While “travel nursing” may dominate discussions in healthcare staffing, “locum tenens” offers equally promising opportunities, particularly for advanced nurse practitioners (NPs) looking to broaden their career horizons. Derived from Latin, locum tenens translates to “substitute,” and it encompasses temporary work opportunities for healthcare providers, including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physicians. Unlike the typical 13-week contracts of travel nursing, locum tenens assignments can vary from as short as a day to as long as a year.
Navigating Locum Tenens NP Jobs
One of the first steps to starting a locum tenens career as a nurse practitioner is securing state licensing. Each state has its own set of licensing requirements and varying levels of autonomy for nurse practitioners. For instance, while states like Washington and Maine grant nurse practitioners independent practice rights, others like Georgia and North Carolina mandate supervision by a physician.
Demand and Specialization
Locum tenens opportunities for nurse practitioners are particularly abundant in states where nurse practitioners enjoy autonomy in practice and in rural communities. Primary care and behavioral health specialties are in high demand, with acute care nurse practitioners gaining traction, especially in light of recent healthcare challenges.
Flexibility in Schedule
One of the key attractions of working as a locum tenens nurse practitioner is the flexibility it offers. Unlike traditional staff roles, locum tenens positions allow you to dictate your schedule, whether you prefer working fewer days per week, avoiding holidays, or opting out of on-call duties. Many nurse practitioners also leverage locum tenens assignments to supplement their full-time positions, adding extra skills and income to their repertoire.
Earning Potential
Locum tenens nurse practitioners often enjoy higher pay rates compared to their employed counterparts, thanks to their specialized expertise and the urgent need they fill. Negotiating higher rates or additional compensation for extended contracts is not uncommon. Furthermore, locum tenens nurse practitioners typically receive compensation for overtime work, along with benefits such as paid housing, transportation, and sometimes even healthcare benefits.
Credentialing and Training
Transitioning into locum tenens work requires adapting to different electronic health records systems used by various facilities. Orientation is typically provided, ranging from a few hours to several days, and credentialing is facilitated by your recruiter prior to starting an assignment.
Patient Care and Professional Bonds
In terms of patient care, locum tenens nurse practitioners engage in similar clinical activities as their full-time counterparts, from conducting assessments and diagnosing to placing orders and forming patient bonds. Although temporary in nature, locum tenens assignments often allow for meaningful connections with patients and staff members alike, fostering a sense of fulfillment and camaraderie.
Adaptability and Collaboration
Working as a locum tenens nurse practitioner requires adaptability, especially when it comes to collaborating with support staff. Depending on the assignment, you may work alongside different healthcare professionals each day or even function as the sole provider in a clinical setting.
The surge in nurse practitioner supply over the past decade continues to drive an increase in demand for locum tenens nurse practitioners. With its myriad benefits, including flexibility, higher pay, and professional growth opportunities, locum tenens presents a compelling option for nurse practitioners seeking to expand their horizons and make a meaningful impact in healthcare delivery.
Make the Leap!
Ready to start your locum tenens journey as a nurse practitioner? Join the CrossMed team and discover all of the perks and benefits! Whether you’re seeking flexibility, higher earning potential, or professional growth, our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way. Get in touch with us today to explore locum tenens NP opportunities and travel with our team to new and exciting destinations in healthcare.