The Hidden Costs of Last-Minute Locum Hiring

When a veterinary practice finds itself unexpectedly short-staffed, the immediate response is often to hire a locum vet or nurse at the last minute. While this might seem like a quick fix to fill the gap, it can come with hidden costs that impact both the practice’s finances and overall efficiency. In this blog, we’ll explore the potential downsides of last-minute locum hiring and advocate for the proactive use of a locum bank to mitigate these challenges.

The Financial Burden of Last-Minute Hiring

One of the most significant hidden costs of last-minute locum hiring is the financial impact. Here's how:

Higher Hourly Rates

Locums who are hired at the last minute often charge premium rates for their services. This is due to the urgency and the inconvenience it causes them to rearrange their schedules on short notice. Over time, these inflated costs can add up, putting a strain on the practice's budget.

Emergency Recruitment Fees

If the practice relies on an agency to find a locum quickly, they may also incur emergency recruitment fees. These additional costs can significantly inflate the overall expense of filling the position on short notice.

Unplanned Overtime and Additional Costs

Last-minute hires can also lead to unplanned overtime, both for the locum and for the permanent staff who may need to spend extra time orienting the locum to the practice’s procedures. These extra hours contribute to the overall cost and can disrupt the practice's financial planning.

The Operational Strain on the Practice

Beyond the financial costs, last-minute locum hiring can place considerable strain on the operational efficiency of the practice.

Disruption to Workflow

A locum hired at the last minute might not be familiar with the specific protocols and practices of your clinic. This can lead to disruptions in workflow, as the locum takes time to get up to speed, and permanent staff have to spend valuable time providing guidance and oversight.

Increased Stress for Permanent Staff

The arrival of a last-minute locum can increase stress levels for permanent staff. They may need to cover shifts or take on additional responsibilities to help the locum get oriented, leading to potential burnout and decreased job satisfaction.

Compromised Patient Care

In some cases, the haste of last-minute hiring can result in a mismatch between the locum’s skills and the needs of the practice. This mismatch can lead to compromised patient care, as the locum may not be fully equipped to handle the specific demands of the clinic.

So, what is best to do? 

The Benefits of a Proactive Approach with a Locum Bank

To avoid the hidden costs associated with last-minute locum hiring, veterinary practices can benefit from taking a proactive approach by establishing a locum bank.

Pre-Vetted, Reliable Locums

A locum bank consists of a pre-vetted pool of locums who are familiar with the practice’s standards and procedures. This reduces the onboarding time and ensures that the locum is a good fit, both in terms of skills and work culture.

Cost-Effective Staffing Solutions

By planning ahead and using a locum bank, practices can avoid the inflated costs associated with last-minute hiring. The practice can negotiate better rates and avoid emergency recruitment fees, leading to more predictable and manageable staffing expenses.

Reduced Stress and Operational Disruption

With a locum bank, there’s no need for frantic last-minute arrangements. The practice can smoothly integrate locums into the team, reducing stress for permanent staff and minimizing disruptions to workflow. This ensures that patient care remains consistent, even during staff shortages.

Conclusion

While last-minute locum hiring might seem like a convenient solution to staffing gaps, it comes with hidden costs that can impact the financial health and operational efficiency of a veterinary practice. By proactively building and maintaining a locum bank, practices can mitigate these costs, ensuring a more stable, cost-effective, and stress-free approach to staffing.

Call to Action: If your practice often finds itself relying on last-minute locum hires, it may be time to consider the benefits of a locum bank. Take a proactive approach to staffing to reduce costs, minimize disruption, and maintain high standards of patient care.

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