10 Things to Know when working with Locum Doctor Recruiters

Locum doctor recruiters are important intermediaries connecting healthcare professionals with job opportunities. However, not all recruiters have access to all job opportunities, and it's important to clarify their contracts and right of representation.

 Accreditations, memberships in professional organizations, and insurance coverage are important factors to consider when working with recruiters. Effective communication skills, professionalism, and clear fee and payment terms are also important.

Are you a healthcare professional looking for locum work? Then you might consider working with locum doctor recruiters to find job opportunities that match your skill set and preferences.

However, not all recruiters are created equal. In this article, we will discuss 10 things you need to know when working with locum doctor recruiters.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Importance of Locum Doctor Recruiters
3. Not all Agencies have all Jobs
4. Contracts with LHD and State Health Services
5. Right of Representation for Different Locum Jobs in Australia
6. Accreditations to Ensure Your Privacy
7. Insurances as a Locum Doctor
8. Memberships in organisations that protect Healthcare Workers like AMRANZ
9. Professionalism and Communication Skills
10. Fees and Payment

1. Introduction

Locum work can be an excellent opportunity for healthcare professionals to gain experience, earn a higher income, and work in different locations. However, finding the right job opportunities can be challenging. This is where locum doctor recruiters come in. They can help connect you with the right job opportunities that match your preferences, skills, and qualifications. However, there are some things you need to know before working with them.

2. The Importance of Locum Doctor Recruiters

3. Not ALL Agencies Have ALL Jobs

It is essential to remember that not all locum doctor recruitment agencies have access to all job opportunities. Some agencies may specialise in specific healthcare fields or locations. Therefore, it is essential to research different agencies to find one that matches your needs.

4. Contracts with LHD and State Health Services

Some locum doctor recruiters have contracts or tenders with Local Health Districts (LHD) and State Health Services. These contracts may give them exclusive access to job opportunities in these areas. Therefore, it is crucial to ask the agency if they have contracts with LHD or state health services before signing up.

5. Right of Representation for Different Locum Jobs in Australia

Different locum jobs in Australia may require different forms of representation.

Some jobs may require a sole agency representation, which means that only one agency can represent you for that job opportunity. Other jobs may allow multiple agency representation, meaning that several agencies can represent you for that job opportunity. It is essential to clarify the right of representation with the agency before signing up.

Accreditations and memberships in industry organisations can be important factors to consider when working with a locum doctor recruitment agency. These accreditations and memberships can demonstrate the agency's commitment to ethical and professional standards and provide reassurance to healthcare professionals and healthcare providers.

Blugibbon Medical Recruitment is a locum doctor recruitment agency that has several accreditations and memberships in industry organisations. 

These include:

• Association of Medical Recruiters Australia New Zealand Member (AMRANZ).
• Association of Professional Staffing Companies Member (APSCo).
• NSW Health Register of Medical Locum Agencies (for 15 LHDs).
• ISO 9001 Certified.
• WACHS Western Australia Country Health Service preferred supplier.
• Tasmanian Health Tender.
• QLD Health PSP Tender.

Blugibbon Medical Recruitment's accreditations and memberships demonstrate their commitment to quality, professionalism, and ethical standards. Their current indemnity insurance policy, worker's compensation policy, and labour hire licences ensure that they and their clients are adequately protected. Being APSCO registered also means that they adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in the recruitment industry.

6. Accreditations to Ensure Your Privacy

7. Insurances as a Locum Doctor

Similarly, locum doctor recruiters should also have appropriate insurance coverage to protect themselves and their clients. Professional indemnity insurance can help protect recruiters from legal claims that may arise from their actions or advice. Public liability insurance can also provide protection for damages or injuries that may occur to third parties, such as patients or healthcare providers.

It is crucial to ask the locum doctor recruitment agency about their insurance coverage to ensure adequate protection. This includes understanding the types of insurance they have, the coverage limits, and any exclusions or limitations that may apply. It is also important to understand the agency's insurance coverage in relation to your own insurance coverage as a locum doctor.

Working with a locum doctor recruitment agency that has appropriate insurance coverage can help provide peace of mind and ensure that you and the agency are adequately protected. By asking about insurance coverage, locum doctors can make informed decisions about working with specific agencies and protect themselves from potential risks and liabilities.

8. Memberships in Organisations that protect Healthcare Workers like AMRANZ

Locum doctor recruiters should also be members of organisations that protect healthcare workers, such as the Australian Medical Recruiters Association of New Zealand (AMRANZ).

AMRANZ is a professional organisation that represents the interests of medical recruitment agencies and their clients in Australia and New Zealand. Membership in organisations like AMRANZ can ensure that locum doctor recruiters adhere to high ethical and professional standards. It is important to ask the agency if they are members of such organisations.

9. Professionalism and Communication Skills

Locum doctor recruiters should possess excellent communication skills, including active listening, clear and concise language, and effective negotiation skills. 

They should be able to provide accurate and timely information about job opportunities, including job descriptions, location, working hours, rates, and any relevant requirements. This information is essential for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about their career opportunities.

In addition, locum doctor recruiters should communicate effectively with healthcare providers. This involves understanding their needs, preferences, and requirements, as well as effectively promoting the skills and qualifications of the healthcare professionals they represent. They should also maintain professional relationships with healthcare providers to ensure ongoing collaboration and support.

Locum doctor recruiters should also be able to answer any questions or concerns healthcare professionals may have. This includes providing information about contracts, payment terms, insurance, and other relevant details. Effective communication and timely responses to queries and concerns can help build trust and confidence between healthcare professionals and recruiters.

Finally, professionalism is a crucial characteristic that locum doctor recruiters should exhibit. This includes adhering to ethical and legal standards, maintaining confidentiality and privacy, and being transparent and honest in their dealings with healthcare professionals and healthcare providers.

10. Fees and Payment

When working with a locum doctor recruiter, understanding their fees and payment terms is crucial. Fees can vary depending on the agency and the job opportunity, and it is essential to clarify these details before signing up. Some agencies may deduct their fees from your hourly rate, while others may charge a flat fee.

Blugibbon Medical Recruitment is an agency that offers a unique payment option for locum doctors. They provide weekly pay to their locum doctors, provided that their timesheets are submitted on time. This payment option can be beneficial for healthcare professionals who prefer more frequent payment cycles to manage their finances efficiently.

Blugibbon Medical Recruitment is a reputable agency that specialises in medical recruitment and has a proven track record of connecting locum doctors with suitable job opportunities. 

They are also accredited by various industry organisations, including the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), the Recruitment and Consulting Services Association (RCSA), and the Joint Commission International (JCI).

When considering fees and payment terms, it is also important to note that Blugibbon Medical Recruitment does not charge their locum doctors any placement fees or administration fees. They also provide full support throughout the recruitment process, including assistance with documentation and compliance.

In conclusion, when working with a locum doctor recruiter, it is crucial to consider their fees and payment terms. Blugibbon Medical Recruitment offers a unique payment option with weekly pay for their locum doctors and does not charge any placement fees or administration fees. They also provide full support throughout the recruitment process and have accreditations from various industry organisations.

Want to work with an accredited Locum agency that provides 5 Star support through out your entire Locum Job Process?

Level 9 – Suite 17,  428 George St,  Sydney NSW 2000