Preparing for a Locum Position

Here at Locumotive we want to get you ready for your first day of locuming. With that in mind, here are my top tips for planning and preparing for your locum position to make sure you are as ready as possible come clocking in time.

1)What’s my role and expectation? 

Every store is different, and every store has different requirements for their locums. Know your role. As an Optician, you’re going to be testing, but other jobs maybe, to do kid dispenses, pre-testing, visual fields, supervise a pre-reg. The thing that is not advertised. To know more about your role, get in contact with the store and ask beforehand. Locumotive makes this easy as stores will have a bio on their profile highlighting their requirements and the instant messenger will let you ask any additional questions.

2) Double check your paperwork. 

Having another check through your professional paperwork is always a good idea before you start a new locum shift. This is just to ensure that nothing expires or runs out whilst you are in the middle of your placement. Some stores need a hard copy on the day of your paperwork for internal admin requirements. Great thing about Locumotive will allow you to upload your documents on the app, so you constantly access to required documents.

3) Know your routes. 

No one can predict morning traffic or delays, so have a few routes planned, check and see what ones are better at the time. If you are planning to drive make sure you know where your parking and guarantee parking will be available, you don’t want to get there and start wasting time because you can’t find a parking spot. I know you will navigate a route to work, however, it is always good to have all this information before setting off, as always try and arrive early for a good impression.

4) Getting set up? 

When entering the store, there should be someone there to get you settled in. ask a few questions after your introduction, how are handovers conducted? What are your preferred lenses options? Are there any offers or promotions that at running at the moment? What local hospitals and GPs do you refer to? Gives a good impression that you care about the store but also will help with your conversation. Make sure your room is set up the way you want, and everything is turned on.

5) Problems whiles working?

If there is a problem at work that you can’t fix, just ask. There should be a Store Manager who should be able to answer a lot of your questions. If there anything ethical you are caught up in contact bodies like the GOC or AOP to help. Some problems you might face are, not having some additional test not shown to you. Make sure you ask a member of staff to get this information before the patient leaves. And make sure everything is done under your terms if you are liable for the decision.

6) Getting ready to leave?

Before the end of the day make sure all your referrals and paperwork are in order. Ask the store manager if there any forms left to sign, or anything else left to do. You don’t want the store to case you up after you’ve left, especially if you’re not planning to work there again for a while.

For more information on Locumotive make sure to visit our website. Also, make sure to read our other blogs too.