Tips and Must-Dos for Locum Doctors

Locum work offers a great opportunity for doctors due to its flexibility, independence, and, ultimately, better-paid rates. Let's take a look at some handy tips so that you can make the most of locum work. 

Ensure that your working requirements are clear from the beginning: 

Make sure that you have clearly outlined all your needs with your agency.  Inform them of your preferred working hours, preferred location, specialisation, and hourly rates. Ensure that you choose a job vacancy that is representative of your skills and talents. There may be roles that underpay or do not suit your skills. Look out for yourself and accept roles with suitable rates. 

Similarly, do not accept shifts that you know you cannot do. Locum is known for flexibility, and you should not get under pressure in any way.

Keep your references updated.

The locum agency will ask you to update at least two consultant references each year. Hence, if you are thinking of changing jobs or your consultant is moving to some other hospital, it's convenient and time-saving to have a reference form filled out by your consultant beforehand. It will save you time and energy to reach out to your consultant when you have not seen him for quite a while and when most agencies don't accept anything other than their own reference form.

Keep a record of your hours worked.

Keep your timesheets signed by the consultant to avoid delays in payments. Likewise, maintain your own records (notes on your phone) of when you start working and get paid. Some trusts may not be organized enough to realize your exact time of getting paid, resulting in late payments.

ThinkLocum pays all our candidates immediately and automatically. There is no more hanging around waiting for invoices to be paid. As soon as your shift has been approved, we will pay you. Simple as that!

Keep your compliance documents organised.

Keep a close eye on your doctor's compliance documents. They must keep up to date, and they will be essential for receiving locum work. There are compliance registration dates. Make sure all your documents are up-to-date and that they are renewed annually. 

Other important tips:

• Keep your job-related documents well organized and updated.
• Do not forget to keep your photo ID and agency ID badge with you before starting your shift.
• Get your parking permit, if required, to avoid parking illegally and getting parking tickets.
• Dress professionally and follow the dress code of the hospital.

If you are looking to switch to locum work, get in touch with us today!

We've got more informative and insightful resources for you on the ThinkLocum blog.