Why Veterinary Locum Jobs Can be Exciting
Veterinary locum jobs can be exciting for a number of reasons, some of which shall be discussed shortly. The fact is that many people choose to take locum vet work rather than a permanent position, but then have to revise their plans because reality did not coincide with their hopes or aspirations.
We shall first examine some reasons why qualified veterinary surgeons and nurses choose to work as locums rather than take permanent positions, and then how they can best make their hopes become reality.
Reasons for Taking Veterinary Locum Job Vacancies
To work as a locum vet in the UK you must have at least two years experience in a practice, either in the UK or in your own country (with good references). Most locum vets are in this position because they have yet to find permanent work. They are not taking temporary veterinary work by choice, and are waiting until they find an established post in a suitable practice.
The problem is the competition, but one way to get your foot in the door is to demonstrate that you have been keeping yourself up with modern veterinary medicine and procedures by taking locum veterinary job vacancies when they have been available to you, and that you have continued with your professional development (CPD).
You can do this while working as a locum vet, and there are several reasons why veterinary surgeons choose to take locum work rather than seek a permanent position, including:
- British vets may not be ready to settle down in one particular practice or geographical area, and would rather move around after they have the necessary experience until they find something that suits them.
- Vets from abroad might have little knowledge of UK geography and working as a locum vet enables them to get a feel for the country, its geography and its people.
- You might be seeking permanent work in a specific speciality, such as equine or zoo work, and take locum work until you find the right vacancy.
- You might prefer simply to move around, and enjoy regular temporary work with the variety it offers rather than take up a permanent position.
- A veterinary surgeon from outside the UK may have relatives in a specific town or city, and takes locum veterinary jobs until successful in securing a permanent position in the right area.
- Many believe that taking locum vet work provides them with a breadth of experience that will be to their advantage in their career – this is particularly the case with many younger veterinary surgeons and vet nurses.
Why Veterinary Locum Jobs May be Exciting
Whatever your reason for taking them, veterinary locum jobs can be exciting because:
- Each job is in a different veterinary practice with different animals and new challenges.
- You meet new people with each locum job you take, with the possibility of making new friends, particularly if you are young.
- The experience you get with each locum job enables you to learn more and add to your overall veterinary CV.
- You never know what is coming tomorrow: you are not leaving home to the same old job each day, but with each locum placement you are doing something different – from helping at reception and cleaning out the cages to carrying out complex surgical procedures.
There are many more reasons for veterinary locum jobs to be attractive to vets of all ages, but fundamentally it is because of the variety of work. Sure, you can take locum work until you find a permanent job, but some choose this as their permanent way of life. Is this a good idea? Let’s consider that question.
Are Veterinary Locum Jobs a Good Idea?
If you are fully qualified, and are prepared to maintain your CPD to keep yourself current with modern veterinary knowledge and techniques, then there are few reasons why you should not use locum work to earn your living. Among these few reasons are that you may have to explain why you are not taking up a permanent position, and you will likely find it difficult to find work as the years go by, but it is theoretically possible.
However, most veterinary locum jobs will be liable to be given to vets and vet nurses who have held permanent positions with established practices or organizations, or that intend to do so once a position becomes available to them. It is likely therefore, that locum veterinary work is not so much a career choice but a means of gaining work experience while you seek a permanent position.
Yes, veterinary locum jobs can be exciting, but only for so long. Practices will seek vets with regular practical experience and an established record of full time employment. The time will come when you will yearn for the stability of a permanent position with an established veterinary practice and that is where a veterinary recruitment agency can be of benefit to you.
Summary: Veterinary Jobs may be exciting when you take them, but you will ultimately have to find a permanent position with an established practice or some other form of permanent veterinary work. Vets of all ages take locum work and find it exciting to do, but although some might manage to make a career of it, most practices will be seeking experience of stable employment before employing a veterinary surgeon or nurse full time.