The healthcare sector is undergoing a transformation, with more professionals choosing to transition from permanent roles to locum work. Whether you're working in the NHS or private sector, locum positions offer unique benefits, including flexibility, variety, and the potential for higher pay. However, making the switch can feel daunting if you’re not familiar with the ins and outs of locum work. In this blog, we’ll explore the key aspects of transitioning from permanent employment to locum work, including the benefits and challenges, how to find shifts, managing contracts, and dealing with pay discrepancies.

Understanding the Flexibility of Locum Work

One of the most appealing aspects of locum work is the flexibility it offers. As a locum healthcare professional, you have the freedom to choose when and where you work. Whether you’re a nurse, doctor, radiographer, or therapist, locum roles allow you to set your own schedule, taking on shifts that fit your lifestyle and career goals.

For many healthcare professionals, especially those balancing work with family commitments or personal pursuits, the ability to take time off between contracts or select part-time work can be a significant advantage. The flexibility also allows you to gain experience in various settings, including hospitals, private clinics, and community healthcare centres. This diverse exposure can enhance your skills and build a more varied career portfolio, something that permanent positions might not offer.

However, it’s important to recognise that locum work can also require more proactivity in managing your schedule. Unlike permanent roles, where shifts are typically planned months in advance, locum work may require constant communication with agencies or direct employers to secure upcoming opportunities.

How to Find Locum Shifts

Finding locum shifts involves a combination of networking, joining agencies, and actively seeking opportunities. Many healthcare professionals who transition to locum work find it beneficial to work with specialist recruitment agencies such as MedicsPro, which offers a broad range of locum positions in the NHS and private healthcare sectors.

Locum agencies can connect you with a variety of roles that match your skills, from radiography to nursing, therapies, and theatres. They often have access to both short-term and long-term contracts, allowing you to choose roles that fit your needs. Agencies like MedicsPro also assist with the paperwork, ensuring that you meet all legal and professional requirements.

In addition to agencies, you can also find locum shifts by networking with your professional peers, attending industry events, and staying connected with employers directly. Many healthcare facilities, especially private hospitals and clinics, will offer locum positions as needed, and if you've built a strong relationship with the hiring team, you may find these opportunities more accessible.

Managing Contracts as a Locum Professional

When you move from a permanent position to locum work, you’ll be managing your contracts differently. As a permanent employee, your terms of employment were set by your employer. With locum work, however, you’ll be operating on a contract-by-contract basis, with each new role potentially having different terms, conditions, and expectations.

Here are a few key things to keep in mind when managing your locum contracts:

Understand the Terms: Before accepting a locum role, make sure you clearly understand the terms of the contract. What is the pay rate? How many hours are required each week? Is accommodation or travel covered? Take the time to read the fine print to avoid surprises.

Negotiate When Possible: Unlike permanent positions, locum roles often come with more room for negotiation. If you feel a particular position demands extra hours or expertise, don’t hesitate to negotiate a higher pay rate or additional benefits. The flexibility of locum work allows you to have more control over your compensation.

Document Everything: As a locum, you may be working for multiple employers throughout the year. Keeping track of your contracts, working hours, and any variations in terms will help you stay organised and ensure you are paid correctly. It also provides clarity in case there are any disputes about pay or working conditions.

Managing Pay Discrepancies

One of the main concerns for healthcare professionals considering locum work is pay discrepancies. While locum roles can offer higher pay than permanent positions, there may be variations in the rates offered depending on the employer, location, and specialty.

Here’s how to manage pay discrepancies effectively:

Know the Market Rate: Before accepting locum roles, it’s essential to research the going rates for your profession in your region. Agencies like MedicsPro can provide information about typical pay scales for locum roles across various specialties, including nursing, radiography, theatres, and therapies. Having this knowledge will empower you to negotiate better pay and ensure you're not undervalued.

Track Your Hours: As a locum, your pay is often based on the hours you work, so it’s essential to keep accurate records of your shifts. Double-check your pay slips to ensure that all hours worked are accurately reflected, and report any discrepancies to the agency or employer promptly.

Understand Payment Terms: Locum pay can vary depending on the structure of the agreement. Some contracts pay weekly, others may pay monthly, and some may include performance bonuses or incentives for taking on certain shifts. Be sure to clarify when and how you will be paid, and don’t be afraid to ask questions if something isn’t clear.

Overcoming the Challenges of Locum Work
While locum work offers many benefits, it’s not without its challenges. Some healthcare professionals may initially find the uncertainty of job security and income a concern. As a locum, you’re not guaranteed a steady stream of shifts, and periods of downtime can occur, especially in quieter months or for more specialised roles.

To mitigate this, it’s important to work with a reliable recruitment agency, such as MedicsPro, that can connect you with consistent opportunities and offer career advice. It's also helpful to maintain a healthy work-life balance, particularly if you’re balancing multiple contracts or roles at once.

Why Choose Locum Work?
Locum work is an increasingly popular career option for healthcare professionals looking for more flexibility and variety in their careers. Whether you’re a nurse, doctor, therapist, or radiographer, locum roles allow you to experience different healthcare settings, gain specialised skills, and earn a competitive salary. Moreover, locum work provides an opportunity to take control of your career, choose your hours, and build a diverse portfolio of experience.

At MedicsPro, we specialise in providing healthcare professionals with tailored locum opportunities across various sectors, including the NHS and private healthcare. Whether you're considering locum work for the first time or looking for new opportunities, our team is here to guide you through the transition and connect you with roles that suit your expertise and goals.

Ready to make the transition to locum work? Contact MedicsPro today for expert advice and to explore available locum opportunities that align with your career goals.