Do you want to help people and make a difference? Are you looking for an exciting new career choice, doing something that truly matters? If so, then you might wish to consider a career as a locum or flexible workforce nurse in the United Kingdom.

 

Here in the UK, as a result of things such as government cuts, global pandemics, political unrest, Brexit, and countless other issues, the National Health Service, better known as the NHS, is struggling. We support the NHS with flexible workforce solutions that help across the UK in addressing the staffing deficits and providing quality, safe patient care from experienced nurses.

The UK needs far more nurses to staff the care settings privately and within the NHS. What we have noticed is an increase in the number of locum nurses working in the UK. A clear indicator of the flexible workforce as one critical solution that, along with other solutions, will support staff attraction and retention as we move forward.

A locum nurse usually takes up a temporary position and carries out all nursing duties and care within a whole variety of different disciplines.

If you’re thinking about a career as a locum nurse, here are a few things to consider.

 

Understand which qualifications you need

As you might expect, you can’t just decide to become a locum nurse one day and walk into the job without any qualifications, training, or credentials. You do, of course, need qualifications and credentials, but don’t worry; it’s not as daunting as you may have first thought.

In order to become a locum nurse, you must first be registered with the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council), which means that you will need to possess a legitimate and recognised nursing degree. You can obtain a relevant degree in any of the following four key areas:

• Child
• Adult
• Learning disabilities
• Mental health

If you are unsure and have any questions, call us today, and we can talk about all your options. Also, check out the Nursing & Midwifery Council to read about all the regulations and information on becoming a nurse in the UK.

 

Look into how much you will be earning

One reason why we’ve seen a reduction in the amounts of nurses working in the NHS in the UK is the fact that they were, and are, in many people’s opinions, vastly underpaid. The good news for any budding locum nurses out there, however, is the fact that locum nurses are considered to be better paid than full-time nurses in permanent positions.

A locum nurse earns a significantly larger amount of money than a full-time nurse.

 

Ensure you locate a locum agency

As a locum nurse, you will likely wish to work through an agency.

Working with an agency is very beneficial for locums as we will find you the work and will give you an overview of what it entails. You will be told which credentials you need, how much experience, the hours you’ll be working, where it is, and how much you’ll be paid. In a nutshell, we do all the leg work and sort everything out for you before you start working. You’ll have a diverse and interesting role within the setting and get to control your own working hours. This will no doubt lead to a better work-life balance and better well-being for you.

As a locum, you will be spoilt for choice when deciding on an agency to use. For more info, head over to our website, and you’ll find out everything you need to find out about obtaining work as a locum nurse.

 

Ensure you can find yourself rented accommodation

Finally, when you aren’t working as a locum nurse, you’ll need somewhere to live, relax, and unwind on your days off and when you finish your shift. Because locums often travel up and down the country, having one fixed address is not always ideal, which is why rented accommodation may be better.

Depending on your finances and your preferences, you could rent a property yourself, or alternatively, you may wish to flat share or even rent a room in an HMO (House of Multiple Occupancy).

Because the rental market is so strong here in the UK, finding a rental property is easier than ever. Here are some websites that can help you:

• Facebook
• Gumtree
• Airbnb
• Spare Room
• Right Move
• OnTheMarket
• Zoopla
• BuildToRent
• Movebubble
• RoomGo
• Open Rent
• Ideal Flatmate

 

Conclusion

These are just some of the things you need to look into if considering the locum life in the UK. Locum living can earn big money, experience many different care settings and disciplines, make new friends, and work colleagues, and allow for travelling. With now permanent and temporary positions across the UK, do contact us today and let’s get you living your best life!