How To Secure Your First Locum Respiratory Physiology Job

Do you want to try locum work? Here’s some guidance for securing your first locum position in Respiratory Physiology. There is no better time than now to try locum work in the respiratory field. Here are your 5 initial steps to secure your first placement.

Experience over education

The first step when a new position comes in will to send a copy of your CV. Content is vital. As respiratory covers a wide range of lung function tests for example spirometry, oximetry and gas transfer tests, different hospitals typically require their staff to carry out varieties of tests. A clear CV indicating your experience levels of each test is a great start. It is also helpful to separate skills involved in sleep studies. Two references from your most recent employer will then reiterate this, however the more referees the better!

Getting yourself accredited

Affiliations and accreditations such as ARTP, SCST and RPSGT, can make the big difference between two candidates going for the one position. The accreditation that respiratory managers value most in their locums is the ARTP accreditation: Association of Respiratory Technology and Physiology. This reflects a high standard of professionalism and an understanding of the ever-increasing demands of new technology and medicine. The accreditation includes; a two-day intensive course; portfolios; exams; and practical assessment. It costs £200 to register with ARTP for full accreditation. Another useful membership, which is free and voluntary, is the RCCP.

Location, location, location

Being flexible on location is key. Even short-term positions or ones requiring a long commute are well worth having on your CV. Not least if they are your first experience in that part of the UK – you earn great money too! Many hospitals outside London also offer cheap accommodation.

On speed dial

It is important in any profession to have your phone to hand when doing locum work. Shifts often pop up last minute and to ensure you can cover the position we need to update you quickly on the details. These covers can be vital in securing longer and more frequent positions at the same hospital or even cross-site hospitals.

Back for more

It is very common that managers request a previously employed locum for more assignments therefore a positive first impression is essential. Always arrive early at the department so that you can familiarize yourself with the operations and equipment. When using the equipment – which we will inform you of before the placement – try and work as independently as your confidence allows. However, in most cases for a first day in a week assignment, they will offer support.

When it comes to your consultant, please feel free to be as specific as possible with us about job duties whether specializing in respiratory or sleep. If you have any particular hospitals which you are interested in working at, do not hesitate to highlight these to us, so that we can use the best of our resources to get you placed there.

If you are interested to learn more about making the move to becoming a locum, please email the Respiratory Physiology directly at [email protected]. Alternatively, if you would like to learn more about our Respiratory Physiology jobs, please click here.