Higher pay? Tick. Greater flexibility? Tick. Diverse experience? Tick. With all those potential perks, it’s no wonder that so many UK nurses are turning to locum work. But if you’re looking to try your hand at locum nursing, how do you make sure you’re at the front of the queue for the best assignments?
Here, we’ve put together some tips to help you get the best locum nursing jobs and be the first port of call for your locum nursing agency.
Be Reachable
Yes, this one is pretty obvious but also crucial. You might be the best nurse in the world, but if you don’t answer your phone when a temp nursing recruitment agency calls, they will move on to the next name on their list.
We know it’s tricky to have your phone on you at all times, especially when you’re in the middle of a shift. So, be proactive and create a relationship where you regularly update the recruitment agency on your availability and preferences. That way, when the right role comes in, they know to put you forward for the job.
Be Flexible
Many locum nurses are seeing a lot of success by putting themselves forward for the shifts nobody else wants. We’re talking evenings, weekends and assignments available at short notice. This might not work for some nurses with commitments outside work, but it’s a sure-fire way to get plenty of offers through.
Again, make the most of your relationship with your recruitment partner and talk to them about what is feasible for you. You can also look at proactively setting up a network of support outside the workplace who can step in and help with childcare or other commitments if a great position comes up.
Be Upfront
There’s no point in telling your recruitment agency that you are happy to work evenings, but then turning down every night shift offered – you’ll just end up trying to think of new excuses for not accepting the role (or even worse, dodging the phone calls), which could mean missing out on work you do want!
Sitting down and having a frank, honest conversation with your locum nursing agency will save a lot of awkwardness down the track and help them find the roles that are right for you.
Get Your Paperwork in Order
If you’re a locum who trained outside the UK, make sure you have all of your official documentation in place so you can start working straight away. Our team here at WESolutions have plenty of experience helping locum nurses navigate the UK healthcare system.
If you’re a local nurse, you will just need to make sure you’re registered with your temp agency and go through a couple of screening processes, including a DBS check and references with previous employers.
Summary
It’s no surprise more and more nurses are going loco for locum – and you can too. Whether you’re a seasoned locum nurse looking for fresh opportunities or are new to the world of locum nursing jobs, have a chat with our specialist agency nursing team today.
How to Get the Best Locum Nursing Jobs
Higher pay? Tick. Greater flexibility? Tick. Diverse experience? Tick. With all those potential perks, it’s no wonder that so many UK nurses are turning to locum work. But if you’re looking to try your hand at locum nursing, how do you make sure you’re at the front of the queue for the best assignments?
Here, we’ve put together some tips to help you get the best locum nursing jobs and be the first port of call for your locum nursing agency.
Be Reachable
Yes, this one is pretty obvious but also crucial. You might be the best nurse in the world, but if you don’t answer your phone when a temp nursing recruitment agency calls, they will move on to the next name on their list.
We know it’s tricky to have your phone on you at all times, especially when you’re in the middle of a shift. So, be proactive and create a relationship where you regularly update the recruitment agency on your availability and preferences. That way, when the right role comes in, they know to put you forward for the job.
Be Flexible
Many locum nurses are seeing a lot of success by putting themselves forward for the shifts nobody else wants. We’re talking evenings, weekends and assignments available at short notice. This might not work for some nurses with commitments outside work, but it’s a sure-fire way to get plenty of offers through.
Again, make the most of your relationship with your recruitment partner and talk to them about what is feasible for you. You can also look at proactively setting up a network of support outside the workplace who can step in and help with childcare or other commitments if a great position comes up.
Be Upfront
There’s no point in telling your recruitment agency that you are happy to work evenings, but then turning down every night shift offered – you’ll just end up trying to think of new excuses for not accepting the role (or even worse, dodging the phone calls), which could mean missing out on work you do want!
Sitting down and having a frank, honest conversation with your locum nursing agency will save a lot of awkwardness down the track and help them find the roles that are right for you.
Get Your Paperwork in Order
If you’re a locum who trained outside the UK, make sure you have all of your official documentation in place so you can start working straight away. Our team here at WESolutions have plenty of experience helping locum nurses navigate the UK healthcare system.
If you’re a local nurse, you will just need to make sure you’re registered with your temp agency and go through a couple of screening processes, including a DBS check and references with previous employers.
Summary
It’s no surprise more and more nurses are going loco for locum – and you can too. Whether you’re a seasoned locum nurse looking for fresh opportunities or are new to the world of locum nursing jobs, have a chat with our specialist agency nursing team today.