Keen to step off the permanent role conveyor belt/onto the locum train, but feeling like it’s not the ‘right time’? Let us reassure you, it’s possible to have adventure and job security at the same time!

Risks be risking

‘The financial environment is too uncertain right now’

‘I can’t risk being out of work for long’

‘What if I can’t get back into a permanent role?’

These are a few of the (psychological) barriers we hear from hesitant sonographers when they call to get a gauge on locuming and if it’s something they could consider.  Typically, we’re talking with someone who wants to start locuming but has preconceived concerns around the security and availability of work outside of a permanent contract model.

Let’s step through them from a logical perspective. 

Financial stability – There is a lot of talk surrounding this at the moment, but you know what? There will ALWAYS be chat about this. Firstly, the media love it (because we lap it up). Secondly…money makes the world go around! 

Luckily for us, we are a health care profession which will always be in high demand and which is currently facing particularly challenging staff shortages.  Without an easy solution available to train up much larger numbers of junior sonographers to bolster and replace the retiring group, we can expect the shortage to remain at this point in time.  

Fearful of being out of work? – Have you seen our locum jobs board? It’s regularly punching over 60 sites that are crying out for sonos to come and fill a gap, relieve their staff or help cut through their waiting list (and these are just the options that fall into our lap!).  

As for not being able to get a permanent role if and when you are ready…see above re: sonographer shortage. If there’s a list of 60+ locum roles, you can guarantee there are twice as many permanent options as that is generally what employers prefer (and believe us when we say that is also what we are hearing everyday from the sites we speak to).  

I still need more convincing… 

CAN DO! Locuming as a sonographer right now is more stable than it has ever been and will be for years to come due to the sonographer shortage and rising healthcare needs of Australia. 

While there is common to have concerns and feelings about making these kinds of changes in your life, we’d like to reassure you that there really isn’t much uncertainty on the role availability and financial front. 

Locum sonographers working on a casual contract receive a solid hourly rate which more than easily makes up for leave benefits (and allows you to use that cash how you want and need). 

Super contributions are made in addition to the hourly rate when you are working through an agency, so there will be no compromise on your retirement front. 

Design your work/break balance according to your preferences without having to request time off and wait for approval. If you like working for 3 weeks then having a week off? Easy! 

Prefer to smash out the year then take December and January off? Done! 

What do we suggest?

If you’re feeling hesitant, know that it’s normal and more of a psychological hurdle, than a true barrier .  

We’re always in favour of being informed! 

CHAT TO YOUR FELLOW SONOS to hear about their experiences (but know that everyone has different circumstances). 

Follow us on SOCIALS and get a feel for the types of roles that are coming through, the lengths of contracts and potential locations.  

GET IN TOUCH and we can help you map out your options according to your individual sonographer skills list, travel priorities and work-life balance needs. 

FINALLY – Get packing for your tailor-made locuming adventure!