Becoming a locum tenens nurse practitioner

Why nurse practitioners choose locum tenens

Many NPs gravitate toward locum tenens work for its flexibility, variety and competitive pay. I recently spoke with Darla Talbott, an NP with nearly 20 years of experience. She shared how she found value in locum work later in her career.

“Instead of retiring and putting my scrubs away for good, I decided to hit the road and take my knowledge and experience to communities across the country,” Talbott shared. “Locum tenens has allowed me to work in five states and currently, I’m on assignment in Arizona with Aya Locums.”

“Working locum tenens has given me exposure to some of the country’s top hospital systems and introduced me to innovative ways of caring for patients,” Talbott added. “I’m so grateful for the incredible experience I’ve gained.”

Understanding the locum process

Securing a contract

A well-understood locum tenens contract is key, and Aya Locums’ dedicated recruiters are standing by to help you navigate the process for every assignment. Before signing, gain clarity on assignment length, compensation including base pay, and how travel and housing are handled. The scope of practice should clearly define your medical duties.

Licensing as a locum NP

As every state has its own board and requirements, you would traditionally need to get an individual license for every state you work in. However, more than 40 states now participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), meaning your RN license will be valid in participating states. The Compact significantly streamlines the process, reducing the overall time required to obtain NP licensure.

To make the process even easier, Aya Locums’ in-house credentialing team provides you with everything you need to be fully credentialed and privileged with every facility you take an assignment with. We expedite your documentation and verification process by acting as your personal liaison between hospitals and third-party offices. Need a new license? No problem! Our team will work with you and the state licensing board from start to finish.

Financial and lifestyle considerations

The locum tenens lifestyle can offer financial rewards but also requires careful planning.

Earning Potential

Locum NPs typically earn highly competitive compensation. Additionally, many contracts include travel stipends and housing allowances. Your recruiter will go over the details for each individual assignment with you.

Managing Finances

As independent contractors, there are certain steps that many locum tenens take to be sure they’ve checked all the boxes when it comes to insurance and finances. Some additional tips include:

• Save for periods between assignments.
• Consider consulting a tax professional to navigate deductions for travel and housing expenses.
• Budget for health insurance and retirement savings, if they aren’t provided.

Maintaining Balance

The ability to take breaks between contracts and pursue hobbies, spend time with family or travel is one of the great rewards of locum work.

“Being a locum, I have the ability to have dedicated downtime to refuel and recharge,” Talbott explains. “I control my work-life balance, which helps mitigate stress.”

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