Like any contract-based career, a great deal of your success is determined by how good the roles you take are. Here at Triple0 Medical, our goal is to make the process as easy as possible with our online job search, where you can search for job title, location, specialties and grades, to find your perfect locum job.
When searching for the perfect locum position, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure that you and your recruiter can achieve the best outcome for your career.
Whether You Can Take Along Your Family
One of the most important questions for a doctor considering a locum position is what it means for their family. For long-term locum placements, this can be particularly important for wellbeing and work/life balance. Hospitals may expect you to contribute to accommodation and pay for your family’s travel.
The choice of whether it’s worthwhile comes down to multiple factors, including length of placement, location, accommodation options and potential of a decent work/life balance. Bringing your family is particularly popular in the summer months due to the opportunities to create some special memories together outside of work.
Location
The beauty of locum work is that it often gives you and your loved ones the opportunity to experience new regions, cultures and people. The choice of location can be a large factor in the overall success of a locum placement. Whether your preference is big city living or rural serenity, it is important you select a role that not only works for your career goals, but for your lifestyle too.
Hospital/Clinic Resources and History
Following on from location, the facility itself should line up with what you’d want from a locum experience, whether it’s a new technique or niche procedure you’d like to skill up on, or if you’re looking for a certain type of work environment. These are all factors in looking for a facility that’s suitable.
First-hand experience is always insightful, so contact colleagues that you know who have worked there to get an honest piece of feedback, so you can best assess if the hospital or clinic is right for you. The internet is also full of doctors who may be able to give you insight on a hospital or region before you decide on a locum position.
And don’t forget about us – your recruiter can also be a huge resource in assessing if a facility and contract is right for you.
Salary
Most of the time, salary can be a determining factor in selecting a locum job. It is wise however to investigate the average cost of living in the chosen area, as this will make the picture much clearer when weighing up your options. For example, what looks like a small pay-cut to go to an area where the cost of living is much lower, could end up being a pay-rise, and vice versa.
Furthermore, it is important to keep in mind that locum positions often take you to where your help is needed most, which may not be a metropolitan hospital with a huge budget. Many rural locations tend to have a higher pay scale, due to the potential remoteness, which in many cases can benefit your skillset greatly.
Accommodation & Transport
Where you live can be a crucial factor in a potential locum placement, so accommodation can be quite an appealing incentive if included in a locum package. Hospitals and clinics, often offer some form of accommodation and car hire package in order to make relocation easier for a locum doctor. International and domestic flights can also be included, if necessary.
Seniority
Your role in your new team is an important aspect to ponder; ideally you want to have a role that matches your experience and seniority in the medical industry. On the other hand, a new role within a new team could be a breath of fresh air and provide you with valuable new experiences. Certain roles may see you thrive from going outside your comfort zone, even if it might not be the obvious choice.
Period of Employment
The length of a locum position can impact on many of the points listed above. With a longer-term placement, each factor previously mentioned becomes more important. For example, whether you can take your family might be a small obstacle for a 2-week placement, however for a 3-month placement, it takes on a whole new level of importance in the decision-making process.
Closing Thoughts
If you have more questions or would like more information on locum opportunities and how Triple0 Medical can assist in ensuring the process is smooth, contact the team here.
Furthermore, for more articles about locums, visit Locum Planet on our website.
