SHOs using locum opportunities to step up into Medical Registrar roles

Are you an SHO with medical experience? If so, have you thought about stepping up into a Medical Registrar role?

A growing trend in New Zealand's medical profession is the upskilling and multi-skilling of Senior House Officers (SHOs) by taking on locum roles in medical registrar (Med Reg) positions. Not only does this offer immediate advantages to the health sector, but also provides numerous benefits to you. These benefits span across various aspects of your career – including professional growth, financial gain, and personal development.

Expanding responsibilities and empowerment:

The first major benefit is an increased level of responsibility. SHOs stepping up into Med Reg roles undertake tasks traditionally outside their scope of work, however in some hospital the step between SHO and REG is minimal and though you will gain more responsibility this should be seen as daunting prospect and a reason not to take the next step in advancing your career. In taking the step you will become more involved in managing and coordinating patient care, providing you with opportunities to develop skills in decision-making, team leadership, and patient management.

Taking on more responsibility can also lead to greater empowerment, enhancing your self-confidence and increasing job satisfaction. With this confidence, SHOs can bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to your team, which may ultimately contribute to improvements in patient care.

Broadening skill sets and clinical acumen:

In a Med Reg locum role, you will be exposed to a broader range of clinical scenarios and specialties, which promotes the diversification of your skill set. This exposure can improve your diagnostic abilities, patient management skills, and procedural competencies.

Not only will you learn to deal with a greater variety of conditions, but you will also gain a more in-depth understanding of complex diseases. This holistic and hands-on learning experience can lead to enhanced clinical acumen, enriching your professional competence and paving the way for future career progression.

Financial rewards and flexibility:

Med Reg locum roles roles offer improved financial benefits compared to SHO roles. This increased remuneration reflects the additional responsibilities taken in these positions. It's not just about the money, though. Working as a locum also offers flexibility. Locums can choose when and where they work, allowing you to balance your work and personal life better, reduce burnout, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Networking and career opportunities:

Working in a Med Reg locum role often means interacting with a wider range of medical professionals and healthcare teams. This increased interaction can lead to valuable networking opportunities, potentially opening doors to future job prospects and fostering career advancement. Locums can gain insights into different hospital systems, specialties, and ways of working, giving you a competitive edge when applying for registrar or consultant posts.

Building resilience and adaptability:

Taking on a Med Reg locum role can be challenging and SHOs must adapt quickly to new environments and teams. However, these challenges can be beneficial, strengthening your resilience and adaptability—essential traits in the ever-changing and demanding field of healthcare.

SHO doctors taking on Med Reg locum roles in New Zealand are set to gain multifaceted benefits. With opportunities propelling you towards a richer, more diverse professional experience, underpinned by the expansion of responsibilities, skill acquisition, and financial gain.

As such, it's an investment worth considering if you are eager to advance your career and contribute more substantially to New Zealand's health sector.

If you are interested in locuming as a Medical Registrar in New Zealand, register for a chat with one of our team.