Working as a locum tenens nurse practitioner is a rewarding way to earn a competitive salary, travel the country, and gain invaluable professional experience at different facilities. This guide will explain more about the benefits of locum tenens work and offer tips for choosing NP locum tenens opportunities that work best for you.
What is locum tenens for nurse practitioners?
Locum tenens is a Latin phrase that means “to hold the place of.” In healthcare settings, a locum tenens nurse practitioner takes another full-time provider’s place during an absence or to fill an opening at a healthcare facility, due to things such as vacation and maternity leave and staff shortages. These temporary positions at can be as short as two weeks or last as long as one year, depending on the facility’s needs.
How do nurse practitioners use locum tenens in their careers?
NP locum tenens jobs are appealing for several reasons. Many nurse practitioners take assignments to supplement their income, and some like NP locum tenens jobs because they allow them to reduce their hours and ease into retirement.
Others, like Sasha Dunbar, a nurse practitioner based in South Carolina, prefers locum tenens because she enjoys more flexibility and a better work-life balance.
"I think I’ve had more vacation time since I started working as a locum than in any other job I’ve ever had,” Dunbar says.
Locum tenens nurse practitioner jobs can also help providers avoid burnout. Georgia NP Ann Summerlin says she stepped back from full-time work to have more control over her schedule.
“Working locums seemed like a good opportunity and a change. I have not worked full time since 2018, so I was doing a little bit of everything in an effort not to become burned out but still maintain some regular work,” she says. “This has been the only way for me to control my day, to really have some work-life balance.”
Exploring different locations through NP locum tenens jobs
For NP Katherine Allen, a Louisiana native, travel was a huge draw when evaluating NP locum tenens opportunities.
San Diego, California, has been a favorite assignment of hers.
“I love to hike and am a total beach bum. I could just lie on the beach all day every day,” Allen says. “I enjoy going to different museums, or if there are historical sites near where I’m living; I love to go check that stuff out.”
Expanding your clinical skills
Taking locum tenens nurse practitioner jobs has made Joy Sutton, an NP from Florida, a more well-rounded provider.
“It has added to my body of knowledge and the quality of care I give to my patients. I’ve learned different skill sets from different physicians who practice differently,” she says. “That’s where I do my most meaningful work. I travel, learn about the different cultures and serve them, and then I move on to the next assignment.”
Earning higher compensation as a locum tenens nurse practitioner
While you have to maintain a home and housing in another area for your assignment—and you may be buying new things at different locations or replacing items—Arizona NP Kelly Lueck appreciates her locum tenens NP salary.
Dunbar points out that she can travel without guilt due to higher NP locum tenens pay.
“You can take time off and not have to make many sacrifices. You can afford to take two months off if you want to, and it won’t be detrimental to your financial situation,” she says.
What are the benefits of working with a locum tenens agency?
Some providers contact facilities directly about NP locum tenens opportunities so they can take home more pay. However, there are several benefits to working with a locum tenens agency:
- Personalized help with paperwork. Many agencies have teams that will take care of your licensing and credentialing and answer any questions about the process.
- Access to jobs around the country. Healthcare facilities often partner directly with locum tenens staffing companies to list open positions, so you have a better chance of finding the right position when you work with an agency.
- Contract negotiation. When you call a locum tenens company about NP locum tenens jobs, you’ll be connected to a representative who’ll get to know you and the specific types of jobs you’re interested in. They’ll send you options and also negotiate the contract for you when you find an assignment you love.
- Health insurance and other benefits. Unlike locum tenens physicians, who are independent contractors and responsible for their own benefits, many agencies employ nurse practitioners as W-2 employees and provide health insurance, 401(k), life insurance, and additional benefits.
“In terms of locum tenens versus full-time employment, probably the biggest challenge is health insurance—but many companies offer it,” Summerlin says.
How do locum tenens nurse practitioners get paid for locum tenens work?
NP locum tenens pay depends on the agency. CompHealth and Weatherby Healthcare pay locum tenens biweekly as W-2 employees (which is why they also receive benefits). Some agencies have NPs working as 1099 independent contractors rather than employees, so you usually don’t get benefits. The pay frequency can also vary by agency.
However, whether you receive health benefits or not, many agencies also cover the costs of housing, transportation, and medical malpractice coverage.
"Also, my income taxes are taken out for me, so I do not have to worry about making quarterly tax payments,” says Sophia Khawly, an NP based in Florida.
How do I choose a locum tenens agency and recruiter?
There are numerous locum tenens agencies, and picking one to work with may seem overwhelming. To start, check out the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO), which requires members to uphold a code of ethics and maintain high standards. You can see a list of participating locum tenens agencies to ensure the one you’re considering is reputable.
Next, consider your job goals. If you want to travel around the country, a larger locum tenens company will generally offer positions in all 50 states (where available). However, if you’d prefer to stay in a particular region, a smaller agency that focuses on that area may be better, and they may pay better because they have fewer overhead costs.
Finally, use this locum tenens agency comparison chart to see what sets different companies apart, including the number of jobs they offer, the type of malpractice coverage they offer, and even the year they were founded.
“If the agency fails to offer me consistent work opportunities, then I will be unlikely to work with them on an ongoing basis. Having many job options proves that the agency is reputable, and sites want to continue working with them,” Khawly explains.
While a recruiter generally finds you once you’ve chosen a locum tenens agency, you want to work with a person you trust who advocates for you while also respecting your boundaries.
“I need a recruiter with whom I can click. My recruiter should be reliable, professional, and communicate well. My favorite recruiter knows I prefer to communicate via email, and I am quick to respond,” Khawly says.
Partner with the right recruiter: What I look for in a locum tenens recruiter
What should I know before taking NP locum tenens jobs?
Because locum tenens nurse practitioner jobs are temporary, it can be challenging to walk in and immediately start a new position. Some NPs also dislike working with unfamiliar electronic health records or worry about everything being new.
“The one thing that makes it a little more difficult is that when you’re a locum, every patient you see is a new patient. When you first start a new job, the biggest difference is trying to build familiarity with the patients and the clinic,” Allen says.
However, the temporary nature of the work can also make it simpler—and that can be freeing.
Dunbar says work no longer consumes her life.
“With locums, I can go in and do my job, give my patients what they need, and then have time after that. I don’t have commitments to whatever company I’m working with for committees and projects, which on paper looks good but in reality takes a lot away from your time.”
How do I choose NP locum tenens opportunities?
When looking for a locum tenens job, consider the location, the time/length, and the purpose. Do you want to work in a particular region or state, or prefer to stay close to home? Are you more comfortable in rural areas or cities? Do you want to work the occasional weekend to supplement your income, or are you looking to fill a full-time schedule?
For the time and length, consider your availability and how long you’d like to stay in one area. You could start with a two-week assignment or work in a facility for months.
Finally, know your “why” behind NP locum tenens jobs. Do you want to work in a large urban hospital to gain more experience? Are you hoping to take as many shifts as possible to earn a higher salary? Or do you want more flexibility to take time off?
Once you’ve determined these three factors, you can narrow down opportunities, and your recruiter can help.
Being a successful locum tenens NP
Whether you want better work-life balance, need a break to avoid burnout, need a more flexible schedule, are looking for a higher salary, or simply want more growth opportunities, locum tenens nurse practitioner jobs can be a great option.
“I enjoy meeting the people and just being in a different surrounding. I’m one of those souls that just cannot stay in one place very long,” Sutton says.