Locuming as a new VN!

Re: Locuming as a new VN!

Ceri Boyd — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:58:10 GMT

I'm working as a locum nurse just now and am nowhere near qualified - obviously I don't do everything QVN's can do, it's mostly reception work with and assisting vets/other nursing tasks when I'm doing holiday cover. I'm loving it, I'm gaining a lot more experience and confidence with reception and dealing with clients and it's a big help with portfolio. Go for it! :)

Re: Locuming as a new VN!

Alana Dent — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:37:24 GMT

I couldnt agree more with everyone. After qualifying i worked for 3weeks before handing in my notice to go locuming, and before i knew it, 12weeks later i was in a new locum job in Australia!

Was the best learning curve. It is difficult to walk into a new practice and a new way of working things, but i am sure i would not be half the nurse i am today if i hadnt gone locuming.

Highly recomended!

Re: Locuming as a new VN!

Kathryn Welsh — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 13:15:42 GMT

Hey - good luck for next week. I locummed as a newly qualified nurse and loved it (wish i still did it). My only piece of advice would be don't get drawn into practice politices/bitching!! Good luck with it - maybe see you out on the locumming 'circuit' in the new yr!! x x

Re: Locuming as a new VN!

Claire Cameron — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 16:49:17 GMT

I LOVED locumming, did it whilst newly qualified and found everywhere trusted me.

I can't recommend it enough, I learned so much and gave me so much confidence. Would do it again!

Re: Locuming as a new VN!

LoveCat — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 13:59:55 GMT

oooh, thats really interesting to know - I always imagined that locums would be expected to do everything. I really like the idea of locuming too but worry that I wont be confident enough to walk into a new environment and perform perfectly.

Personally, if I get a pass next week (aghh! fingers crossed) I think I'll continue to hone my skills before moving on. Really good luck with your exam and all the best whatever you choose!

Re: Locuming as a new VN!

Maisy — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 09:18:23 GMT

I don't see why it would be a problem but it can depend on the practice on whether they allow locums to use the skills they are trained for! I've done a couple of places where the practices don't allow the locums to do little more than the SVNs simply because they don't know them or their skills which can be frustrating! You will need to push yourself forward to get to do things, though I don't know if others have come across this too.

Good luck in whatever you decide.