Under the spotlight: Locum work in Queensland, Australia

As more people are placing value in a flexible way of working, it’s no surprise that locuming is becoming a common working arrangement in healthcare. By working as a locum in healthcare, you get the chance to work in a way that suits you - whether that’s focusing on a specialism, improving your earning potential or striking a better work/life balance. It’s good for employers too, as it allows them to fill gaps in specialist roles with ease and ensure patient waiting times are kept as low as possible. One of the many benefits that locum work provides is the flexibility in where you work - so why not choose somewhere special like Queensland? In this post, we’ll look under the spotlight to discuss what locum work in Queensland, Australia looks like.

What Makes Queensland a Great Place to Locum?

Queensland has garnered a reputation for being one of the best places to live, thanks to its stunning landscapes and incredible quality of life. Locum work is particularly prevalent in Queensland due to its widespread geographical area and diverse community needs, making it the perfect destination for prospective locums.

Diverse Work Opportunities

Queensland's healthcare system is high quality and expansive, encompassing major city hospitals in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, regional hospitals, and remote clinics. This diversity offers locum doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals a wide range of work experiences in innovative environments. From high-tech, urban hospitals to small, community-driven clinics in rural and remote areas, the variety ensures that every locum can find a placement that suits their skills and career aspirations.

Supportive Professional Environment

The state health departments and locum agencies in Queensland are known for their supportive environments. They provide locums with necessary resources, including accommodation and travel assistance, and often opportunities for professional development. This support is key in enabling locums to perform their roles effectively, ensuring that both the communities receive high-quality care and the professionals gain valuable experience.

Attractive Financial Incentives

Working as a locum is a great way to maximise your income, and this benefit is even more pronounced in Queensland. This locale often offers competitive compensation for locum roles, especially in remote or hard-to-fill locations. These financial incentives include higher pay rates, alongside other perks depending on the role. For many healthcare professionals, these benefits make locum work in Queensland a career-enhancing choice that is also financially advantageous.

Best Places to Live and Work as a Locum in Queensland

Choosing where to live and work as a locum in Queensland can be influenced by your lifestyle preferences, desired work settings, and surrounding community needs. Queensland is blessed with some of the most beautiful and affluent communities in Australia, so you have plenty of great options to choose from. Below are some of the best places to live and locum in Queensland:

Brisbane

As the state capital, Brisbane offers a bustling urban environment with all the amenities of a major city. It is home to some of Queensland's largest hospitals, such as the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, which is also a great option if you’re looking to focus on roles like midwifery. These institutions often require locum staff and offer a fast-paced, challenging environment that is perfect for those looking to enhance their skills in a metropolitan setting.

Cairns

For those who prefer a balance between urban life and the allure of nature, Cairns is an ideal choice. Situated near the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, Cairns provides locums with the opportunity to work in well-equipped hospitals and health services while enjoying some of the world’s most stunning natural attractions during their time off.

Townsville

Known as the gateway to the Outback and the islands of the Great Barrier Reef, Townsville offers a unique mix of rural and urban settings. The Townsville Hospital, the largest hospital in northern Australia, frequently seeks locum professionals to plug gaps in healthcare. This gives healthcare workers the chance to experience both advanced healthcare delivery in a regional hub and the close-knit community feel typical of smaller towns.

Mount Isa

For those drawn to more remote locations, Mount Isa offers a profound opportunity to make a significant impact on a smaller community. As a mining town in the heart of the Outback, healthcare services here are incredibly important and often understaffed. Locums in Mount Isa are highly valued for their contribution to the community, and the roles here allow for a deep connection with local residents and an understanding of rural Australian life.

The Sunshine Coast

For locums who prioritise lifestyle, the Sunshine Coast offers a perfect blend of work and leisure. With its beautiful beaches, vibrant community, and slower pace of life compared to Brisbane, it's an attractive spot for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle. The healthcare facilities, while smaller than those in the capital, provide comprehensive services and often require temporary staffing solutions.

How to Find the Best Locum Roles in Queensland

Queensland is a prime destination for locums, which gives you plenty of options in terms of securing assignments that are perfect for you. To do this, you’ll need to know where to find the best locum roles in the area. This can take a fair bit of research, as well as networking to identify the best opportunities. To help you get started, let’s break down the steps you should take to find the most suitable locum roles for your needs:

Register with a Reputable Locum Agency

The first - and arguably most important - thing you can do to secure great locum opportunities is to register with a reputable locum agency. By working alongside agencies like Globe Locums, you will receive access to the best roles in the region. What’s more, a good agency will also be able to assist with things like onboarding to make the placement experience as seamless for you as possible.

Network With Industry Peers

It’s always a good idea to keep your finger on the pulse when it comes to opportunities as a locum. By networking with industry peers, you will be able to find out about new placements as they appear - and in some cases, before they are publicly listed. You can start your networking journey by attending local medical seminars, registering with professional organisations and using connecting with industry leaders on social media.

Learn About Locum Requirements

All locums will need to be professionally registered before they can be assigned to locum placements. So, make sure that you’re eligible to register with bodies like the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Registration will require meeting their standards as well as the requirements for working in Queensland as a locum.

Unlock Locum Opportunities in Queensland

Queensland is a great destination for locums thanks to the vast and varied opportunities. Whether you’re looking to broaden your professional horizons, earn more or simply enjoy life in one of the most beautiful parts of Australia, Queensland has lots to offer. From the urban setting of Brisbane to the tropical lifestyle of Cairns, each location offers unique benefits. This makes Queensland not just a place to work, but a place to grow and thrive both professionally and personally.

If you’re ready to get started on your locum journey in Queensland, let our team at Globe Locums help you find the perfect roles.

Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or view our latest vacancies.