Get to know your colleagues

You may be working with junior as well as senior colleagues. Find out what role your colleagues have so you know the best person to contact if you need them.

Be careful if you’re delegating tasks to others and be mindful of the GMC’s guidance on delegation. If you delegate to someone else, you need to be satisfied this is appropriate, and that they are competent to do what you’ve asked.

Similarly, if tasks are delegated to you, work within the limits of your competence and experience. Don’t be pressured into doing anything you’re not happy with.

Be friendly and polite, particularly to the nursing and other support staff. How you treat them and how they respond to you can make all the difference when you’re working as a locum.

Clear up after yourself rather than leaving a mess for someone else to deal with, and don’t be afraid to ask if you’re not sure about something.

Stay on top of your learning

Although you may not be working in a single specialty and you may not have postgraduate exams to do, it’s still important to keep your knowledge and skills up to date and engage in professional development. You should have a responsible officer – make sure you know who this is and continue with your annual appraisals to allow you to revalidate.

You may not have the same opportunities for continuing professional development (CPD) as you would in a training post or any protected time for teaching. We offer free e-learning courses and you can also make the most of our guides, webinars and our CPD courses with preferential rates for members.

The e-learning for healthcare website is also available to NHS employees.

What you need to know about being a locum

What you need to know about being a locum