Just starting out as a locum vet? Here are a few tips on what to pack for your first day!
Food, food and more food
It may sound silly but you never know what your busy locum day might hold, so come armed with snacks! Even if you’re planning on getting a bite out, make sure to bring backup snack bars etc in case you run over into your lunch break. Veterinary life is unpredictable after all.
Scrubs
Before you start your new locum role the practice will probably tell you what the dress code is and if they will be providing uniform. Reach out to your prospective employer if in doubt.
Name badge
As a locum vet, you’ll be bouncing around from clinic to clinic with little time to make small talk and introduce yourself. Wearing a name badge helps make your colleagues’ and clients’ lives a little easier.
Knowledge is power
Don’t get caught short – ensure you have access to all the veterinary knowledge you need to get through your shift. For example, if you encounter a case you’re unfamiliar with, you may not have a trusted colleague to run it past; especially if it’s your first day on the job. That’s why it’s important to always have a tablet or mobile phone to hand that you can use to access a surgical textbook and the general world wide web!
A good ol’ fashioned notebook
It’s always good practice to bring a notebook and pen to the job so that you can jot down important case notes. This is also a good place to keep all of your clinical go-to’s in a hurry e.g. fluid rates, anaesthetic protocols and key drug dose levels.
Spare scrubs
Being a vet can get messy…
Comfortable shoes
There’s one thing worse than working a 12-hour shift…and that’s having sore feet while working a 12-hour shift.
Stethoscope
The clinic you’re locumming for will likely provide you with a stethoscope but we would recommend having one on you for emergencies. Plus, you don’t want to be faffing about trying to work out how to use a new one in front of a client.
Looking for a new role? Here at Choice Vets, we are dedicated to helping talented veterinary professionals find their dream roles. Give us a call on 0203 9784 104 to learn more about our locum opportunities or register as a candidate to share your CV with us.
Just starting out as a locum vet? Here are a few tips on what to pack for your first day!
Food, food and more food
It may sound silly but you never know what your busy locum day might hold, so come armed with snacks! Even if you’re planning on getting a bite out, make sure to bring backup snack bars etc in case you run over into your lunch break. Veterinary life is unpredictable after all.
Scrubs
Before you start your new locum role the practice will probably tell you what the dress code is and if they will be providing uniform. Reach out to your prospective employer if in doubt.
Name badge
As a locum vet, you’ll be bouncing around from clinic to clinic with little time to make small talk and introduce yourself. Wearing a name badge helps make your colleagues’ and clients’ lives a little easier.
Knowledge is power
Don’t get caught short – ensure you have access to all the veterinary knowledge you need to get through your shift. For example, if you encounter a case you’re unfamiliar with, you may not have a trusted colleague to run it past; especially if it’s your first day on the job. That’s why it’s important to always have a tablet or mobile phone to hand that you can use to access a surgical textbook and the general world wide web!
A good ol’ fashioned notebook
It’s always good practice to bring a notebook and pen to the job so that you can jot down important case notes. This is also a good place to keep all of your clinical go-to’s in a hurry e.g. fluid rates, anaesthetic protocols and key drug dose levels.
Spare scrubs
Being a vet can get messy…
Comfortable shoes
There’s one thing worse than working a 12-hour shift…and that’s having sore feet while working a 12-hour shift.
Stethoscope
The clinic you’re locumming for will likely provide you with a stethoscope but we would recommend having one on you for emergencies. Plus, you don’t want to be faffing about trying to work out how to use a new one in front of a client.
Looking for a new role? Here at Choice Vets, we are dedicated to helping talented veterinary professionals find their dream roles. Give us a call on 0203 9784 104 to learn more about our locum opportunities or register as a candidate to share your CV with us.