For many healthcare professionals, working for the NHS is a dream. This is no surprise, given that the system is one of the best in the world.
Suppose you are planning to apply for a job in the NHS as a foreign nation. In that case, there are two main types of positions that you can apply for; permanent and locum.
However, what are permanent and locum roles in the NHS? Find out here.
Permanent Roles in the NHS
Any foreign nationals planning to work in the NHS will need to get permission from the UK Visas and Immigration. They also need to get entry clearance before traveling. Moreover, they might need other prerequisites to enter the UK and work for the NHS, depending on their nationality.
The NHS offers a wide range of permanent opportunities for healthcare professionals. There are over 300 careers in the system that you can pursue. This means that there’s a potential job for you regardless of your qualifications, skills, and interest.
The benefit of joining the NHS as a permanent include:
- Good Pay and Conditions
You are guaranteed to get a good amount of salary that matches your skills and responsibilities. You also have the opportunity to grow professionally through development and training.
Moreover, the NHS also offers excellent compensations. Its pay system is known as Agenda for Change or AfC. This applies to all NHS staff such as dentists, doctors, nurses, and managers.
- Work-life balance
The NHS is a firm believer in work-life balance. You can benefit from the Improving Working Lives initiative with a permanent position. This aims to improve stress management and productivity.
NHS Locum
Suppose you are looking for short-term employment in the NHS. In that case, NHS locum positions might just be what you are looking for.
NHS locum refers to the doctors working in a temporary position within the NHS workforce. Over the years, the number of locums has doubled. Along with the increase in their numbers, concerns over the quality of services of locum were also raised.
Here are the benefits of working as a Locum doctor in the NHS:
- The flexibility of where and when to work
- Lesser hours means more time to study
- Getting higher pay is not a far-fetched idea.
Of course, just like with anything else, working as a locum doctor within the NHS also has its fair share of downsides. This includes the following:
- Irregular work schedule
- No sick pay
- No maternity rights or pension
- Payment delays
- Lack of support and isolation
- Some locum jobs are not counted towards the training.
Final Words
Working in the NHS can be both fun and fulfilling. Applying and getting hired is also not that difficult. This is mostly because the UK is experiencing a shortage of healthcare professionals. If you are a professional with a medical career, apply for a vacant position in the NHS.
Today, the rules and regulations for healthcare professionals are not eased. This is because of the pandemic’s shortage cost, which means new permanent and locum opportunities are just right around the corner.