How to find the top paying nursing jobs

So, you've spent years studying and you finally have your nursing qualification! Now, you're all set to start working as a professional nurse in a hospital, care home or perhaps a private facility. But, what if you're a qualified medical professional who has a heart for travel? After all those years of studying, it can be difficult to see a future in which you leave your hard-earned medical job and set off on a global adventure. Luckily, it is possible for nurses to keep working as medical professionals whilst seeing new parts of the world! Becoming a locum nurse is a great way to experience a new culture whilst working in the profession that you've spent so long qualifying for. This article will guide you through how to find the top paying nursing jobs as a locum nurse in the UK. While nobody likes to admit it, one of the main reasons why you work at a job is to get good pay. Many people hold the false belief that taking a locum role will mean sacrificing good pay for minimum wage and only a few hours of work each week. In fact, many locum professionals can earn just as much, if not more, than any other medical worker.

What are the top paying nursing jobs for locum professionals?

There are plenty of nursing jobs available for locum nurses in the UK that pay varying rates depending on what the job involves and how the contract is structured. Many people will assume that the private sector is the best place for high paying nursing jobs in the UK however, some jobs offered in public healthcare are also paid very well. It's all about where you look and getting your timing right!

Top paying nursing jobs in the private sector

The private sector in the UK covers any healthcare facilities that are not funded by tax, charity or the government. These facilities generally charge patients for the treatment and care that they receive, which often means that they have a higher budget to pay their staff. Due to the higher pay rates and expectancy to deliver 'luxury' care from patients, some private roles will have harsher requirements for applicant success.

If you have the right qualifications and extensive experience, there is no reason that a locum professional couldn't get a nursing job with a private care facility. The best place to look for UK nursing jobs in the private sector is healthcare recruitment agencies or locum job sites.

The highest paying nursing jobs include:

• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• Cardiac Nurse Practitioner
• Orthopaedic Nurse Practitioner
• Oncology Nurse Practitioner

Top paying nursing jobs in the public sector

In the public healthcare sector in the UK, patients are not charged for medical care or treatment which means that budgets for staff pay are often much lower. However, it is still possible to get a high paying job in the public sector. Many of the highest paying roles in the private sector still pay highly in public healthcare and this sector also provides opportunities to receive increased rates of pay for working unsociable hours such as weekends or night shifts. The NHS ensures that all nursing staff are paid fairly by offering a number of benefits with each job role.

When working for the NHS, you will receive holiday pay entitlements, sick pay and a very good pension scheme. The benefits that are included with a public healthcare role will often outweigh the high salaries of the public sector. NHS nurses are placed on bands that usually dictate how much they are paid. As you gain experience and progress in your role, you will be given the opportunity to move up through the bands and receive a higher wage. Band 9 nurses will generally receive the highest pay. The NHS aims to pay all staff fairly so the difference in pay between different types of nursing isn't as large however, specialised nursing roles are often paid more due to the amount of training that goes into becoming qualified.

How to successfully apply for a top paying nursing job in the UK

Finding a job that you want to apply for is only the first step towards securing a top paying nursing job here in the UK. Successful applicants must be able to stand out from a number of other prospective locum nurses and secure the role over others.

How to find top paying nursing jobs UK

The best places to find the top paying nursing jobs in the UK are locum nursing job sites and healthcare recruitment agencies. You may also be able to find some fantastic roles throughout the NHS website. As a locum professional, it's all about getting your timing right. You may have to keep checking for new jobs to become available each day and make sure to apply as soon as a suitable job appears. Locum nursing in the UK is popular so there will be thousands of other locum professionals checking through the job agencies.

To become a nurse in the UK, you must meet the qualification requirements:

• A degree (or equivalent) in nursing
• Register with the nursing and midwifery council
• The ability to speak fluent English

You should make sure that you meet each of these requirements before applying to any locum nursing job. If you are keen to bag a higher paying nursing role, you will need to prove to employers that you have more to offer than other candidates. These top paying roles can be extremely competitive, with many residents Brits also applying for positions as well. A great way to showcase your skills is to ask previous employees to give you a strong reference that will back up your application. References are regarded highly in the UK and are used to show employees that you can successfully complete the role that you are applying for. It may also help your application if you have taken any extra medical training to learn advanced skills that are not part of the mandatory nursing curriculum. Not only will this show that you are skilled but it will also display dedication to the job and high levels of initiative.

At Globe Locums, we aim to provide healthcare facilities with the very best locum professionals from around the globe. We have a range of positions available for professionals from all areas of medicine and healthcare and have a brilliant team on hand to support you at every stage of your locum career.
Why not start your adventure today and find a nursing job through our site?