Working as a locum tenens NP for the last 10 years, I have worked in 11 different states and 25 different practices. These last 10 years have been the best times of my life. Meanwhile, I have witnessed the locum tenens field for NPs continue to evolve and improve. There has been more acceptance of locum tenens, more job options, better pay, and better technology and licensing practices.
More acceptance
When I first started practicing as a locum, many providers were curious about my job. They assumed locum clinicians could not find a full-time permanent job, and were ‘stuck’ being a locum. Now locums has a better reputation. NPs and other providers are more familiar with the benefits of being a locum, such as increased flexibility and pay.
Being a contractor is more common after the COVID-19 pandemic and the Great Resignation. As a result, more NPs have started locums, searching for ways to manage burnout. As a locum, I feel welcomed by staff as if I am there to ‘save the day’. Many of the full-time providers are now interested in trying out locums themselves.
More job options
Some NPs are afraid to jump into locums because they think they will not have consistent work. This could not be further from the truth. Over the last 10 years, I have witnessed increased job options for locum NPs. Locum tenens usage is actually on the rise. I typically have multiple job offers at once in which I have to choose from. As the baby boomer generation starts to retire and age, there is a higher demand for NPs.
Job options range from hospitals, correctional facilities, primary care clinics, federally qualified health centers, urgent cares, occupational health clinics, home health, and more. Additionally, telemedicine has become a popular use of healthcare due to the COVID pandemic. Telemedicine has become a frequent user of locums NPs. It has expanded locum tenens beyond geographic limitations, which has benefited rural areas and behavioral health.
Better pay
My pay over the last 10 years as a locum NP has increased by 66%. This is not your average 3% per year annual increase you would typically find at a permanent job. Because of inflation in recent years, I have seen locums NP pay increase significantly. When I first started locums, it was common for locums NPs to make $50-70/hour working outpatient in primary care. Nowadays, it is common for the same type of NP to start at $90/hour without even having to negotiate. Locum NPs can also ask for extension bonuses or raises if asked to extend their current contract.
Better technology and resources
Technology has made working in locum tenens easier over the last decade. Previously, we had to submit our timesheet via paper and have a supervisor sign it. Currently, most agencies allow you to submit your timesheet online, and a supervisor will approve it electronically. Agencies even have their own mobile app now, making it more convenient than ever. They also have job boards with active locum tenens listings on their website/app, allowing NPs to search for jobs easily. There are digital staffing platforms that match providers with facilities directly as well. This will enable NPs to bypass having a recruiter altogether.
When I first started locums, there was not much information out there to learn about it. Now there are plenty of blogs, YouTube channels, and social media pages you can follow to learn more about locum tenens. Many agencies have their own blogs or may host educational webinars.
Easier licensing and credentialing
More states have joined the nurse licensing compact. This has enabled me to use my compact RN license from my home state, Florida, to apply for my NP license in other states. Before this, I had to apply for both the RN and NP licenses in each state separately, which was time-consuming and expensive. Many states currently offer expedited temporary licenses, which can fast-track the start time of locum assignments.
Over the last decade, credentialing has become more automated. Originally, credentialing teams had to mail you piles of paperwork to fill out, sign, and then return them. Now all of this is done electronically, as you can e-sign important paperwork. As a result, onboarding has accelerated, and there are fewer delays in waiting to be credentialed.