Locuming after 1 year qualified too soon to do it?

RE: Locuming after 1 year qualified too soon to do it?

apache — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 00:23:22 GMT

Laura, do remember that a year qualified your skills are bound to plateau to a degree and the learning curve gets less steep. I know locums are in short supply and I can see the attraction of seeing how other people do things is appealing. You've not said anything negative about the place you work, and if you like it there have you spoken to the bosses about other things to broaden your skills an stay? Interested in a particular area, become a SQP, train the other students and become a clinical coach etc? Even take unpaid leave to do some locum shifts to grow your skills?

I only say this because our first SVN is about to qualify and I'd be gutted if she left after another year. If you like the practice then at least consider it.

Good luck with what you decide.

RE: Locuming after 1 year qualified too soon to do it?

Laura Evans — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 20:34:22 GMT

Thanks Jo,

Going to update cv and state all strengths weakness etc. Good point about trying a few shifts along side My work. Only problem is that ibiterally work 40/45 hours most weeks to cover short staff issues but I do have annual leave to take soo could try and find like a week placement for experience, even if unpaid I think it would benefit me. Just have to see if there is an available space.

Did you enjoy the flexability of the locuming too?

Laura

RE: Locuming after 1 year qualified too soon to do it?

Jo Mackenzie — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 14:25:47 GMT

I started locuming when I was about 3 years qualified and I learned so so much doing it! It's a great way to broaden your skill-set and to get experience in different types of practice e.g. emergency or referral, without committing to a permanent job. I've also been on the other side of the fence and been the person responsible for finding and booking locums. There is such a demand for locum nurses that I don't think being only a year qualified would go against you, but as mentioned above be really honest about your capabilities, as there's nothing worse than booking a locum who says they're experienced in all areas of practice only to find out when they start that they're not comfortable doing nurse clinics, for example. Most practices will be happy to rearrange things so that they can use you in the most effective way possible, but they can't do this if you don't tell them what you can and can't do! Generally the practices that only need you for a few days to cover last-minute just want you to come in and get on with the job, and the ones that have you longer-term are more than happy to teach you new skills as it will benefit them as well as you. It might be a good idea to get a bit of experience first by doing a few locum shifts at an OOH practice near you alongside your current job (if they are happy for you to do so) as it'll give you a good taste for what it feels like to come into a practice as a locum and will also add to your CV before you make the big leap. I absolutely loved locuming and I feel that everyone should try it at least once in their career. Good luck!

RE: Locuming after 1 year qualified too soon to do it?

Laura Evans — Sun, 14 Oct 2018 21:07:56 GMT

Thanks Again Emma

all advice greatly received, starting to feel a bit more relaxed about the prospect now just got bit more things to put in place over the next few months. Exciting!

Laura

RE: Locuming after 1 year qualified too soon to do it?

Emma Lavill — Sun, 14 Oct 2018 10:18:21 GMT

You're more than welcome!

Exactly right, I pretty much wrote a CV that had snippets of my different experiences and highlighting areas I felt I was best at. I trained at a tier 3 hospital with 24hr opening so was used to a variety of routine and emergency work.

Wide range of CPD is probably the best thing you can do to prepare, I think most locum work requires a 'general' overall set of skills, but obviously all learning will be of benefit!

Most of the locuming I've done has been for a few days at a time as it's been around my normal job, so I would say I haven't had chance to integrate into a team the way you probably would if you were there for a few weeks.

But I generally go in with the intention of being open/smiley/friendly and 99% of the time you'll get that back. But if you don't for whatever reason, then just get your head down, do the job to your best ability and know that it's only temporary :).

Emma

RE: Locuming after 1 year qualified too soon to do it?

Laura Evans — Sun, 14 Oct 2018 09:22:23 GMT

Thanks Emma,

This was very helpful. Yeah i agree about just being upfront about things , i am keen to try new things but knowing my limitations is key. Did you state on C.V current experiences etc? im recently doing a wide range of CPD which hopefully will help with me confidence and im not thinking of starting until another 6 / 7 months im giving myself time.

Also generally have you found that the nursing team accept you coming into the group for a short time, or do you just go with it in your ind not to get worried about making friends etc and just do the job?

Thanks Again

Laura

RE: Locuming after 1 year qualified too soon to do it?

Emma Lavill — Sun, 14 Oct 2018 08:30:12 GMT

Hi,

I started doing a little locum work alongside my normal job, around 2-3 months after my registration had come through.

I won't lie, it's daunting and terrifying, but I've had positive experiences. One place I have visited frequently had a nursing team made up of less than 10% RVNS, so there certainly was no judgement on my post qualification experience at all.

Most practice's will be upfront about what tasks they expect you to carry out on a certain placement, for example whether it may be consult heavy or theatre based, and if they aren't...ask! I think that as long as you're honest about your capabilities, there should be no issue. Everyone will have different experiences and training in practice, and as long as you are aware of your own strengths and limitations then you'll do great!

Also... don't be afraid to say no to doing a task you're not comfortable with just because 'all the other nurses here do it's or 'you should be able to'!

Good luck!