Finding the perfect doctor job or nurse role takes some self-reflection on what you really want out of a medical career. Are you driven by the freedom of a locum role, or does the security of a permanent position leave you feeling fulfilled?
One pathway isn’t necessarily more worthwhile than the other. But in order to decide which is best for you, let’s run through some of the most popular benefits of permanent jobs, which keep professionals in consistent roles for a number of years.
A stable career
One of the main benefits of permanent jobs that drives medical professionals down this route is job stability. Permanent roles often receive a comprehensive benefits package that can include a pension, paid annual leave, sick pay, and maternity/paternity pay – enticing perks that locum roles don’t always guarantee.
The stability of the job itself also allows for long-term financial planning, which is essential if you’re looking to buy a house or plan for a family. While locum roles aren’t inherently unstable, they can sometimes lack the confidence that a permanent job can bring.
Professional development opportunities
Locum and permanent doctor jobs will both improve your experience within any given medical field, but permanent jobs often allow for structured career paths that see you progress from a junior doctor to a consultant over a number of years.
That’s not to say that locums won’t receive support – in fact, we provide specialist locum training and screening to help you secure your dream job. However, many permanent doctor jobs include dedicated time and budget towards Continuing Professional Development (CPD), putting your progression at the forefront.
Healthy work-life balance
The work-life balance is something that’s increasingly desired in today’s working world, and permanent positions can make this more achievable than locum roles. For one, a permanent position eliminates the need to secure temporary contracts and fill out paperwork regularly – staples of the more irregular locum career.
Your working hours are also more consistent with a permanent position; allowing you to plan family time or hobbies around your day-to-day responsibilities.
Build trusted relationships
When you work in a permanent role, you build lasting, familiar relationships with your teams and the patients who you treat on a long-term basis. This can provide a sense of fulfilment and enrichment that locum roles sometimes lack, due to the fleeting time you sometimes spend in any given workplace.
Below you’ll find many more benefits of permanent roles that you’ll receive when you accept a position at a Trust or private hospital:
Access to Tier 2 visa sponsorship
Company-paid life assurance scheme
Join peer groups with other healthcare workers
Free meals whilst you're on duty
Generous welcome bonus available
Specialist Grade/Band roles available
Access to a Smart Health Toolkit
Medical indemnity cover
Free onsite parking and cycle to work schemes
Contributory private pension scheme
Paid study leave and support with regular CPD
Support with the CESR route, MRCPsych exams or Section 12 approval
Investment in your personal development
Free annual appraisals and revalidation
Research and teaching opportunities
Relocation package including flights and accommodation
Gain access to all these benefits and more
Send us your CV using the form below, and we’ll be in touch soon to discuss permanent roles that suit your experience and preferences: .
Please note, you must be a qualified nurse, doctor or psychiatrist to be able to work as a permanent worker of the NHS and we will be unable to support you if you are an unqualified healthcare professional.