Are you a veterinary professional seeking a role that allows for flexibility, improved work-life balance and opportunities for travel? A locum role might just be the perfect next step for you. Carry on reading to find out what it’s all about…
What is a locum vet?
A locum vet temporarily takes over the role of a permanent vet who is absent due to illness, a holiday, maternity leave etc. Most locum vets have an hourly or daily rate, and choose which practice(s) they work at and when.
Am I qualified?
The skills required for this role do not differ from permanent veterinary positions as you will be carrying out the same tasks. As long as you have a degree in veterinary medicine then you can apply for a locum position. However, it is important to note that some practices ask for a minimum of two years of industry experience.
Key benefits of locum roles
- More flexibility: Living the locum life means you’ll have significantly more flexibility when it comes to hours and location.Typically, you’ll be expected to work a full day (8-10 hours) but you can give your employer your availability so that the shifts you are offered work around your schedule. So you can say goodbye to late-night weekend work and hello to a healthy work-life balance.
- High demand: Another advantage of locum vet roles is that candidates are always in high demand due to the busy nature of veterinary practices – there is always use for another helping hand. This is obviously reassuring news for locum vets and means you won’t be short for gigs.
- Travel opportunities: Locuming opens up a world of new opportunities for those who want to travel. Plus, some employers will provide accommodation as part of the job offer!
Drawbacks
- Emergency call-outs: Sometimes you may be called into practice to help with an emergency procedure or to remedy staffing shortages with little notice.
- Lack of permanence: If you’re someone who thrives working as part of a familiar team, then locum roles may not be your cup of tea. You will be meeting lots of new faces, building rapport and then leaving to do it all over again elsewhere – so you can’t get too sentimental over colleagues!
- Employee benefits can be compromised: As a ‘self-employed’ vet you may not be entitled to the same employee benefits (e.g. holiday pay, sick pay and pension schemes) as your fellow full-timers. This will massively depend on how you choose to get paid – find out more about working with an umbrella in our blog post.
Fancy livin’ the la vida locum? Sign up and create a candidate profile on our website so we can find opportunities for you based on your skills and career aspirations. Choice Vets also offer full-time veterinary positions, as well as veterinary nursing opportunities which you can find here.
Are you a veterinary professional seeking a role that allows for flexibility, improved work-life balance and opportunities for travel? A locum role might just be the perfect next step for you. Carry on reading to find out what it’s all about…
What is a locum vet?
A locum vet temporarily takes over the role of a permanent vet who is absent due to illness, a holiday, maternity leave etc. Most locum vets have an hourly or daily rate, and choose which practice(s) they work at and when.
Am I qualified?
The skills required for this role do not differ from permanent veterinary positions as you will be carrying out the same tasks. As long as you have a degree in veterinary medicine then you can apply for a locum position. However, it is important to note that some practices ask for a minimum of two years of industry experience.
Key benefits of locum roles
- More flexibility: Living the locum life means you’ll have significantly more flexibility when it comes to hours and location.Typically, you’ll be expected to work a full day (8-10 hours) but you can give your employer your availability so that the shifts you are offered work around your schedule. So you can say goodbye to late-night weekend work and hello to a healthy work-life balance.
- High demand: Another advantage of locum vet roles is that candidates are always in high demand due to the busy nature of veterinary practices – there is always use for another helping hand. This is obviously reassuring news for locum vets and means you won’t be short for gigs.
- Travel opportunities: Locuming opens up a world of new opportunities for those who want to travel. Plus, some employers will provide accommodation as part of the job offer!
Drawbacks
- Emergency call-outs: Sometimes you may be called into practice to help with an emergency procedure or to remedy staffing shortages with little notice.
- Lack of permanence: If you’re someone who thrives working as part of a familiar team, then locum roles may not be your cup of tea. You will be meeting lots of new faces, building rapport and then leaving to do it all over again elsewhere – so you can’t get too sentimental over colleagues!
- Employee benefits can be compromised: As a ‘self-employed’ vet you may not be entitled to the same employee benefits (e.g. holiday pay, sick pay and pension schemes) as your fellow full-timers. This will massively depend on how you choose to get paid – find out more about working with an umbrella in our blog post.
Fancy livin’ the la vida locum? Sign up and create a candidate profile on our website so we can find opportunities for you based on your skills and career aspirations. Choice Vets also offer full-time veterinary positions, as well as veterinary nursing opportunities which you can find here.