With locum vets being a valuable resource for any vet business, you want to ensure after unearthing one, that they will return and work in your clinic again.
Consider these top tips to captivate your locum vet.
1. Provide amazing communication prior to starting the job placement. Be clear about dates, hours of work, the work to be performed (e.g., surgery verses consulting), any special skill sets required, if after hours work is expected and if house calls will be performed. Clearly confirm rates of pay, details regarding insurance and superannuation.
2. Consider providing a clinic information pack. This may detail specific clinic protocols for vaccinations, preventatives recommended, referrals, after hours work, emergency cases, handling of S8 medications and script renewals. You may provide basic instructions for the software program used, computer log ins, billing and estimate generation. It should be seamless to step in and work at your clinic.
3. Schedule appropriately for the locum. Provide them sufficient time for consultations and procedures as well as allowing time to make client phone calls and write up notes. Being overworked and overwhelmed is not conducive for a repeat locum booking.
4. Provide adequate support to your locum vet. Be available to answer questions. Allow a confident nurse time to guide them as needed.
5. Be prepared to pay market rate or above for your locum vet. Value them and their flexibility. Pay their invoices promptly.
6. Provide a great working environment with appropriate equipment to allow them to do their job.
7. Communicate to clients before the consultation or surgical procedure, who will be treating their pet, to avoid surprised or upset clients when they are not serviced by the vet they were expecting.
8. Be kind! Offer tea or coffee, delicious morning tea or lunch. Feeling valued and appreciated goes a long way!