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Are you a nurse practitioner looking for flexibility, higher pay, and new adventures in your career? If so, locum tenens work might be the perfect fit for you. In this guide, we’ll explain how to become a locum nurse practitioner, what you can expect, and how to make the most of this exciting career path.
Locum tenens, which means “to hold the place of” in Latin, refers to medical professionals who work in temporary roles to fill staffing gaps in various healthcare facilities. As a locum nurse practitioner (NP), you work as an independent contractor, providing care wherever you’re needed, whether it’s a rural clinic, a busy hospital, or an urgent care center.
Unlike travel nurses, who are typically W-2 employees of an agency, locum tenens NPs are usually 1099 contractors. While you’ll handle your own taxes and benefits, you typically receive higher pay rates to compensate.
If you’re wondering how to become a locum nurse practitioner, you might also be curious about the benefits. Here’s why many NPs are choosing locum tenens:
1. Higher Pay
Locum tenens NPs often earn more than their full-time counterparts. Because you’re filling urgent staffing needs, you can expect premium pay. Average rates range from $65 to $115 per hour, depending on your specialty, experience, and location.
2. Flexibility
Locum tenens allows you to choose when, where, and how long you work. Want a month off between assignments? Need a break to travel or recharge? Locum work gives you control over your schedule.
3. Professional Growth
Working in different healthcare settings exposes you to various patient populations, practice styles, and clinical environments. This experience helps you expand your skills and broaden your network.
4. Reduced Burnout
With the freedom to take breaks between contracts, locum tenens can help you maintain work-life balance and avoid burnout. You focus on patient care without the long-term pressures of a permanent role.
Ready to get started? Here’s a clear path for how to become a locum nurse practitioner:
Step 1: Obtain Your Nurse Practitioner License
Ensure you have an active, unrestricted NP license in the state(s) where you want to practice. You’ll also need a DEA license if you plan to prescribe medication.
Step 2: Get Certified in Your Specialty
Certification in your specialty — whether it’s Family Practice (FNP), Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP), or Acute Care (AGACNP) — enhances your employability and pay potential. Make sure your certifications are up to date.
Step 3: Update Your Credentials and Resume
Keep your resume, credentials, and certifications current. Highlight your skills, specialties, and clinical experience to stand out to locum tenens staffing agencies.
Step 4: Partner with a Locum Tenens Staffing Agency
Agencies like Caliber help connect NPs with locum assignments. A good agency will handle logistics like credentialing, travel arrangements, and malpractice insurance, making your transition into locum work seamless.
Step 5: Choose Your Assignments
Work with your agency to find assignments that match your skills, preferences, and goals. Whether you want to work in a rural clinic or an urban hospital, locum tenens offers diverse opportunities.
Step 6: Start Your Locum Tenens Career
Once you accept an assignment, you’re ready to embark on your locum tenens journey! Enjoy the flexibility, variety, and higher pay that comes with being a locum nurse practitioner.
As a locum NP, you can work in a variety of settings, including:
With demand for NPs across the country, you can choose assignments in locations that suit your lifestyle—whether it’s the mountains, the coast, or a bustling city.
Yes! The demand for NPs continues to grow, and locum tenens roles are a key part of meeting that need. As healthcare facilities face physician shortages and increasing patient loads, locum NPs help ensure continuity of care. Specialties like Family Practice and Mental Health are particularly in demand.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) are among the highest-paid specialties due to high demand and specialized skills. Acute Care NPs also command high salaries.
Absolutely! Locum tenens offers higher pay, flexibility, and the chance to travel. It’s a great option for NPs seeking more control over their careers.
Yes, new graduates can thrive in locum tenens roles. It’s a great way to gain experience, explore specialties, and enjoy flexibility early in your career.
Yes! Locum tenens allows NPs to travel and work in different locations across the country, combining career growth with adventure.
If you’re ready to take advantage of the flexibility, higher pay, and career growth that locum tenens offers, Caliber is here to help. We’ll match you with assignments that fit your goals and handle all the details so you can focus on what you do best: providing excellent patient care.
Contact us today to learn more about how to become a locum nurse practitioner or explore current NP jobs now! And if you need NP coverage for your facility, we're happy to help.
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