Are you a locum clinician seeking to maximise your career success while maintaining a healthy work-life balance? Navigating the locum landscape can be rewarding but also complex, with important compliance requirements, pay considerations, and scheduling challenges.

At MedicsPro, we specialise in supporting locum healthcare professionals across the UK. This ultimate checklist will guide you through the essentials every locum should know to stay compliant, get paid fairly, and enjoy a balanced lifestyle.

1. Compliance: Stay Safe and Legally Sound

Compliance isn’t optional—it’s fundamental for locum work. Ensure you:
• Maintain current professional registration with HCPC, NMC, GMC, or relevant bodies.
• Keep all mandatory training up to date, including Basic Life Support (BLS), safeguarding, infection control, and data protection.
• Ensure your DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks are current and valid for locum placements.
• Hold professional indemnity insurance where required.
• Complete any trust-specific onboarding and e-learning modules before starting a shift.
• Understand the Working Time Regulations and your contractual rights to avoid burnout.
MedicsPro helps by verifying your credentials and reminding you about renewals so you’re always shift-ready.

2. Pay: Maximise Your Earnings Fairly and Transparently

Understanding pay rates and deductions helps you get the best return for your work:
• Know your pay rate per hour or shift, including enhancements for nights, weekends, or bank holidays.
• Clarify how holiday pay is calculated or accrued, especially if working through an agency or umbrella company.
• Understand tax implications, including PAYE vs self-employed status.
• Get clear terms on invoicing and payment timelines. MedicsPro ensures transparent and timely payments.
• Track all shifts and hours accurately—use apps or systems provided by your agency to avoid disputes.
• Consider locum agencies that offer additional benefits like pension contributions or CPD funding.

3. Work-Life Balance: Keep Yourself Energised and Fulfilled

Locum work offers flexibility but can also challenge your wellbeing. Keep these tips in mind:
• Set clear boundaries—decide your maximum working hours per week.
• Choose shifts that fit your lifestyle and energy levels, e.g., fixed days vs varied rota.
• Plan regular breaks and rest days to prevent fatigue.
• Prioritise jobs close to home or with easy travel options to reduce commute stress.
• Use MedicsPro’s mobile-friendly platform to find and book shifts that suit your personal life.
• Keep communication open with your agency or manager about your availability and preferences.

How MedicsPro Supports Locum Clinicians Every Step of the Way

MedicsPro is more than a job board—we’re your career partner, offering:
• Verified, high-quality locum opportunities across NHS trusts and private providers.
• Real-time shift matching based on your availability and preferences.
• Streamlined compliance checks and document management.
• Clear pay structures with no hidden fees.
• Personalised support to balance your career and life goals.

Join thousands of locum clinicians who trust MedicsPro to find flexible, rewarding work while staying compliant and well-paid.

Ready to take control of your locum career?

Register with MedicsPro.com today and access your personalised locum checklist and shift alerts.