Locuming in the UK- where to start?
I thought I'd share my experience as a RVN locum as most of the research I used when recently starting was quite outdated. So, if like me you have no idea where to start, I hope that this post can be of some help to you! To start, you should decide whether you are going to start your own company or work for an umbrella company. The difference being that an umbrella company will provide you with a contract of employment, do your tax calculations and request payment from companies. Most people (me included) chose this route as it's much easier and depending on which company you use, only a small fee is deduced from your income. Starting a company I have no experience in, but have met many people who have done this and if you're willing to do it, it does have its own benefits such as any small business would. Once you're set up with an umbrella company, it's time to find work! This can be done by approaching practices directly, or more commonly through veterinary agencies. I found that it was easier to work with only one agent at a time so it was clear what dates I was working and for a good relationship with the agency. The agency will ask for your cv and details of what kind of work that you are looking for (long term, short term, full weeks, part time, etc.) and how far you are willing to travel. It's also worth considering how much you would like to be paid. Obviously this varies depending on where you live, if you know any locums in your area then don't be afraid to ask them what's the ballpark figure you should be aiming for based on your qualifications and experience. Once you've built a relationship with your agent, hopefully you can find some placements and start working. If it's your first time at the practice, try and get there a little early so someone can show you round before that emergency consult comes in because you want to stay in control. First impressions stick so try and introduce yourself to everyone. Chances are that they may call you back for more work in the future! I also found it useful to be that nurse that has everything in her nursing pouch. If you don't already have one I'd highly recommend getting one and filing it with all the essentials: pens, highlighter, sharpie, scissors, tourniquet, eye lube, cuff inflator, silver nitrate pen and anything else you consider standard as all practices are different and may not have these to hand. When it comes to the end of your week, make sure that you have a timesheet signed by the practice manager to ensure that you can approve payment. Most agents will request these and forward these to your umbrella company. If you found the work direct from a practice then you should set up the company that you're working with from your umbrella company separately. This is easy to do and your umbrella company should then allow you to request an invoice from the workplace. Always read contracts and confirmation of placements to avoid confusion! Worst case scenario if you don't enjoy a placement, you can at least be safe in the knowledge that you have a week or two leaving period :) I hope this helped and touched on the main questions that I had when transitioning from full time work to full time locuming. Feel free to message or add any further points 🤗
