Professionalism
As members of the veterinary profession and, more importantly, as locums, it is imperative that we maintain our professionalism throughout our work - even more so than permanent staff. This will not only uphold the reputation of locums, but more importantly, improve the chances of securing more work in the future.
Some basics:
• Dress code
Neat, clean and professional. Protective clothing can often be provided, but it is a good idea to have some of your own too.
Some basics:
• Dress code
Neat, clean and professional. Protective clothing can often be provided, but it is a good idea to have some of your own too.
• Punctuality
Nothing creates a worse impression than being late for work, especially if it’s your first day. Rather early than late!
Nothing creates a worse impression than being late for work, especially if it’s your first day. Rather early than late!
• Record keeping
Especially for veterinary surgeons, record everything clearly and concisely regarding your cases/plans for cases. You may not be there for long and the following vet needs to know what you have said or planned.
Especially for veterinary surgeons, record everything clearly and concisely regarding your cases/plans for cases. You may not be there for long and the following vet needs to know what you have said or planned.
• Continuity
It is always preferable for long term cases to be seen by the same vet, however, if this is not possible and you have to see these cases, try not to alter the treatment plan too radically, no matter how strongly you may feel that it needs altering. You may not know all of the circumstances of the case. Rather leave a note for the ‘usual’ vet with your concerns/suggestions.
It is always preferable for long term cases to be seen by the same vet, however, if this is not possible and you have to see these cases, try not to alter the treatment plan too radically, no matter how strongly you may feel that it needs altering. You may not know all of the circumstances of the case. Rather leave a note for the ‘usual’ vet with your concerns/suggestions.
• Practice policies
You are there to ‘slot’ into the practice for a given period of time. Try to familiarize yourself with their policies, products and protocols used, e.g. vaccination protocols, de-worming, neutering, etc…This will maintain continuity and professionalism within the practice. This should not, however, detract from your own personal style of vetting/nursing or from what is in the best interest of the patient.
You are there to ‘slot’ into the practice for a given period of time. Try to familiarize yourself with their policies, products and protocols used, e.g. vaccination protocols, de-worming, neutering, etc…This will maintain continuity and professionalism within the practice. This should not, however, detract from your own personal style of vetting/nursing or from what is in the best interest of the patient.
• Staff
Respect the order of hierarchy within the establishment you join. If the practice manager needs to be consulted before approving direct claims, then do so. If the head nurse needs to be asked what tasks need to be performed for the day, then do so. Never, ever speak badly of absent staff, or of the practice, with other staff members - keep your opinions regarding these matters to yourself!
As a locum you will have a lot to offer a practice - keep criticisms constructive and concentrate on the positive attributes of the practice if asked for advice or suggestions.
Respect is often a mutual thing. Note, however, that you are a professional and deserve to be treated as such - bullying and/or abusive behaviour should not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Respect the order of hierarchy within the establishment you join. If the practice manager needs to be consulted before approving direct claims, then do so. If the head nurse needs to be asked what tasks need to be performed for the day, then do so. Never, ever speak badly of absent staff, or of the practice, with other staff members - keep your opinions regarding these matters to yourself!
As a locum you will have a lot to offer a practice - keep criticisms constructive and concentrate on the positive attributes of the practice if asked for advice or suggestions.
Respect is often a mutual thing. Note, however, that you are a professional and deserve to be treated as such - bullying and/or abusive behaviour should not be tolerated under any circumstances.
• Pricing
No matter how unrealistic you may perceive the costs to be, it is imperative that products and procedures are priced as directed. If you are uncertain regarding this, ask someone. Practices generally expect turnover to decrease when locum staff are in. There can be no better accolade for a locum than when turnover is maintained or even increased!
No matter how unrealistic you may perceive the costs to be, it is imperative that products and procedures are priced as directed. If you are uncertain regarding this, ask someone. Practices generally expect turnover to decrease when locum staff are in. There can be no better accolade for a locum than when turnover is maintained or even increased!
• Follow-up
This always creates a good and lasting impression when completing an assignment. Leave a note for permanent staff regarding on-going cases, or simply phone to find out how cases/clients are getting on. Always leave a contact number should anyone need to get hold of you.
This always creates a good and lasting impression when completing an assignment. Leave a note for permanent staff regarding on-going cases, or simply phone to find out how cases/clients are getting on. Always leave a contact number should anyone need to get hold of you.
