If you’re new to the idea of locuming as a sono and keen to get a bit more versed in what to expect…read on for what we think are some of the core basics to know before you consider taking the locum plunge!
Know your role
Ok, yes, you’re a sono. But as a locum sono, your role is slightly different to the standard perm position. Often the workspaces you’re coming into for a few weeks, potentially a few months, are under the pump or juggling staff leave. You’re expected to hit the ground running, be a solid help, flexible in how you work and independent in your clinical skills (barring any initial teething with different machines and reporting programs). Are you up for the challenge? If so…read on!
Decide on your locum ‘method’
There are a few different ways you can set yourself up to locum from an employment perspective – using an agency, using an ABN or working through a specific medical imaging company.
If you locum through an agency, they help you narrow down the options (match your skills with the right workplace) and then do the negotiations of terms for you (things like hourly rate, travel, accommodation and car allowances etc). An agency will provide support before, during and after your placement for any questions, hiccups or workplace issues. They will also organise your pay including overtime rates, super, and tax.
Using your own ABN involves registering yourself as a sole trader/company. You source, negotiate, provide the contract and invoice your locum placements yourself. This means you also ‘pay yourself’ and cover off super, tax and any liabilities through your own ABN (discuss the specific details with your accountant – they are going to be different from person to person!).
Some sites will be happy to take a locum on directly as a casual, too.
Whichever method you choose, there are a few things to keep in mind: you are a separate entity from the rest of the staff and will in most instances have different conditions (even from another locum sono); it is your responsibility to have a complete understanding of the conditions (double check everything!); your integrity stretches beyond the clinic room – manage your interactions with workplaces and agencies, submission of hours/expenses and invoicing with professionalism.
Line up your ducks…
Whether you are working through an agency, ABN or employer, first and foremost you must have an up to date CV and be ready to complete a sono-specific skills list to give the workplace an idea of your skill level and capabilities. Fresh referees who are responsive and know your work well are handy to have ready to roll. Workplaces vary in what types of credentials they need to see before you can lock in a locum stint. Be prepared with evidence of your vaccination/serology, police/working with children checks, ASAR registration and Certificate of Currency at a minimum. If you’re a dual rad/sono or looking at locuming in NZ, make sure you know the registration requirements specific to the state/country and have the paperwork in the pipeline months before you actually want to start (these things can take a while…).
Get ready to rumble!
Locuming can be SO MUCH fun. Traveling to and exploring new spots is exhilarating. Working in different types of clinical settings with curly pathologies keeps you on your toes. Meeting a broad range of sonos, dipping into some epic teams and getting experience across medical imaging groups can be life changing. Get a plan together (bucket list, anyone?!) of where you want to go and what adventures you’re keen to have and get rolling!
