How Do I Become a Locum Tenens Nurse Practitioner?

Locum tenens NPs are on the rise. Latin for “to take the place of,” locum tenens NPs fill in for colleagues who may be sick or absent for long periods, including for reasons like parental leave. Assignments range from a few days to a year. Third-party agencies typically manage the arrangements, matching client nurses with the facilities that need them.

“The recent rise in locum tenens assignments can be due to a shortage of healthcare providers, simplified credentialing processes, and the ease of licensing across multiple states, especially in compact states,” said Chris McDermott, APRN.

McDermott completed locum tenens assignments early in his career and is a certified advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) in Florida. He believes that the growing demand for locum tenens NPs is driven by facilities catering to older patients and the need to maintain continuity of care during the absence of permanent staff.

Locum tenens provide a different kind of work option for the nurse practitioner and the institution.

NPs are attracted to locum tenens contracts for the freedom to enjoy different assignments and make their own schedules. Locum tenens NPs are also attracted to contracts for their higher wages. Locum tenens staffing agencies are a multibillion-dollar industry.

The difference in pay may vary depending on:

“Some locum tenens providers can earn 30%-50% more than salaried counterparts on an hourly or daily basis, but this doesn’t account for the benefits that salaried positions might offer,” McDermott says.

Becoming a locum tenens isn’t for the faint of heart. You have to be adaptable and a quick learner, or you may find it difficult to adjust.

Learn more about what is a locum tenens nurse practitioner, the pros and cons of becoming one, and all you need to know to decide if it’s right for you.

Locum tenens nurse practitioners take the place of or fill in for nurse practitioners who are absent from their employment.

There are several reasons why a healthcare facility would need a locum tenens nurse practitioner, including:

Ebony Thyme, FNP-C, a locum tenens NP, was attracted to the lifestyle since she was in nursing school.

“We had a job fair, and the only table I was attracted to was the one that provided me with freedom, flexibility, and the ability to maximize my pay,” Thyme says.

The practice of locum tenens was originally used for temporary staffing needs by physicians. But, with nurse practitioners filling the gap in healthcare due to the physician shortage, locum tenens nurse practitioners are in high demand and have plenty of positions to choose from.

“If someone is interested in doing contract work, they can search locum websites for job openings and apply,” says Sara Hunt, a locum tenens nurse practitioner with VISTA Staffing Solutions, a third-party nurse contractor located in Cottonwood Heights, Utah.

“Typically, I usually see contracts ranging from 8 weeks to 6 months,” Hunt says.

Once you find a contract that you like, the next step is to apply. A person from the staffing agency will help set up the next steps, such as interviews.

“If the interview is successful, then the staffing agency can assist with questions related to things like housing and travel,” Hunt says.

It’s worth explaining the difference between locum tenens contracts, a 1099 contractor nurse practitioner, and travel nursing. Some may use the terms interchangeably, but they are quite different, and all three have pros and cons.

In addition to being a locum tenens nurse, Thyme now helps train locum tenens NPs. She is also the founder of The Locum Tenen Guide, a framework for NPs looking to transition into the locum tenens or independent contracting route through her guided framework.

According to Thyme, nurses interested in the locum tenens lifestyle should be aware of the following details:

Although becoming a locum tenens NP brings flexibility and a promise of work/life balance, it’s best to gain some clinical experience before applying.

Becoming a locum tenens nurse practitioner is pretty straightforward. But you need to take a few steps to find a contract that is right for you.

Here are five steps McDermott advises you to take before landing your first contract.

Lastly, McDermott explains the agency will coordinate the logistics and details of each assignment, including travel arrangements, housing, and health benefits if required.

There are many reasons why becoming a locum tenens NP may be right for you. However, experts agree it’s not for everyone.

“It depends on individual preferences, career goals, and personal circumstances,” McDermott says. You also have to be comfortable with change and learning new skills quickly since assignments can be as short as one day.”

Still, many are attracted to the diversity in work opportunities. Locum tenens contracts allow the opportunity to learn new skills and sharpen professional skills. It can be exciting and rewarding. But some people can find the day-to-day jarring and very stressful.

Here are some pros and cons of becoming a locum tenens NP:

Those curious about becoming locum tenens NPs should explore their options and be open-minded about potential assignments.

Hunt says that working in different places and specialties and with so many different people makes the job unpredictable but exciting. But remember to take care of yourself as a locum tenens.

“Work can be demanding both physically and emotionally,” McDermott warns. Self-care is a must.

Lastly, to become a locum tenens, you have to be adaptable. Locum tenens work requires you to be flexible and learn quickly. You have to remember there is always a patient at the other end. Safety always comes first.

“If you prefer a stable routine or find it challenging to adapt quickly, there may be better choices than this,” McDermott says.

Nurses should also be honest with themselves about what they really want to do.

“Do not take a locum job just because it pays well. There should be another reason. You’ll burn out fast if you’re not enjoying your work,” Hunt says.