Top Tips for Starting Your New Career as a Locum Nurse

Feb 22, 2022

Top Tips for Starting Your New Career as a Locum Nurse

If you’ve made the decision to become a locum nurse, you’re about to embark on a new adventure where you’re released from your regular rostered shifts and can now manage the next steps of your career on your own terms.

The possibilities are endless – from trying different clinical settings to traveling, meeting new teams and gaining invaluable experience (what’s not to like?).

But where do you start your new journey and how do you go about finding your first locum nursing job?

In this article, we run through everything you need to know about getting your paperwork in order, approaching a recruiter and taking that first step towards your new life as a locum nurse.

Updating Your CV

Working in a permanent nursing role, it might be years since you’ve reviewed your CV and by now you’re probably on first name terms with everyone in your building. But as a locum nurse, you’re back to square one and need to think about how you are going to present your experience and skills.

Start by writing up a personal statement that summarises who you are in a few short sentences. This helps recruiters and employers instantly understand your background and what you’re looking for in your next role.

Then, run through your most recent work experience, outlining not only your day-to-day responsibilities but also any major achievements. This is your chance to show off and convince potential employers that you’re someone they want on their team.

Don’t forget to include any relevant credentials or recent training courses you’ve attended, and be sure that your contact details are up to date!

Prepping Your Referees

As part of any recruitment process, your hiring manager will want to get in touch with previous employers or supervisors. The process involves fact-checking things like your daily tasks, how long you held the position and also how you performed in your role.

While you might not be ready to tell your current employer that you’re leaving your role, it’s worthwhile thinking about who you would like to list as a referee. In most instances, recent supervisors are preferred to people you worked with many years ago.

Bear in mind that most employers will want to speak to at least two previous supervisors, and you should check with them if they’re happy to be included in the process. Choosing someone who perhaps no longer works in your company will allow you to keep your career move on the down-low for the time being, but if that’s not possible, most employers will understand your need for discretion.

Defining Your Preferred Role

When you speak to your recruiter, they will ask you a number of questions about the type of role you’re looking for. This could include where you’d like to be based geographically and in what kind of clinical setting.

You’ll also need to think about things like the number of hours you’re hoping to work and which shifts you would prefer. For example, some locum nurses want to work night shifts because of the higher earning potential, whereas others may choose hours based around commitments outside of work.

Summary

When you’re ready to talk to a recruiter, give us a call here at WESolutions. We have an experienced team who specialise in locum nurse recruitment, with contacts right across the UK healthcare industry.

Not only can we help you find the locum nursing jobs that match your needs, but we can also provide advice and support throughout the process including job search tips and CV preparation. So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch today and start your new career as a locum nurse!