Registration & Qualifications

1. Do I need to be registered with AHPRA to work through JPS Medical Recruitment?

Yes. All nurses placed by JPS Medical Recruitment must hold current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) — either as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Enrolled Nurse (EN). If your registration has lapsed or you are returning to practice, you will need to reinstate it with AHPRA before we can place you in a role.

 

2. What is the difference between a Registered Nurse (RN) and an Enrolled Nurse (EN), and do you recruit both?

Yes, we recruit both. A Registered Nurse (RN) holds a Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent and works autonomously, including supervising ENs. An Enrolled Nurse (EN) holds a Diploma of Nursing and works under the supervision of an RN. Both can access locum and contract opportunities through JPS, though role availability varies by facility and specialty.

 

Roles & Specialties

3. What nursing specialties does JPS Medical Recruitment place?

We recruit nurses across a broad range of specialties, including:

• • Emergency (ED)
  • Intensive Care (ICU/HDU)
  • Operating Theatre (scrub/scout/anaesthetics)
  • Midwifery
  • Paediatrics
  • Mental health
  • Aged care
  • Community and primary health
  • Oncology
  • Perioperative

If your specialty isn't listed, contact us. We recruit across acute, sub-acute, community, aged care, and primary healthcare settings throughout Australia.

 

4. Do you recruit for both public and private hospitals?

Yes. JPS places nurses into public health systems — including NSW Health, QLD Health, WA Health, SA Health, VIC Health, ACT Health, and NT Health — as well as private providers such as Bupa and Baptcare. We also recruit for aged care and community health organisations across regional, rural, and remote Australia.

 

5. What types of roles are available?

JPS specialises in the locum market. We place nurses into block contracts typically ranging from 4 to 12 weeks in length. Many contracts extend beyond the initial block, and we work with nurses to secure opportunities throughout the year. This model suits nurses who want to work for most of the year as well as those with more varied or flexible availability.

 

6. Why do nurses choose locum and contract nursing?

Many nurses choose locum and contract work because it offers greater flexibility, higher earning potential, the opportunity to travel, and exposure to different clinical environments. Contract nursing can also be an effective way to explore regional and remote Australia while maintaining continuous employment throughout the year.

 

7. Do I need rural or remote experience to work in a contract nursing role?

Not always. Requirements vary depending on the facility, specialty, and location. Some hospitals prefer previous rural or remote experience, while others will consider nurses with strong metropolitan backgrounds who can demonstrate the ability to work with a degree of clinical independence. In regional and remote settings, nurses are often expected to manage a broader scope of presentations with less immediate specialist support than in a metropolitan hospital. Your JPS consultant can match you to opportunities that suit your experience level.

 

Pay & Conditions

8. How does pay work for locum and contract nurses?

Locum and contract nurses engaged through JPS are paid on an hourly or daily rate, which includes a loading to account for the absence of permanent entitlements such as leave. Rates vary by specialty, location, and facility type. Regional and remote roles generally attract higher rates and may include additional allowances. JPS will provide a clear rate breakdown before you accept any role.

 

9. How much can nurses earn in locum or contract roles?

Rates vary depending on specialty, experience, location, and facility type. Regional and remote contracts often attract higher rates than metropolitan roles and may include accommodation, travel assistance, or other benefits. Your JPS consultant can provide indicative rates for roles that match your profile before you commit to anything.

 

10. Do you provide accommodation for contract nurses?

Accommodation is arranged by the facility, not JPS directly. Some facilities provide accommodation as part of the contract, while others offer an accommodation allowance or subsidised housing. Arrangements vary by role and location and will be confirmed before you accept a position.

 

11. Are there additional benefits for working in regional or remote locations?

Often yes. Regional and remote roles frequently offer:

• • Higher base rates or location allowances
  • Accommodation provided or subsidised by the facility
  • Travel and relocation assistance
  • Salary packaging (particularly in public health and not-for-profit settings)

Specific entitlements depend on the facility and role. JPS will confirm what is included before placement.

 

12. Does JPS charge nurses a fee? No. JPS Medical Recruitment does not charge nurses a fee to register, be represented, or be placed. Our fees are paid by the employer or facility.

 

How JPS Works

13. What mandatory training and compliance documents do I need before starting a contract?

Most facilities require nurses to hold current evidence of mandatory training before commencing a contract. Standard requirements typically include:

• • CPR/BLS (Basic Life Support)
  • Manual handling
  • Fire safety
  • Infection control
  • Medication management (depending on specialty)

To help nurses keep their training and compliance up to date, JPS provides all registered nurses with free access to myHealthPD — an online platform covering a broad range of mandatory training modules. Your JPS consultant will confirm the specific requirements for each role before you start.

 

14. What happens if a contract ends early or doesn't extend?

Contracts can end early or not extend for a range of reasons — changes in facility staffing levels, patient census fluctuations, or budget adjustments. If this happens, JPS will work with you promptly to identify the next available opportunity. Nurses who maintain current compliance documents and are flexible on location are typically placed again quickly. We work with nurses to build year-round availability where possible, so a contract ending is a transition rather than a gap.

 

15. How do I register with JPS Medical Recruitment?

You can register via our website or contact our nursing team directly. You'll need to provide:

• • Current AHPRA registration certificate
  • Updated CV including employment history and specialties
  • Evidence of mandatory training (e.g. CPR, manual handling, infection control)
  • Two professional referees

Once registered, a consultant will contact you to discuss your preferences, availability, and suitable roles.

 

16. How quickly can I start working after registering?

This depends on the facility's onboarding requirements and your compliance documents. For locum roles, experienced nurses with current AHPRA registration and up-to-date mandatory training can often be placed within one to two weeks.

 

17. Can I choose which states or cities I work in?

Yes. JPS will always confirm the location and role with you before sending your details to any facility. You will never be put forward for a position without your knowledge and consent. In the locum market, the more willing to travel you are, the wider the range of opportunities available to you. Nurses open to working across multiple states or remote locations typically have more consistent year-round availability.

18. Can I work interstate as a nurse?

Yes. Nurses registered with AHPRA can work anywhere in Australia, subject to individual employer credentialing requirements. JPS recruits for locum and contract opportunities across all states and territories, including regional, rural, and remote locations.

 

19. What if I want to try a regional or remote posting?

Regional, rural, and remote placements are the core of what JPS does. Many nurses use locum contracts to experience different parts of Australia before deciding where they want to settle long term. Block contracts of 4–12 weeks are a practical way to trial a location, and many contracts extend for nurses who are a good fit for the facility. JPS can advise on what to expect in terms of workload, accommodation, and lifestyle before you accept a role.

 

Common Questions

20. I've been out of the workforce for a period. Can you still help me?

Depending on how long you've been away, you will need to reinstate your AHPRA registration before JPS can place you. Beyond registration, the facilities JPS works with are typically facing staffing shortages and require nurses who can practise with confidence and minimal supervision from day one. For this reason, recent clinical experience is important — both for patient safety and for your own confidence returning to practice. If you have been away for an extended period, a return-to-practice program through AHPRA may be the right first step before pursuing locum work.

 

21. I'm currently employed permanently. Can I take locum work on the side?

This depends on your employment contract and award conditions. Some nurses work locum blocks alongside their permanent role, particularly during periods of leave or rostered days off. Before registering for locum work, check your contract for any restrictions on secondary employment and confirm that your professional indemnity insurance covers work outside your primary employer. JPS can discuss how to structure your availability around your existing commitments.

 

22. How is JPS different from other nursing agencies?

JPS Medical Recruitment is a specialist medical recruitment agency focused exclusively on healthcare. Our core focus is placing nurses into locum and contract roles in regional, rural, and remote Australia — connecting nurses seeking block contracts with facilities that need experienced, reliable staff. We have been operating since 2012, hold ISO 9001 certification, and are a Corporate Member of the RCSA. We work with major public health clients across every state and territory, as well as leading private providers.

 

Have a question not answered here? Contact our nursing team directly at nursing@jpsrecruit.com.au or call us on +61 (0) 7 3071 9388.