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AHP and HSS
Why Should an Allied Health Professional Consider Working as a Locum?
February 29, 2024
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3 minutes
As a locum physiotherapist, one of the most exciting aspects of your career is the opportunity to explore different specialties and carve out a career that is meaningful and authentic. Whether you're drawn to musculoskeletal therapy, neurology, respiratory, or paediatric physiotherapy, choosing your specialty is an important decision that can influence your career, and how you feel about your working day. Here's the Health Professionals guide to help you find your niche:
1. Focus on Your Interests and Passions:
Begin by reflecting on your interests, passions, and strengths as a physiotherapist. What aspects of your work do you find most fulfilling? Are there specific conditions or age groups you feel most passionate about helping? By identifying your interests and passions, you can narrow down the range of specialties so that you can find the niche that lights your inner fire.
2. Reflect on Your Skills and Experience:
Reflect on your clinical skills, experience, and competencies in different areas of physiotherapy. What patient populations have you worked with in the past? Which treatments and techniques are you confident in? Assessing your skills and experience can help you identify areas in which you feel self-assured and capable, and areas where you may need further development. You can also take a look at the various specialties within physiotherapy to explore what feels interesting to you, and the career opportunities within each field.
3. Network and Research:
Reach out to experienced physiotherapists and mentors within your network for guidance and advice. They can provide valuable insights into different specialties, share their own career journeys, and offer advice on how to make your decision.
5. Consider the Market:
Research factors such as job availability, salary potential, and the location of locum job vacancies so that you can feel reassured the specialty you want to follow is a feasible career path. Additionally, keep up to date with research, trends and techniques in your field, and any advances in physiotherapy technology.
7. Continued Professional Development:
Invest in your education to expand your skills and knowledge within your specialty. Look out for workshops, seminars, and conferences, engage in postgraduate studies, and adopt reflective practice in your work to continuously improve your competencies and stay up to date with the latest developments.
Ultimately, choosing your specialty as a locum physiotherapist should be a personal, thoughtful decision that considers your interests, skills, experiences, and career goals. By prioritising your passions, alongside gathering a realistic view of the locum physiotherapy landscape, you can create a career that you love.
Health Professionals are here 24/7, 365 days a year to help with your research, and are well-positioned to provide feedback and advice on your chosen specialty.