Locum nurse jobs

Locum Nurse jobs: frequently asked questions

Welcome to our Locum Nurse jobs page, featuring all the latest Locum Nurse roles throughout the UK, as well as frequently asked questions below.

What is a Locum Nurse?

A Locum Nurse is essentially a temporary Nurse, who covers the duties of another Nurse. A Locum Nurse can work within any nursing discipline. Locum Nurses are often referred to as Agency Nurses – but may also work through an NHS Trust’s bank.

Roles are available in a hospital or community setting, either in the NHS or privately. Locum Nurses can also work in GP surgeries, prisons, schools, community health centres and care homes.

What are the daily duties of a Locum Nurses?

The duties of a Locum Nurse mirror those of any other Registered Nurse, and may broadly include:

• Managing patient care plans

• Recording patient conditions

• Administering medication

• Working with doctors on assessments and treatments

• Communicating with patients’ families

• Preparing hospital discharges

A Locum role typically offers a good deal of flexibility, giving you the freedom to work shifts and shift patterns that fit around your lifestyle.

What qualifications do you need to become a Locum Nurse?

To become a Locum Nurse you need to be registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) – for which you need a recognised nursing degree. Relevant degrees are available in any of these four core areas: adult, child, mental health and learning disabilities.

Courses generally last 3 years, unless you study part-time or choose to take an apprenticeship.

Normally, Locum Nurses begin their career in a full-time position, which offers a good opportunity to build up experience and contacts that will greatly improve your prospects as a Locum Nurse. However, it is possible to begin working as a Locum Nurse as soon as you qualify.

How much do Locum Nurses earn?

Anecdotally at least, it’s often said that Locum Nurses earn better rates of pay than full-time Nurses. And according to data from online job boards, this may be true.

The average hourly rate of a Locum Nurse is £27.50 – which equates to an annual salary of more than £50,000. This is substantially more than the average salary of a full-time Nurse in the NHS.

However, Locum Nurse pay rates must be taken with a pinch of salt. A full-time role within the NHS offers excellent benefits, and to be a successful Locum Nurse you will need to be able to find roles to fill your schedule constantly.

Find your next Locum Nurse job today

View our latest roles above, or if you can’t find what you’re looking for, create an account and register your CV here and we’ll send you the latest roles as soon as they arise.