https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/working-together/en-USTelligent Community 10https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/working-together/w/veterinary-nursing-jobs-career-recruitment-advice/1080/locuming-guide?CommentId=11ee9af1-bdd9-4f85-9a9c-278f1fd50f86Tue, 02 Jul 2019 23:16:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:11ee9af1-bdd9-4f85-9a9c-278f1fd50f86RVN1Fantastic guide thank you. Will there be a locum contract template added at any point? Regarding invoicing a practice if going direct, when not using any agencies, can a locum design his/her own or must it be done through the online companies?https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/working-together/w/veterinary-nursing-jobs-career-recruitment-advice/1080/locuming-guide?CommentId=b5110ce5-6701-44ca-a739-0481d67bca81Sat, 04 Aug 2018 19:45:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:b5110ce5-6701-44ca-a739-0481d67bca81Hayley WarnerCould you recommend a good umbrella company please?https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/working-together/w/veterinary-nursing-jobs-career-recruitment-advice/1080/locuming-guide?CommentId=d7f4c4e6-ccea-42d5-81bb-ccae372f1a46Thu, 03 May 2018 11:52:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:d7f4c4e6-ccea-42d5-81bb-ccae372f1a46CazzykinThank you for this information, exactly what I needed and so straight forwardhttps://www.vetnurse.co.uk/working-together/w/veterinary-nursing-jobs-career-recruitment-advice/1099/tasks-performed-by-veterinary-nurses-and-veterinary-nursing-assistants?CommentId=c5e4336d-dc41-4285-8222-3da33e932db1Sat, 07 Apr 2018 20:29:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:c5e4336d-dc41-4285-8222-3da33e932db1raggydollI am in the process of setting up my own kitty kindergarten classes (socialization) it is now believed that this is just as important as puppy classes, should reduce the amount of stressed fearful cats coming into practice and hopefully through owner education and early socialization, reduce the amount of cats being rehomed/euthanised due to aggression and undesirable behavior. I have after many years of pleading, finally convinced my practice that this is financially beneficial and will bond cat owners to the practice! Hopefully this will become commonplace and other practices throughout the UK.https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/working-together/w/veterinary-nursing-jobs-career-recruitment-advice/1099/tasks-performed-by-veterinary-nurses-and-veterinary-nursing-assistants?CommentId=33212519-9fce-4071-93c7-4e9ff49f6071Thu, 22 Mar 2018 16:23:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:33212519-9fce-4071-93c7-4e9ff49f6071Ben OgdenSomething in their about educating the wider a public. I frequently visit schools, clubs and host stands at shows. These are all in the name of educating about animal care and improving welfare. Also, careeer days I’m going to ream off things I do/ have done, not sure if they are already there but scrolling up on a phone is a pain! Of course disregard if they are already on and reword them as you see fit, I’m just typing them as they spill from my brain Grooming Laser therapy Hydro therapy Exercising patients in general Social media Management Ambulance driver An ear for a colleague An ear for a client Championing wellness in staff Practice hygiene Lab technicianhttps://www.vetnurse.co.uk/working-together/w/veterinary-nursing-jobs-career-recruitment-advice/1099/tasks-performed-by-veterinary-nurses-and-veterinary-nursing-assistants?CommentId=15ba41f1-ed39-456e-89fd-c12ff187bb02Thu, 22 Mar 2018 16:10:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:15ba41f1-ed39-456e-89fd-c12ff187bb02Arlo GuthrieNick Shackleton thanks - I've added CT and ECG which weren't on the list.https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/working-together/w/veterinary-nursing-jobs-career-recruitment-adviceThu, 22 Mar 2018 16:10:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:985fc76f-e8a8-4ec1-a1a5-96b432e199dfAdvice and tips for veterinary nurse job-seekers, locums and recruiters, from the members of the VetNurse Communityhttps://www.vetnurse.co.uk/working-together/w/veterinary-nursing-jobs-career-recruitment-advice/1099/tasks-performed-by-veterinary-nurses-and-veterinary-nursing-assistantsThu, 22 Mar 2018 16:10:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:4bb85304-41b7-4a39-aaa4-81187d074f36Arlo GuthrieThis page has been created to try and build and exhaustive list of the tasks carried out by registered veterinary nurses AND veterinary nursing assistants. Inclusion on this list does NOT imply that the task can be legally performed by a nurse or veterinary nursing assistant, it is currently just a list of things that might be. In due course, we will categorise the list here according to whether they are Schedule 3 tasks (ie only allowed to be performed by a registered veterinary nurse). What should be added to the list, please add your suggestion and the category BELOW THE LINE! General Caring for hospitalised animals Planning nursing care Administration of medication Dispensing of medication to clients Placement of feeding tubes Placement of catheters, intravenous Placement of catheters, urinary Setting up & administration of intravenous fluids Administration of vaccinations (Primary/boosters) Administration of medicines by subcutaneous injection Administration of medicines by intravenous injection Administration of medicines by intramuscular injection Dispensing of medications to clients Administration of other preventative POM-Vs Dental hygiene work Clinical cleaning Taking blood samples Removal of sutures Tick removal Nail clipping Anal gland/sac emptying Post-op checks ear flush Teaching students Visiting clients Reception work Practice Admin General domestic cleaning Microchipping Enemas CPR Physiotherapy Clinics Nutritional advice/counselling Behaviour consultations Nurse clinic (general health)/counselling Parasite advice/counselling Geriatric clinics Weight clinics Dental check ups Puppy parties Adolescent health check Exotic pet clinics Minor Surgery Lump removal Wound suturing & management Tail amputation Dew claw removal Amputation (toe) Castration (cat) Biopsy Aural haematoma Performing dental extractions Castration (calf) Disbudding (calf) Supernumary teat removal Lance/flush/drain abscesses Placing central lines Skin closure after procedure Dressing changes/removal Subcutaneous drain placement Anaesthesia Administration of anaesthetic pre-medication Administering local anaesthesia Induction of anaesthesia by increment or by set dose Monitoring of anaesthesia Phlebotomy Placement of intravenous line Diagnostics Laboratory test performing and interpreting e.g. in house cytology and blood smears Taking radiographs Processing radiographs Ultrasound (assisting?) Endoscopy (assisting?) TB testing Performing CT Scans Performing ECG SUGGESTIONS HERE PLEASE! add suggestion here add suggestion here add suggestion here add suggestion here add suggestion here add suggestion here add suggestion herehttps://www.vetnurse.co.uk/working-together/w/veterinary-nursing-jobs-career-recruitment-advice/1099/tasks-performed-by-veterinary-nurses-and-veterinary-nursing-assistants?CommentId=817a169e-22e4-43d9-a8d7-b05b902d96bcWed, 21 Mar 2018 20:00:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:817a169e-22e4-43d9-a8d7-b05b902d96bcNick Shackleton So in my daily tasks as an imaging nurse. I will perform radiographs on a variety of patients. Assist with ultrasound providers, hopefully being trading to undertake FAST scans looking for Free Abdominal Fluid in the future. Undertake CT Scand as requested by veterinary surgeons. Monitor a variety of sedition’s and anaesthetics for a variety of procedures including routine procedures to those that are either acutely or chronically ill. This maybe for diagnostic procedures as well as surgical procedures. Placing IV lines in a variety of patients as previously stated. Obtaining blood samples on a variety of patients. Obtaining ECGs on patients as per the VS request. Using a variety of monitoring equipment and having the ability to notice trends and acting on these irregularities. I shall come up for air at this point. But may add to thishttps://www.vetnurse.co.uk/working-together/w/veterinary-nursing-jobs-career-recruitment-advice/1088/behaviour-in-practiceWed, 29 Nov 2017 16:55:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:cd2e9b05-7e54-420c-bde2-271e165af0b3Arlo GuthrieThe results of a survey carried out in October 2017 by VetNurse.co.uk and VetSurgeon.org to investigate the incidence of bullying and unpleasant behaviour in veterinary practice, and discuss ways in which it might be minimised. Behaviour in Practice Report & Appendices Report Appendix 1 Appendix 2 (reports of two unpleasant behaviours together)https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/working-together/w/veterinary-nursing-jobs-career-recruitment-advice/1090/advice-for-jobseekersMon, 27 Nov 2017 11:29:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:76eb9342-9843-42e5-a83e-c54ba6d81de9Arlo GuthrieThe results of a survey of veterinary employers carried out in August 2016 by VetNurse.co.uk to help guide veterinary nurses as to how they can maximise their chances of securing the job they want. Advice for Jobseekers Reporthttps://www.vetnurse.co.uk/working-together/w/veterinary-nursing-jobs-career-recruitment-advice/1089/advice-for-employersMon, 27 Nov 2017 11:23:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:dd9ab3e8-1e64-4663-885e-ea0abbbedcc5Arlo GuthrieThe results of a survey of veterinary nurse jobseekers carried out in August 2016 by VetNurse.co.uk to help inform practices about how best to maximise the results of their recruitment advertising. Advice for Employers Reporthttps://www.vetnurse.co.uk/working-together/w/veterinary-nursing-jobs-career-recruitment-advice/1080/locuming-guide?CommentId=f4dc2385-8bb7-4705-b364-2439612a8aebWed, 08 Nov 2017 10:44:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:f4dc2385-8bb7-4705-b364-2439612a8aebjaynerussWhat do locum nurses generally charge as on call fee? I.e. retainer fee. Then fee if called out. Thankshttps://www.vetnurse.co.uk/working-together/w/veterinary-nursing-jobs-career-recruitment-advice/1080/locuming-guide?CommentId=be86b0da-886a-4729-b78b-66c6274ef161Tue, 18 Apr 2017 12:45:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:be86b0da-886a-4729-b78b-66c6274ef161Claire Coulthard RVN i'm just changing from umbrella to Ltd - does anyone have a copy of a contract that they would be happy to send over? or a link to somewhere online?https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/working-together/w/veterinary-nursing-jobs-career-recruitment-advice/1080/locuming-guideThu, 09 Mar 2017 11:20:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:e99c57f3-a3ff-4831-90f3-9e5c5a438b67Arlo GuthrieThis advice sheet from VetNurse Jobs and Ali Hickman RVN contains hints and advice for anyone who is working as, or thinking of working as a veterinary nurse locum. Contents Getting work Marketing your services What to charge Insurance Invoicing You will need Allowances Statutory sick pay What if you can't work VetNurse Members Top Tips Getting Work You can either market your services directly to practices, or register with a recruitment agency. There are pros and cons either way: Going direct is good when: You want to maximise your earnings Agencies charge a fee. By marketing your services direct to practices you can cut out the middleman, thereby potentially earning more and/or saving the practice money (making yourself a more attractive proposition in some cases). You are already familiar with and trust the practices you’ll be working with. You'd like to work in local practices to whom you can market your services easily. You are comfortable running your own books and paying your own tax, (if you don't have a book keeper, accountant or umbrella company to do that for you). Agencies are good when: You want the convenience and to be able to focus on your work Finding work yourself takes time and effort. Agencies should save you that work, so you can focus on the job itself. But beware, not all agencies are created equal. You should pick one (ideally on recommendation) that you can trust will make the effort to match you to the right jobs. You want maximum financial security / safety Agencies bill the practice on your behalf and collect the money. You might also find it comforting that they know the practice you're going to, and someone knows you are there! You are new to locuming A spell with an agency will help you find your feet. You want to work further afield Agencies may be more likely to be able to offer you opportunities outside your local area (which might be harder for you to find). The practices you want to work for require locums to be sourced via an agency Some corporates and charities only or mainly use agency staff. Going direct AND using an agency If you work directly for practices, you can find that you get booked well in advance. But people's plans change, and you can find yourself with cancellations that are hard to fill. So it can be a good idea to source work BOTH directly and via an agency. If you do this, make sure you have agreed (in writing) with the agency, which practices you will be working for direct. Marketing Your Services If you want to work directly for local practices, we'd recommend that in the first instance, you write to the practices (following up with a telephone call) and ask to come and introduce yourself. Then, at the meeting, give them an information sheet about yourself and your service, and a card. You can extend the reach of your marketing activities (and supplement the above), by: Adding yourself to the VetNurse Locum Map (ensuring your VetNurse profile is professional and up-to-date). Creating a professional and up-to-date LinkedIn Profile What to charge? According to Gardner Llewelyn Veterinary Recruitment , rates at the start of 2017 tend to range between £13-£16 per hour for a Registered Veterinary Nurse and £10-£12 per hour for a VCA/VNA, excluding agency fees. That's a ballpark, rather than a definitive figure. Rates depend on a number of factors: The area of the country you work in The job you do The hours. For example, for OOH or public holidays you can expect to be paid more per hour than for a normal working week day How much you can negotiate! Never under-sell yourself but don’t price yourself out either. Insurance The RCVS 'Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses' says : 3.4 Veterinary nurses must ensure that all their professional activities are covered by professional indemnity insurance or equivalent arrangements. There are two separate insurance covers that you need to consider. The Veterinary Defence Society (VDS) provides both: Required: Civil liability arising from breach of professional duty etc. Veterinary nurses and other staff are normally covered under the professional indemnity insurance policy taken out by the practice. Just check the practice's policy before you start work. Recommended: Criminal and disciplinary proceedings. In the case of the VDS, criminal and disciplinary proceedings cover is automatically applied to named practice staff only. So, if you will only be working at a small number of practices, you could ask them to add your name to their policy. For greater flexibility and certainty, you should consider taking out your own policy. It costs about £50 per annum with the VDS. Alternatively, recruitment agencies may provide cover for you. Check with them. Public liability insurance Public liability insurance covers you if clients or the public suffer property damage or personal injury as a result of your work. Again, you should be covered under the practice policy. However, if you work independently, providing services like dog walking, pet-sitting or grooming, it is essential. Examples of companies that offer this kind of insurance include: http://www.petbusinessinsurance.co.uk https://www.cliverton.co.uk/ https://www.protectivity.com/ Note that some umbrella companies may provide certain types of insurance cover, such as public liability, as part of their service. Worth checking. Invoicing There are a number of paid-for and free online invoicing services you can use to bill practices for your services. Two worthy of note: www.zervant.com Offers free invoice templates and a paid-for invoicing system. At the time of writing, costs £9 per month for unlimited invoicing and free invoice templates. www.xero.com A comprehensive system for invoicing, reconciling payments and preparing your annual accounts. At the time of writing, it costs £7.50 per month for the basic package with 5 invoices and 20 bank reconciliations; £16.50 for unlimited invoices/bank reconciliations. We use this at VetNurse.co.uk. You will need: Dosimeter Badge Do you have your own x-ray radiation dosimeter badge? If not, do you keep a record of your ‘global’ exposure as you travel from location to location? No? You should, otherwise how do you know what your on-going exposure is? It’s hopefully zero but, if you don’t know, it might NOT be. TIP: Visit http://www.jakmarketing.co.uk/ to find out about setting up your own dosimeter badge account (costs around £15 per year). Stethoscope Name badge Thermometer Calculator Notebook and pen Scrubs Theatre cap and indoor footwear Fleece or body warmer Neat and tidy greens Watch with second hand Reliable car with breakdown cover and ‘onward travel’ option. Allowances You are entitled to maternity allowance ( https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/eligibility ), and Paternity Pay and Leave for your partner (if they are employed): https://www.gov.uk/paternity-pay-leave/overview Statutory Sick pay If you are self-employed, you are not entitled to statutory sick pay, and no working means no income! It is therefore sensible to have a back-up or contingency plan in place for the times you cannot work. For example, put aside a minimum of one month’s normal income in a savings account; strictly to be used for this purpose and top it up again if it ever gets used or when your normal monthly bills increase. What if you can't work? Again, it is very practical to have a financial buffer that will provide you with an income for a lengthy period of unemployment due to, for example, ill health, an accident or some other unforeseen disaster. You will need to see a professional advisor for help if you decide to set up a formal income protection plan. https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/personal-insurance-when-youre-self-employed Other Top Tips A few suggestions from VetNurse.co.uk members. Feel free to add your own (comment at the foot of the page). If you need to take your dog to work remember to check in advance that the practice is happy with that, not all are. If you need accomodation when you locum, don't forget to ask in advance what the practice can provide. It's not unknown for locums to end up sleeping in a consult room!https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/working-together/w/veterinary-nursing-jobs-career-recruitment-advice/1080/locuming-guide?CommentId=1fbe45d1-9160-43df-80af-d5ca33d93860Thu, 16 Feb 2017 21:38:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:1fbe45d1-9160-43df-80af-d5ca33d93860Claire Coulthard RVN Good info.. Usefulhttps://www.vetnurse.co.uk/working-together/w/veterinary-nursing-jobs-career-recruitment-advice/1080/locuming-guide?CommentId=16313934-217f-4194-9ac3-c0c9e2907250Thu, 09 Feb 2017 18:30:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:16313934-217f-4194-9ac3-c0c9e2907250Arlo GuthrieGemma21 Thank YOU for kind remark :)https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/working-together/w/veterinary-nursing-jobs-career-recruitment-advice/1080/locuming-guide?CommentId=b97b117a-39a8-4862-843f-b93f1ff04613Thu, 09 Feb 2017 17:19:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:b97b117a-39a8-4862-843f-b93f1ff04613Gemma21 This is brilliant! Thanks!https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/working-together/w/veterinary-nursing-jobs-career-recruitment-adviceMon, 09 Jan 2017 17:39:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:3d88691c-91c2-4d2d-aae1-b6e0ac42b5bcArlo Guthriehttps://www.vetnurse.co.uk/working-together/Thu, 13 Nov 2014 20:39:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:aa8f4ea7-d438-4256-883c-089eff6e0e02