Vetsnow advice please

Re: Vetsnow advice please

Beth Roberts — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:16:27 GMT

Oh good luck which clinic are you applying to or is it just a general wherever you get posted? let us know how you get on [quote user="Toad"]

Well had the interview today so watch this space...........

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Re: Vetsnow advice please

Emma Dillon — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 17:41:11 GMT

Well had the interview today so watch this space...........

Re: Vetsnow advice please

Beth Roberts — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:48:45 GMT

Ps I can confirm our contracts state that we chose to opt out of the legislation and know that we will potentially be working more than the recommended hours...hope that helps!

Re: Vetsnow advice please

Lisa Whitehouse — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 22:29:08 GMT

ive not long left Vets now was great & learnt loads, the nights are long but time flys when your busy just need to work out if nights are for you as not every one can ajust.

Good luck on what ever you decide

Re: Vetsnow advice please

Beth Roberts — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 22:07:46 GMT

In theory we get breaks, we dont work more than the recommended hours in a week and we get 9 hours min between shifts. As for alongside host practice, a) depends if there is a host practice, b) depends on the host. At the PDSA ones, there is usually an ANA or VN on until midnight for them and then some practices 9-5pmon a weekend.

Re: Vetsnow advice please

Springbok — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:12:00 GMT

what I don't get is how can the shifts be legal at 15 hours a shift? Is it cos it averages out over a certain period or something? Also, on a weekend, do you end up working alongside the host practice staff during the day?

Re: Vetsnow advice please

Beth Roberts — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:31:35 GMT

Hey I used to work weekends for them whilst studying. Spent this last year back in general practice and have had enough, I am off back to them again They would offer you a "trial" paid night shift if you were serious about the job, but do consider locuming if you are not sure. I simply LOVE ooh and what they offer but it doesnt suit everyone. The shift patterns depend on each clinic, but for example I will work either nights (6pm-9am) or weekend day shifts of 9am-5pm, 11am-7pm, 3pm-midnight or in some clinics that are very busy 6pm-midnight weeknights. You work on an annualised hours scheme, so it works out at roughly 5 shifts in 14, dependant on where you work etc.

Hope that helps!

Re: Vetsnow advice please

Emma Dillon — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:05:00 GMT

Thanks guys, think if I get the chance I will give it a go then. Sounds like good experience if nothing else. Not sure about GDV's becoming the norm though! LOL Scary!

Re: Vetsnow advice please

Sal the 1st — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 21:25:33 GMT

I have done some locum shifts for vetsnow (quite a while ago - but would be happy to consider them again) time flies by and you get loads of experience

Re: Vetsnow advice please

Saskia Quinn — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 21:08:41 GMT

If you dont mind working nights and weekends and want a career in the fast lane, I would say go for it!!

I worked for them a few years back and I loved it - I used to be terrified of GDV's until I started there, sometimes they can become the 'norm' as normally something seen out of hours. My time there really helped me boost my skills as well as my confidence in emergency and critical care. Fantastic hands on experience.

The only reason I left was because I missed general practice and the continuity of care etc.

I would say go for it - even if only for the experience

Re: Vetsnow advice please

Maisy — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 21:04:46 GMT

Also forgot to mention I've been told that their clinic in Hull is looking for locum cover for about a month I believe. If I was free for the next month I'd take it, but might be worth doing some locum work for them first to see how you get on?

Re: Vetsnow advice please

Maisy — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 21:03:39 GMT

I've done a few locum shifts with them so far, all seems good! Obviously I'm sure its different when working for them full time though. The shift is long but at the clinics I've been at the vet and nurse take it in turns to man the phones so the other can have some rest if possible and not too busy. My first night had a GDV, 2nd had 2 caesars so all good stuff! The clinics are well equipped and you really put your nursing skills to good use.

Hopefully those who have been working for Vets Now for longer can give you more advice. Good Luck!

Re: Vetsnow advice please

Nick Shackleton — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:52:19 GMT

There are loads who have worked for them on here!

Good luck with it toad