Locum Vets: A Guide for the Novice Locum (Australia)

Why not create a strong demand for your services as a locum?

The following points maybe helpful:

Productivity / Income Generation
Your ability to work efficiently and provide a high level of service should generate reasonable income for the business.

Dress Code and Grooming
Always present yourself as a professional.

Communication
Communicate effectively with clients and other members of staff. Remember that your listening skills are as important as your ability to get your message across.

Be Prepared
Before you start a locum job you may wish to ask the practice manager/owner about their practice policies, vaccination regimes, worming regimes and so on. If you are working in a new region you may also wish to ask about local diseases and cases you are likely to encounter. If you are not familiar with the computer software at the practice, take some time to learn it before you start.

Practice Politics
Do not get involved with practice politics.

Getting Paid
Make it easy for the practice to pay you. Provide the practice manager with relevant information such as your tax file number, bank account number and superannuation details at the commencement of employment.

Before accepting a job
It is unwise to commit to a job until you clarify all the details of the job including: your roster, after hours rota, rate of pay, rate of pay for afterhours calls, insurance and use of cars (if applicable).  Also, double check your own availability.

Insurance
If I was working as a locum I would make sure I had my own insurance cover. I would not rely on my employer’s insurance. Do not assume the practice insurance will cover you.

Veterinary Surgeons Boards (VSB)
Each state and territory in Australia has its own VSB. In the last few years there have been changes to registration requirements with some, but not all VSB’s in Australia. It is very important to contact the relevant board and check your registration requirements. DO NOT start work before you have the appropriate registration.

Click here for the Veterinary Surgeons Boards’ contact details

Vet Nurses
Remember to thank the nurses (and other members of staff) before you depart.