A Comprehensive Guide for Locum Doctors in NSW

24/01/2025

Locum work provides doctors with the flexibility to work in different healthcare settings, gain diverse experience, and enjoy greater control over their schedules. If you are considering working as a locum doctor in New South Wales (NSW), it’s essential to understand the requirements, benefits, and processes involved. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about being a locum doctor in NSW.

🚀 Why Work as a Locum Doctor in NSW?

NSW is home to a vast and dynamic healthcare system, offering locum doctors opportunities across metropolitan hospitals, regional centers, and remote locations. Some key benefits of locum work in NSW include:

• Flexibility: Choose when and where you work to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Higher Pay Rates: Locum positions often offer competitive hourly rates compared to permanent roles.
• Diverse Experience: Gain exposure to various medical specialties, hospital systems, and patient demographics.
• Opportunities in Regional and Rural Areas: Many locum doctors are needed in rural NSW, where the demand for healthcare professionals is high.

📋 Requirements to Work as a Locum Doctor in NSW

Before you start working as a locum doctor in NSW, you must meet specific requirements and complete the necessary credentialing processes.

1. Medical Registration

All locum doctors must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and hold an general registration with the Medical Board of Australia.

Medlo Tip: If you’re an IMG (International Medical Graduate), you’ll start with provisional registration before progressing to general registration after meeting AHPRA's requirements.

Provisional vs. General Registration with AHPRA

• Provisional Registration 🩺
  • For medical graduates who haven’t yet completed their internship.
  • Required to undertake supervised practice (e.g., an internship or AMC exams).
  • A stepping stone to full registration.
• General Registration ✅
  • Granted after completing an internship or meeting AHPRA’s full registration requirements.
  • Allows unrestricted medical practice in Australia.
  • No need for supervision.

2. New South Wales Health Credentialing

Doctors working in NSW Health facilities must complete the credentialing and scope of clinical practice process. This includes:

• Verification of qualifications and experience
• Provision of references and professional history
• Completing the necessary paperwork for different Local Health Districts (LHDs)

3. Medical Indemnity Insurance

Locum doctors are required to have appropriate medical indemnity insurance that covers their locum work in NSW. Policies should be obtained from reputable providers such as MDA National or Avant.

4. Working With Children Check (WWCC)

If you plan to work in hospitals or clinics that involve paediatric care, you must complete a NSW Working With Children Check, which is valid for five years.

5. NSW Health Vaccination Compliance

To work in NSW public hospitals, you must provide evidence of mandatory immunisations, including:

• Hepatitis B
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
• Varicella (Chickenpox)
• Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
• COVID-19 (as per current health requirements)

6. National Police Check and Other Clearances

Many hospitals require locum doctors to provide a National Police Check (NPC) and may also request a NSW Health Compliance Certificate before approving their shifts.

🔎 Finding Locum Work in NSW

Locum doctors in NSW have a variety of options when it comes to finding work. Medlo provides a dedicated job board featuring locum opportunities across metropolitan, regional, and rural locations, making it easy for doctors to find roles that suit their preferences and availability.

1. Explore Opportunities with Medlo's Job Board

• Medlo’s job board regularly updates with locum opportunities across NSW, covering major hospitals and clinics.
• Coastal locations for locum work include Batemans Bay, Moruya and Coffs Harbour, and regional centers such as Tamworth and Goulburn, where demand for locum doctors remains high.
• Rural areas like Broken Hill and Wagga Wagga offer higher pay rates and additional incentives such as accommodation and travel allowances.

2. Take Advantage of Medlo’s Commission Sharing Initiative

• If you already have an established relationship with a hospital in NSW, you can return there and still benefit financially.
• Doctors who organise their own shifts directly with hospitals can receive up to 30% of Medlo’s commission back through our unique Commission Sharing Initiative.
• This means more money in your pocket while maintaining autonomy over your schedule.

3. Direct Arrangements with Hospitals

• Many hospitals in NSW prefer to rehire locum doctors they have worked with before.
• If a hospital reaches out to you for a shift that’s not listed on Medlo, you can confirm the booking directly and still qualify for commission sharing by informing us of the arrangement.

By leveraging Medlo’s job board and commission sharing initiative, you can maximise your locum opportunities while earning higher rates and maintaining control over your schedule.

💵 Pay Rates for Locum Doctors in NSW

Locum pay rates vary depending on specialty, location, and experience. Below is a general guide for locum rates in NSW:

These figures are approximate and subject to negotiation based on demand and location.

🎯 Tips for Succeeding as a Locum Doctor

To maximise your locum experience and ensure smooth placements, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Stay Organised

• Keep your documents (AHPRA registration, Medicare numbers, medical indemnity insurance, police checks, etc.) up to date.
• Maintain a digital copy of all essential paperwork for quick access.

2. Be Flexible with Locations

• Regional and remote placements often offer higher pay and additional perks such as accommodation, hire car, flights and travel allowances.

3. Build Strong Relationships

• Establishing a good rapport with hospitals and recruitment agencies can lead to repeat placements and better opportunities.

4. Understand Your Contract and Pay Agreements

• Clarify the terms of your engagement, including rates, cancellation policies, and overtime pay.

5. Take Advantage of Commission Sharing

• Medlo offers a unique Commission Sharing Initiative where doctors who secure their own shifts can earn up to 30% of our commission back, increasing your overall income.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Working as a locum doctor in NSW provides excellent opportunities for flexibility, high earning potential, and diverse medical experience. By ensuring you meet all credentialing requirements, staying organised, and leveraging recruitment services like Medlo, you can make the most of your locum career.

If you’re ready to start your locum journey in NSW, sign up with Medlo today and let us help you find the best locum opportunities available!