Did you know that medical radiation technologists are also known as ‘med rad techs’? The name definitely suits the job in several ways. You’re a medical imaging specialist who takes diagnostic images that doctors and other healthcare professionals use to make more informed treatment decisions for patients. In fact, exploratory surgeries and invasive procedures are a lot less common today thanks to highly accurate medical imaging technologies. If that isn’t rad, we don’t know what is!
What’s especially exciting is that as a locum medical radiation technologist in New Zealand, you can do all this and travel. Medical radiation technologists are in high demand across the country, so you can work as many hours as you want without having to commit to a single employer.
As a locum medical radiation technologist in New Zealand, you can travel from one community to another on contracts that you choose, and take time off when you need it. In this blog, we’ll explain what locum work in New Zealand consists of and why it can be a game-changer for your career.
What Does a Locum Medical Radiation Technologist in New Zealand Do?
In terms of daily responsibilities, your day won’t be a lot different from that of a permanent employee. Using your considerable skill and unique knowledge, you capture the images that doctors and other healthcare providers need to make an accurate diagnosis.
You might start your day moving from one hospital floor to the next, carrying out portable exams, only to be called away to a trauma patient with a broken leg. No two shifts (or for that matter, two patients) are completely alike, and sometimes you have to find creative ways to get the best images. Although things can get extremely hectic at times, you get to do two things you love the most: help people and work in the medical field.
The main difference between an employed and locum medical radiation technologist in New Zealand is that you are an independent contractor. Instead of being assigned shifts and obligated to work some holidays, you decide which contracts you want to accept. You could spend two months filling in for an absent hospital employee in Auckland before working three months at a busy clinic in Tauranga.
When you need a break or have an important obligation coming up, it’s a simple matter of declining further contracts until you’re ready to start working again. Unlike an employee, you don’t have to get your manager’s approval or find someone to cover your shifts before you can visit your loved ones or take time off. If you’ve always wanted to work and travel in New Zealand, being a locum can make both happen.
What Are the Advantages of Being a Locum Medical Radiation Technologist in New Zealand?
There are several benefits to being a self-employed medical radiation technologist. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most important advantages below.
Financial Benefits of Locum Work in New Zealand
The pay is great and the work is steady, but that’s not all. As a locum, you’re taxed as an independent contractor or corporation (depending on what business entity you choose), and many of your expenses can be written off, leaving you with more money to apply toward remaining school debt- or your next vacation overseas!
If you’re approaching retirement and looking to scale back, locum work in New Zealand can help you keep your skills current and supplement your income while working at a more relaxed pace. Many senior medical radiation technologists embrace locum work as a way to finally control when, where, and how they work.
Freedom to Travel
The biggest downside to being an in-house medical radiation technologist is the hours. During staff shortages you can find yourself dealing with a tight schedule and long hours, neither of which leave you much time to enjoy your life outside the hospital or clinic. You’ve probably wondered if you always have to make a choice between your personal life and professional obligations.
The good news is that you don’t! One of the most appealing aspects of locum work is the freedom to explore different parts of the country, meeting new people and experiencing new adventures. In addition to trying out different practice settings, being a locum medical radiation technologist in New Zealand allows you to explore a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities across the country- while you collect a paycheque!
Historically, travel was more attractive to younger techs who were just beginning their careers, but in recent years locum tenens assignments have become more appealing to experienced professionals interested in exploring the country and expanding their skills.
Career Flexibility
A better work-life balance comes from choosing when, where, and how much you work. If your energy and enthusiasm have been affected by long hours and lack of free time, being a locum medical radiation technologist in New Zealand lets you create a schedule that’s more realistic and rewarding.
Exposure to Different Work Settings
Medical radiation technologists are in demand everywhere, from remote clinics to ultra-busy hospitals. When you work in different facilities, you gain experience in a wider range of technologies and serve patients you might otherwise have never encountered. Additionally, locum tenens assignments give you the opportunity to make a difference in areas that are severely underserved or do not have access to healthcare.
Find Locum Work in New Zealand Today!
As a medical radiation technologist, your skills are essential to providing the highest level of medical services throughout New Zealand. If you have the accreditation and have always wanted to travel, why not combine the two and work while you see everything New Zealand has to offer? Additionally, you can choose when you want to work, so if you need some time off for family, vacation, or anything else, you can easily take it. To learn more about being a locum medical radiation technologist in New Zealand, call 0800776634 or visit promedhr.co.nz.
