August Rotation – Your Questions Answered
August rotation is here!
Offering the chance to discover and learn about different fields of medicine and healthcare, August rotation is the perfect time to broaden your horizons. With a wide array of specialities available across the whole of the UK, we’re here to help; whether you’re looking to gain more experience in a speciality you’ve loved, or want to try your hand at something new, we’re here to help.
If you’re still considering your options for a year out of training, or are considering a career change to flexible working, we’ve put together a handy list of answers to commonly asked questions to help guide you through everything you need to know, from how you can secure a job to what to expect when you start.
How do I secure a job?
Your dedicated recruitment specialist works on your behalf, applying for the available positions that you’d like to undertake, as well as speaking to hospitals you’re interested in to see if they have available jobs coming up.
Communication and speed is key in this part of the process, as we always like to confirm you’re happy to be submitted to a job before we send them your CV, as if approved, hospitals have an expectation that they’re going to be seeing you working with them very soon!
What’s the shortest and longest contract I will likely get?
If you’re looking for full time work, many hospitals may book 1 month at a time on rolling contracts, others can book you for up to 6 months. If you’re looking for ad hoc shifts, you can even book a day at a time!
How do I get paid?
Every hospital is different; and whenever you’re booked into a new position, your dedicated recruitment specialist will be able to give you a full breakdown of how you’ll be paid and it will be on your confirmation email as well.
What do I do if I need to call in sick?
As soon as you feel like you won’t be able to make it in to work, please call and email your recruitment specialist, as well as making contact with the department you’re working in directly. It is important you let both the agency and the hospital know you won’t be able to go to work.
Do I need insurance?
Whenever you work within the NHS, you’re covered by the crown on a very basic level. It is, however, recommended you get indemnity insurance with one of the main providers. As an agency, we are unable to refer you to anyone for this.
What can I expect on my first day/week?
You should receive reporting instructions, either as part of your confirmation, or before you attend work for the first day from your recruitment specialist. On arrival at the hospital, you should have an induction, where the systems they use will be explained, and your line manager pointed out. If you have any questions about where to go, or you get lost when you arrive, you can always call your recruitment specialist, who will try and get you some directions!
Why should I start my appraisal feedback early?
Anyone working through their Foundation Training will have been working towards their ARCP throughout their different rotations, and working closely with their educational supervisor. You’re steered in the right direction, to keep up your education and career development. When working as a locum, your agency is your support network, but you are the one responsible when it comes to collecting feedback from patients and colleagues throughout the year. This can be daunting if left till the last minute, but done bit by bit, is extremely manageable.
As part of my appraisal, I’ll need CPD points, can ID Medical help?
Yes! If you need to gain more CPD points as part of your revalidation, we have an exciting range of CPD-Accredited courses, specifically designed to streamline the revalidation process at our very own ID Medical Academy. Run by trained staff and partners, all our courses are delivered online for comfort, safety and ease.
I’ve missed August rotation, is it too late to register?
Absolutely not. We still have a huge choice of positions available all across the UK. We also find that each year, a number of trainees find that their new posts aren’t right for them, at which point we are on hand to help fill these roles if they withdraw. This means we’re likely to see roles coming out over the coming months.
You can also contact us if you need any further guidance and, we’re also running a fantastic Refer a Friend to during your FY3 for those of you pursing an FY3 year as part of your August rotation! Easy to refer and easy to earn, you could earn the following amounts for every Doctor you refer to support the NHS!
SHO – £250
SpR – £350
Consultant – £500
Do you know anyone we could help? Please get in touch!