News & Insights

By Hayley Nault 19 Mar, 2024
The non-specialist locum market is booming in 2024, with lots of new doctors commencing their locum journey. Here are our top tips to help you secure those competitive shifts. 1. Get your credentials ready First things first, ensure your credentials are up-to-date. Your CV is your introduction to potential employers, so make sure it highlights your experience, skills, and qualifications effectively. Ensure you have certified copies of your ID and qualifications. Some States will accept notarisation by a medical practitioner in line with AHPRA regulations, however, some will require Justice of the Peace (JP) certified documents, so consider a trip to your local JP to cover all bases. Have evidence of your vaccination history. You may need to provide evidence of the following: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (dTpa), Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), Varicella, Hepatitis B, Influenza, COVID-19, Tuberculosis (TB) Keep your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) records current and complete any necessary courses such as ALS, BLS and HETI locum modules for NSW. Your Recruitment Consultant can advise you on which courses may be necessary for specific locum placements. Speak to your referees and ask for permission to use them as a referee, and if they can complete and return the reference form promptly. Don't forget to have your background checks in order, including a recent criminal record check and any necessary Working With Children Check (WWCC) applications. Recruitment Consultants need you to be work-ready and the hospitals need full credentials on presentation. When you are fully credentialed you can be presented for locum shifts at short notice and have a greater chance of securing shifts. 2. Be flexible on location If your preferred regions don’t have shifts available where else could you go? While it's natural to have preferred work locations, being open to exploring new places can significantly expand your opportunities. Consider regional and rural placements, which often offer diverse case mixes, invaluable hands-on experience, and the chance to work with some incredible people. These are often some of the best places to locum. If you've heard mixed reviews about a particular location, keep in mind that work environments change over time. Ask your Recruitment Consultant to find out if there are ongoing issues or if they have been resolved. Give it a try, and if you have concerns upon arrival, don't hesitate to let us know. We're here to support you every step of the way, and if adjustments are needed, we can work together to find a solution. 3. Map out your availability as far in advance as possible Locum shifts fill up fast, so it's essential to map out your availability well in advance and keep your Recruitment Consultant informed. Blocking out personal time for holidays, studies, or anything else is completely fine – the sooner you update us, the better chance we have of finding you the perfect fit. It’s important to be specific about your schedule, especially when moving from night shifts to day shifts so that we can plan your rest breaks and factor in travel time accordingly. 4. Register with PRODA Some locum jobs may require you to have a Medicare Provider Number, and having a PRODA account can streamline the process of obtaining one at short notice. Make sure you're registered and ready to go when these opportunities arise. 5. Confirm your Indemnity To work as a locum, you must have appropriate indemnity coverage separate from your employer's policies. Contact your provider to ensure you have the necessary level of coverage and provide your certificate of currency to your Elective Recruitment Consultant. Locum doctors in Australia enjoy access to a variety of experiences, interesting locations, flexible working and financial rewards. Get the basics done right and start your locum adventure today! Remember, we don't always advertise locum shifts on our website as some are filled so quickly. Don't miss out on exciting opportunities; register with us today to be the first to hear about all the latest locum jobs.
By Hayley Nault 21 Feb, 2024
Australia is a country that consistently ranks among the world's best places to live. With its great quality of life, world-class healthcare and strong economic growth, it is no surprise that it is also a fantastic place to enjoy a rewarding medical career. Here are some of the reasons why we think Australia is a great place to work as a doctor: High-Quality Healthcare System Australia has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, and doctors can expect to work in a supportive environment that is focused on providing high-quality care to patients. The country has a strong public healthcare system, as well as an affordable private healthcare system. Healthcare in Australia is modern, well-funded and well-organized, with a focus on preventative care and early intervention. Competitive Salaries Doctors in Australia are well remunerated, with salaries that are competitive with other countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. Salaries vary in the public and private healthcare system, and with location, specialty and experience. Packages often include additional allowances such as on-call payments, shift penalties, rural and remote incentives, and superannuation. Additionally, some health services offer remuneration packages that can include relocation and rental support and non-salary perks, such as personal insurance. Excellent Working Conditions Doctors in Australia can expect to work in safe, well-equipped facilities with the support of well-trained healthcare colleagues, including nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals. The working hours are generally reasonable, with a maximum of 40 hours per week, with allowances paid for overtime, irregular or on-call hours. Standard leave entitlements include annual leave, conference leave, dedicated professional development time and more. Outstanding Work-Life Balance Australia is known for its excellent work-life balance, and Doctors in the country can expect to have plenty of time for leisure activities and to spend with their families. One of the reasons why Australia is so successful in achieving a healthy work/life balance is its strong support for flexible work arrangements. Many employers offer their staff flexible hours or job-sharing arrangements. This allows employees to better manage their workload and personal commitments, whether that be taking care of family or pursuing their interests. Beyond the workplace, Australia's commitment to promoting a healthy work/life balance is evident in the country's love of the outdoors and adventure. The vast and diverse landscape of Australia provides endless opportunities for outdoor activities, whether that be surfing, hiking, camping, or exploring the country's many natural wonders. Opportunities for Professional Development Australia offers many opportunities for Doctors to further their professional development, including access to advanced training programs, courses, events and conferences. The country's medical schools are highly regarded, and Doctors can pursue further education in a range of specialisations. For more information on how you can achieve a rewarding career down under download our Doctor's Guide to Living & Working In Australia today or contact us to chat with one of our experienced career consultants.
By Hayley Nault 18 Dec, 2023
Continuing professional development (CPD) for medical professionals is changing. From January 2024, all doctors registered with AHPRA, with a few notable exceptions, will no longer be able to self-manage their CPD and must join an AMC-accredited ‘CPD Home’. With this in mind, our friends at Osler have developed a high-quality customer-centric portfolio to help you meet your obligations. Packed with time-saving tools and clinically relevant learning, Osler is also the most cost-effective option available. Doctors registered with Elective Recruitment can, for a limited time, access a discounted price of $199 ex GST - a further saving of $50 on their already incredible price. Just go to oslercommunity.com/register and enter the enter code ELECTIVE2024 when you pay. Why choose Osler? Seamless CPD tracking: Osler captures your learning activities, saving time and ensuring accurate records. Quality content: Osler offers exceptional curated resources to deliver clinically relevant learning experiences tailored to your practice Unbeatable value: At just $249 ex GST, Osler is the most cost-effective CPD Home option in the market. Complete your CPD requirements effortlessly, affordably and with a minimum of fuss. For more information, visit https://oslercpdhome.com.au The Elective Recruitment team is here to support your career journey. If you have any questions about the transition to the new CPD regulations, don't hesitate to contact us at hello@elective.com.au
By Hayley Nault 17 Nov, 2023
Great news for doctors looking to move to Australia! The Australian government is implementing major changes to its employer-sponsored skilled visa program. The changes, which will commence on the 25th of November 2023 (subject to legislative approval), are designed to make it easier for skilled migrants to obtain permanent residency in Australia.  Key Changes to Employer-Sponsored Skilled Visas Removing the limit on the number of short-term Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visas employees can apply for: Short-term TSS visa holders can currently apply for only one additional short-term TSS visa in Australia. From 25 November 2023, the Government plans to remove this limit. Employees with TSS visas expiring before that date will need to travel outside Australia to lodge a third short-term-stream TSS application. Expanding eligibility for the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS): Eligibility for Permanent Residence under the ENS TRT stream will no longer be dependent on a skilled occupation list and particular visa stream. • doctors holding TSS visas in all streams including the short-term and labour agreement streams will be eligible • the occupation will not need to be on a skilled occupation list, all occupations listed in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANSZCO) will be eligible The work experience requirement in Australia for the sponsoring employer on a TSS visa will be reduced from three to two years. This will allow doctors holding a TSS visa to apply for permanent residency after two years of work in Australia. Reducing the age exemption for regional Medical Practitioners and high-income earners: Changes will be made to age limit waivers for regional medical practitioner applicants and high-income earning applicants aged 45 years and over to allow for a two-year pathway. Changes to the Direct Entry stream for permanent residence and non-employer-sponsored permanent skilled visas are yet to be announced. For more information click here Navigating the Changes As these changes come into effect, employers and skilled migrants must stay informed and seek guidance from experienced immigration professionals. Elective Recruitment is committed to providing expert advice through our migration partners to support doctors migrating to Australia, to ensure a smooth and successful transition under the new regulations. If you are a doctor looking for job opportunities in Australia, to find out more about how Elective Recruitment can guide you through the job search, registration and relocation process reach out to us today here .
By Emma Gordon 18 Oct, 2019
​We are delighted to announce that our new website is now LIVE!​After months of hard work and dedication, we are excited to officially announce the launch of...
By Emma Gordon 16 Oct, 2019
​Work-life balance is an equilibrium between work, family and personal commitments, and it is unique to all of us. It is the division of time and energy betw...
By Rebecca Plaza 10 Oct, 2019
​The team at Elective Recruitment have committed to a ‘year of no fear’ in the first 12 months as a start-up! That means embracing change, seeking out new re...
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