Mandatory training
As a new employee you will be required to complete certain mandatory training as part of your “onboarding”. Any training/qualification that was not a requirement to apply for the job must be done in paid time. This can either be in the form of time during your working week or as overtime.
If there has been training that you were directed to do before starting or in your own time you are entitled to be paid for that and you should claim it on your first timesheet as overtime. It is important that you make the claim, we cannot follow up on the non-payment until you do.
Annual leave
As an intern your health service has likely already given you a schedule for when they want you to take annual leave for the next 12 months. If you are happy with that then there is no action required.
However, if you have a significant personal event or a specific time you want to take off then it is important that you inform Medical Workforce this week. Under your employment Agreement you are entitled to leave at a time that is agreed between yourself and the health service, this means that neither party can dictate when leave will be taken. The health service has an additional obligation in that they cannot “unreasonably withhold” their agreement. So, the sooner you get your written request in the harder it will be for them to reasonably refuse.
NB: You must give 6 weeks’ notice in writing of you intention to take leave.
Week one, rotation one: Getting started with confidence
Week one of your first rotation can feel exciting and overwhelming in equal measure. You are learning new systems, new teams and new expectations, often all at once. A little preparation can make a big difference. Reviewing our Internship To-Do List will help ensure you are work ready and have covered the essentials before you start. To support you further, we have also pulled together three practical tips to help you settle in and start strong.
Be on Time
Arriving on time is one of the simplest ways to make a great first impression. If it’s your first time at a new hospital or department, plan ahead and consider doing a practice run to ensure you won’t get lost or delayed.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Intern life means long hours on your feet, so choose footwear that is both supportive and comfortable. This is not the time to break in new shoes—pick something you trust to get you through the day.
Understand Your Rights
Starting a new role means you may need more time to complete tasks while learning the ropes. If you require extra time, remember you’re entitled to overtime pay. Medicine follows an apprenticeship model - you’re learning on the job, and that’s expected. If you encounter any issues, reach out to us for support.