Reliable relief coverage for days! (Or weeks, months, years – you choose)
At IndeVets, we’ve walked in your shoes – working the busy clinic days, managing the clinic schedules, juggling the many (many) clinic needs. We know staffing needs change week to week, month to month, sometimes even day to day. What doesn’t change is the need for dependable, risk-free relief coverage you can rely on. That’s where I come in – to work with busy clinics and hospitals to deliver staffing solutions custom fit for any practice.
As a Strategic Support Manager (SSM) with IndeVets, my role is to understand the unique challenges your veterinary practice faces and provide flexible relief staffing solutions that meet your needs. Through regular conversations, I gather detailed insights into your needs – whether it’s addressing high caseloads, ensuring continuity of care, or meeting your ACT and revenue goals.
With this information, I recommend tailored solutions, ranging from daily GP and specialty shift coverage to longer-term options like Long-Term Placements (LTP) or an Associate IndeVet (AIV) in Residency. If a hospital requires occasional shift coverage, I encourage them to post shifts with us as needed. However, for more consistent support, I help set up an LTP or AIV in Residence program, which ensures reliable, consistent coverage from a dedicated doctor over an extended period.
Before we get into the nitty gritty details, here are the key features of both programs:
Both options offer your practice multiple benefits where you:
- Save time—no posting jobs, dealing with recruiting, interviewing or onboarding.
- Save money—no overhead costs or benefit coverage for another full-time vet.
So, which program is right for your hospital? Let’s take a closer look.
The Long-Term Placement (LTP): A reliable short-term solution for hospitals
Our LTP program is designed for hospitals that require consistent, skilled coverage by a licensed veterinarian for at least 13 weeks. Whether it’s supplementing staff during high caseload periods, maternity leave or filling in after the loss of a staff vet, LTPs ensure hospitals continue operating smoothly with minimal disruption.
How LTP works:
- LTPs last for 13 weeks, with coverage provided on the same day each week. The assigned day cannot change and must be mutually decided by the clinic and the vet before the placement begins.
- Before committing to an LTP, an IndeVet must complete at least two shifts at the partner hospital to ensure it’s a good fit.
- The IndeVet opting for an LTP is assigned to a single hospital, but if a hospital system has multiple locations, they can sign up for multiple LTPs with the same IndeVet.
- Hospitals can indicate any weeks they don’t need coverage, and those weeks will be tacked onto the end of the LTP to ensure the full 13-week commitment is fulfilled.
Benefits of LTPs for hospitals:
- Ensure continuity of care with consistent, high-quality coverage
- Reduce workload for residents and faculty, helping to prevent burnout
- Maintain smooth workflows and prevent gaps in patient care
- Provide staffing stability, allowing hospitals to train new associate veterinarians without being understaffed
Associate IndeVets (AIV) in Residency: Supporting long-term case management
The AIV in Residency role functions similarly to a Long-Term Placement but with a few key differences designed to better support hospitals for a longer period (six months or more vs. three months).
How AIV in Residency works:
- This program lasts six months, with coverage provided one day per week. Unlike LTPs, the assigned day can vary based on the hospital’s needs.
- Hospitals must identify at least three weekdays when they need coverage. From there, they can specify preferred dates, and IndeVets will coordinate the schedule accordingly.
- Before committing to an AIV in Residency placement, the IndeVet must first complete at least two shifts at the partner hospital to ensure a good fit.
Benefits of AIV in Residency for hospitals:
- Encourages continuity of care for chronic cases, ensuring stable, high-quality treatment for long-term patients
- Offers flexible scheduling, allowing hospitals to adjust coverage days as needed
- Provides stability and uninterrupted patient care for hospitals in the process of hiring a new doctor but facing a long wait
- IndeVets who participate in the AIV in Residency program will:
- Integrate seamlessly into both the hospital’s culture and workflows
- Ensure consistency in patient care
- Help reduce staff burnout at the hospital
- Strengthen collaboration within medical teams
Flexible vet staffing, tailored to your needs
A key advantage of both our AIV in Residency and LTP programs is their flexibility. Whether your hospital needs coverage for exam shifts, surgery, or a combination of both, these programs adapt to your specific shift needs. If your team needs extra support during busy exam days or additional hands in surgery, our customizable approach ensures you get the right coverage at the right time – with the consistency of a dedicated doctor.
My goal is to help you find the best staffing solution for your hospital. Whether you need short-term relief or a structured, long-term plan, we offer flexible options designed to support your team and ensure the best care for your patients.