subject: 5 Tips on how to get a UK Vet Job as a Locum Veterinary Surgeon [print this page] 5 Tips on how to get a UK Vet Job as a Locum Veterinary Surgeon
If you are looking to work as a Locum Vet in London, or anywhere in the UK, many practices are seeking a locum veterinary surgeon which is one of the more lucrative types of UK vet jobs in London - or even in the entire UK. UK vets are employing an increasing number of locum vets and nurses, and even a locum veterinary nurse can earn good money.
So what steps should you take to get a job as a locum veterinary surgeon in the UK, or even as a locum veterinary nurse? Definitely the most important thing you must do is to get your documentation in order and be able to prove that you are fully qualified and registered for the job.
1. The Documentation
Before you can be offered vet jobs in London, whether as a permanent or a locum veterinary surgeon or a locum veterinary nurse, you must first be registered with the RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons). The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 states that you must be registered with that body before you can practice veterinary surgery in the UK.
If you have relevant qualifications in the EU, or in many other recognized countries including the USA and Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many others, then your registration should be automatic but must be made. Registration can take some weeks, so apply as soon as you can.
2. Register with a Veterinary Locum Recruitment Agency
You must register with an agency because vets needing temporary veterinary staff will call an agency for a quick response. One of the problems you might face is that when a veterinary practice requests a locum from your agency they will want an immediate response. The agency will only contact you if they know you are definitely available, so keeping in contact and stressing your availability will enhance the possibility of you getting employment.
Ask your agency what frequency of contact they recommend without you becoming a nuisance, but if you are unavailable just once when they call you then you will go to the bottom of the list! Their job is to keep the vet happy, not to give you a job!
3. State Your Requirements
If you have specific requirements with respect to job offers, let your agency know. If you only want vet jobs in London then say so. If you have to negotiate accommodation and transport with your employer then let the agency know that. The locum vet jobs you are offered will then be only those that offer accommodation and the possible use of a car.
Some employers will be glad to offer you accommodation over the short term, and some also provide you with a practice car, particularly in rural areas. Do not ignore these problems and then turn down a job offer because of them - you will again go the bottom of the list!
4. Keep Your Agency Informed
What all this is leading to is that you must keep your agency informed of any reasons why you cannot accept specific types of jobs in specific areas. A locum veterinary surgeon may be expected to travel to outlying farms, for example, but if your agency doesn't know you don't have a car they may offer you such a job. If they don't know you cannot work weekends, they could offer you weekend work which you will then have to refuse.
They don't mind you informing of them of your own needs and stipulations, but they do mind when you refuse a job offer. So, if you are seeking vet jobs in London as a locum veterinary surgeon or a locum veterinary nurse, make sure your agency is aware of any conditions that apply to your employment and be certain that you are registered with the RCVS. Then you are good to go and should not find it difficult to get a temporary job in a very lucrative field of employment.
