Transitioning Back to Permanent Roles After Years as a Locum

Working as a locum doctor offers freedom, flexibility, and diverse experience across healthcare settings but for many, there comes a time when the appeal of stability and routine makes a permanent role the next logical step. Whether it’s for professional development, family life, or long-term career planning, moving back into a permanent position after years of locum work can be both exciting and challenging.

Here’s how to navigate this transition smoothly, strengthen your CV, and approach negotiations with confidence.

Understanding the Challenges

Returning to a permanent role after years as a locum can present several obstacles not due to lack of skill, but because the mindset and work style of locum life differ from long-term employment.

1. Adjusting to structure and routine:
Locum work often comes with flexible schedules and autonomy. Permanent roles, however, involve regular hours, established teams, and organisational structures that require adjustment.

2. Perception of commitment:
Some employers may worry that former locums prefer flexibility over long-term stability. Addressing this directly in interviews by highlighting your motivation for returning to a permanent role can reassure employers of your dedication.

3. Administrative and governance requirements:
Permanent contracts often involve additional responsibilities such as audits, committee work, and leadership duties. Being ready to engage in these broader organisational tasks demonstrates readiness for the shift.

How to Pitch Your CV

Your locum experience is an asset. It shows adaptability, clinical competence, and exposure to a wide range of patients and systems. However, presenting it effectively on your CV requires focus.

1. Emphasise continuity and depth:
Group similar locum roles together under broader headings such as “GP Locum — HSE & Private Practices (2018–2025)” and list key responsibilities and achievements. Highlight areas where you worked for extended periods, showing commitment and consistency.

2. Showcase transferable skills:
Locum work develops valuable skills from quick decision-making to cultural adaptability. Emphasise teamwork, communication, and the ability to integrate smoothly into different clinical environments.

3. Quantify achievements:
Whenever possible, include metrics such as “Supported a patient list of 2,000+ during peak flu season” or “Delivered continuity of care across five regional practices.” Quantifiable results add credibility.

4. Include CPD and certifications:
Employers value continued professional development. Include all recent training, CPD courses, or specialist certifications obtained during locum assignments to demonstrate your ongoing commitment to excellence.

Negotiating the Transition

Negotiating a permanent contract after years of locum work requires a balanced approach.

1. Know your worth:
Locum doctors are used to competitive daily rates. While permanent salaries may seem lower at first glance, remember they often include pension contributions, paid leave, study budgets, and job security. Compare the full compensation package rather than the base salary alone.

2. Prioritise work-life balance:
If flexibility was what drew you to locum work, consider negotiating elements like compressed hours, part-time options, or remote admin days to retain some of that balance.

3. Communicate your value:
Highlight how your locum experience has enhanced your clinical judgement and adaptability. Traits that make you a stronger permanent team member.

4. Clarify expectations:
Ask about career progression, mentorship, and performance reviews before signing a contract. This ensures your transition aligns with long-term goals.

Mindset Shift: From Independent to Integrated

One of the biggest changes when returning to permanent work is shifting from the independence of locum life to becoming part of a long-term team.

• Reconnect with team culture: Take time to build relationships and understand your new organisation’s values and routines.
• Embrace continuity: Instead of rotating frequently, focus on building patient rapport and contributing to long-term care plans.
• Seek growth opportunities: Use the stability of a permanent role to pursue leadership positions, research, or further training.

Final Thoughts

Transitioning back to a permanent role after years as a locum is a significant career step, one that offers stability, growth, and renewed purpose. By reframing your experience as an advantage, presenting a well-structured CV, and approaching negotiations strategically, you can position yourself as a highly desirable candidate.

Whether you’re exploring GP partnerships, hospital consultant posts, or HSE positions, Locum Express can help guide your journey connecting experienced locum doctors with permanent opportunities that align with their long-term career goals.

Get in touch with our dedicated team as we nurture a community in which locums can flourish and extend exceptional care to their patients. For more information on any of our roles contact a member of our Locum Express team on +353 (0)21 4297901 or email us at info@locumexpress.ie. You can also register online here.