Hi Locumers! Let's get ready for your first locum shift! Here is a quick guide on what to expect

1 . JOB ACCEPTED 

Once you find a job that you want to take on the app, you can get more information when you click 'Details'. The hospital, clinic or centre will usually write up a job note that includes:

• Department: This lets you know exactly where you'll be working, and when to report for duty.

• Job Scope: Here, the hospital will outline the main responsibilities you'll be taking on during your shift.

• Skills & Preferences: Some hospitals might mention specific skills or requirements they're looking for, or even any gender preferences they might have.

• Meeting Point & Reporting: No need to get lost! This will tell you where to head when you arrive and who to report to for your shift.

• Dress Code: Whether it's our Locum Scrub or their uniform, the job note will let you know the expected attire.

If you still have further enquiries, you may contact the number that's listed in the job list for more clarity.

2 . GETTING READY ON THE DAY

While every hospital has its own rules, taking some time to research general protocols can be super helpful. This could include things like:

• Person-in-change: Keep in contact with the person-in-charge, re-affirm your attendance the night before so they can be prepared for your arrival.

• Traffic: Check the traffic around 2 hours before to ensure you're able to plan your route to reach the hospital safely and on time. Better yet - arrive 15 minutes early to make a good first impression!

• Hospital Map: Getting familiar with the direction and where each different department is would be helpful while you're heading towards your department.

• Parking: Finding out how to drive into the parking area and knowing the parking rates can help you prepare spare change that you need to pay the parking fee.

3 . EMBRACE THE NEW

Locum work is all about adaptability. Be prepared to encounter different workflows, patient populations, and even hospital layouts. The good news? This is a fantastic opportunity to learn and grow as a healthcare professional! 

Bonus Tip: Start counting your earnings by clicking "Wallet Balance" in the app. 

Feeling the squeeze of a demanding full-time schedule? Many Klang Valley optometrists yearn for more flexibility and control over their careers. But how do you find part-time opportunities that fit your needs? Here's a breakdown of two common options:

Traditional Part-Time Clinics:

• Pros:

  • Potential for Consistent Income: Depending on the clinic, you might secure a set number of hours each week, providing some income stability.

  • Familiarity and Routine: If you prefer a structured environment and working with a familiar team, a traditional setting might be ideal.

• Cons:

  • Limited Growth Opportunities: Clinics might have limited budgets for training or may not prioritize your career development.

  • Contacting Clinics Directly: Calling or emailing clinics in your area to inquire about possible locum needs. Finding openings can be time-consuming with no guarantee of success.

Locum Apps:

• Pros:

  • Ultimate Flexibility: Choose the shifts that fit your availability. Work evenings, weekends, or just a few days a week.

  • Diverse Work Environments: Connect with various clinics across the Klang Valley, gaining exposure to new approaches and expanding your professional network.

  • Predictability and Transparency: standardized rates eliminate the need to negotiate with each clinic individually. You will know how much you are paid for their time, making budgeting and financial planning easier.

  • Continued Learning Opportunities: Participate in events for locumers. This provides valuable opportunities for professional development while networking with colleagues.

• Cons:

  • Income Variability: Locum work doesn't offer a guaranteed income stream. Your earnings depend on the number of shifts you pick up.

  • Less Structured Environment: You might need to adapt to different clinic setups and protocols with each shift.

Making the Right Choice For You: The advancements in technology have revolutionized the optometry landscape, offering more flexibility than ever. Rather than choosing between a traditional clinic and locum work, consider the benefits of combining both. Enjoy the stability of a permanent role while supplementing your income and expanding your skill set through locum opportunities. This balanced approach empowers you to achieve financial security, and a unique professional growth. Locum Apps is here to support you in crafting the perfect blend of traditional and flexible work arrangements to suit your unique career aspirations.

The Evolving Landscape of Optometry: Optometry, once a relatively stable profession, is now facing a dynamic environment. More than just glasses, contact lenses and spectacles, optometry is seeing a shift. New technologies are emerging, treatment options are evolving, and patient expectations are shifting. To stay relevant and engaged in this ever-changing landscape, optometrists need to be adaptable and willing to explore new approaches.

Research (link) highlights the importance of lifelong learning and professional development in today's dynamic optometry landscape. As technology advances with equipment like OCT, fundus cameras, and auto-refractors, individuals who actively seek new challenges, update their skill sets, and stay abreast of current trends are more likely to thrive in the long run. This doesn't necessarily mean complete career overhauls, but rather an openness to exploring new areas within optometry or incorporating fresh perspectives into your practice.

So how can you translate this knowledge into practical experience, especially within a demanding full-time role? This is where exploring new avenues within optometry becomes crucial. By connecting with diverse clinics across the Klang Valley through taking up locum jobs, you'll gain exposure to different approaches, allowing you to explore fields like opticianry, vision therapy, and diagnostics within a part-time position. You'll also have the opportunity to enhance patient care, customer service, and knowledge in areas such as dry eye, eye infections, and LASIK. Ultimately, this hands-on experience will bridge the gap between theory and real-world practice.

Expand Your Horizons with Locum Apps: It’s all about empowering optometrists. Locum Apps provides an app for you to control your workload, manage your schedule, and choose the type of work environment you prefer. Whether you're looking for a side hustle, a change of pace, or a chance to explore different areas of optometry, Locum Apps gives you the freedom to shape your career on your terms. Download Locum Apps today and discover the secret weapon for Klang Valley optometrists seeking flexibility, growth, and a renewed passion for eye care!

The Klang Valley optometry landscape is experiencing a shift. Many optometrists are seeking greater control over their careers and a work-life balance that traditional full-time roles often struggle to provide. This has led to an increase in the popularity of locum optometry, offering a flexible and dynamic option.

Whether you prefer evenings, weekends, or just a few days a week, locum positions empower you to design a work pattern that complements your lifestyle. This newfound flexibility has been a game-changer for many optometrists, enabling them to pursue hobbies, travel, or spend more quality time with family.

But is locum work the right choice for you? Take this short self-assessment to determine if you’re up for the locum opportunities! 

• Do you crave a more flexible work schedule and control over your workload? (Yes/No)

• Are you passionate about eye care but feel burnt out in your current full-time role? (Yes/No)

• Would you like to gain exposure to different clinics, patient populations, and practice styles? (Yes/No)

• Are you open to adapting to new clinic environments and protocols with each shift? (Yes/No)

• Do you value the opportunity for continued learning and professional development? (Yes/No)

• Do you thrive in an independent work environment, managing your own schedule and workload? (Yes/No)

• Are you confident in your ability to find and secure locum opportunities on your own? (Yes/No)

• Do you possess the courage to step outside your comfort zone and embrace a new way of working? (Yes/No)

Interpretation: Based on your answers:

• Mostly Yes? Locum work might be a perfect fit for you! 

• Mostly No? You value a more structured work environment and guaranteed income. Traditional optometry clinics still offer valuable career opportunities. 

Whether you crave the flexibility and control of locum work or prefer the stability of a full-time position, Locum Apps can help you achieve your career goals. Explore a wide variety of locum opportunities across Klang Valley and design a work schedule that fits your lifestyle. Are you an optometrist with an APC, looking to start locum work somewhere? Why not try Locum Apps? Our platform offers Faster, Easier and Safer experience, from finding the perfect locum job to managing your schedule efficiently.

Even if a fully booked locum schedule isn't your ideal path, Locum Apps offers comprehensive solutions. We understand that some optometrists value the structure and security of a traditional role. That's why Locum Apps also provides a full-time job matching service to connect you with established clinics seeking qualified optometrists.

Don't wait! Enquire with Locum Apps today and unlock a world of exciting possibilities in your Klang Valley optometry career.