You may have noticed that the number of nurses stepping away from permanent positions to take on locum roles is increasing. But is locum work all it's cracked up to be? Could a permanent nursing job be the most beneficial position right now? Should you stay put or change?

If you're stuck between a rock and a hard place, you can stop worrying because I'm going to explain why permanent nursing might be the best decision you make all year...

What does being 'permanent' actually mean?

If you take on a permanent nursing role, it means you're in a long-term position that is secured by a contract. This means the employee and the employer have security in the job and there is no pre-determined end date.

Why should you go permanent?

This type of nursing role typically comes with a huge range of benefits, especially when working within the NHS. Along with a stable salary (that usually increases year on year, I might add), you will receive paid holiday that can range from 20 to 25 days, plus bank holidays. Think about it, you'll still be getting paid when you're visiting family, playing a round of golf or while lying on the beach sipping cocktails...

Good luck getting that as a locum!

Thanks to your permanent position, you can also say hello to a great pension scheme that will help you save for the future, which can only mean more golf, beaches and cocktails, right?

Lots of employers will also offer permanent employees continuing professional training and development. Many will even pay for nurses to have their qualifications and registrations renewed. You might not get that level of assistance with improving your skills as a locum nurse.

What are the main differences between locum and perm roles?

Locum roles are usually short-term, temporary roles that are used for cover of holidays, sickness, maternity/paternity leave and short-staffed teams etc. They are more flexible than permanent nursing roles but don't offer the same level of security or benefits.

Permanent roles are contract-based and can vary between full and part-time positions. As a permanent employee, you'll have long-term stability and much more room for career progression.

Where can you work as a permanent nurse?

Looking for a permanent position won't usually put a limit on where you can work. You may be based at one or a cluster of hospitals, clinics or surgeries. Permanent nurses can find jobs in both the NHS and the private healthcare sector.

If you're not keen on working in a new location or overseas, or you don't currently live in the UK, fear not. It's often the case with permanent positions that companies will contribute towards your relocation fees, and may even offer short-term, free accommodation. If you like the sound of moving but feel concerned about securing a position before you do, going permanent can be a great way to calm those nerves and help with the cost!

The Your World Healthcare Perm Team is here for you...

Our team of specialist permanent nursing recruiters is growing week on week, which means more amazing working opportunities for you! We're able to supply to 280 NHS Trusts and CCGs, and work directly with 338 private healthcare organisations within the UK. That's a lot of nursing roles - in fact, it's more than any other healthcare agency in the country!

To find your next permanent nursing job with Your World Healthcare, give Charlotte Lock a call on 020 3751 5992 or email her directly at [email protected]