary Professional? There are certainly more than 5, but if you have a good handle on these, any clinic, hospital, or emergency center will be keen to have you regularly on their team…

So, you’ve worked hard and earned your certification. Congratulations, you are now a qualified Veterinarian, Veterinary Nurse or Veterinary Technician. But now, a whole new challenge lies ahead – continuing your momentum and success as you start this next stage of your career as a working Veterinary Professional! Making the transition from student to practicing in-the-real is an exciting time, but it can also be understandably daunting. During your first year of employment especially, a great support network is invaluable. Helpful colleagues, accessible professional resources, and some mindful self-care will not only kick-start your career but will also support your mental and physical health during a potentially stressful time. So, to help you feel more grounded, calm, and in control of your journey, here are a few early veterinary career tips that we sourced from Veterinary Professionals like you who have “been there, done that” and not just survived, but thrived…

You know that sinking feeling. You have an unexpected gap in your shift scheduler, staring back at you, expecting to be magically filled. Or you know deep down that it’s time to ease the workload in your practice and give your permanent team members that well-earned R&R they well-and-truly deserve. You need an experienced, reliable locum relief veterinary professional, one that is worth their weight in gold. But even better – and we are talking platinum grade here – is an experienced, reliable locum relief professional already familiar with your protocols, facilities, team and clientele, who can hit the ground running. And for Locum Relief Vets, Nurses and Technicians, discover how to set the scene for your Locum Relief contracts. Here are six ways to attract the most valuable locum relief talent to your practice and ensure their visit is more than just a one-shift wonder…