Locum tenens roles are on the rise. And while many nurse practitioners receive adequate professional and financial satisfaction from conventional full-time employment, the need for these short- and long-term temporary roles is only increasing.

Locum nurse practitioner jobs can provide additional income for those who want to try out different practice styles or locations. About 25% of locum tenens nurses hold permanent positions but boost their income with occasional locum assignments. In a recent survey, locum tenens nurses ranked “freedom and flexibility” as the number one advantage of locums, followed by “pay rate,” “no politics” and “travel.”

In fact, the 2017 Survey of Temporary Physician Staffing Trends—which included nurse practitioner data and was conducted by Staff Care—displayed several common themes repeatedly, including:
1. That locum tenens can offer you greater earning potential.
2. Locums lets you explore other jobs and networks to find other positions.
3. Locums providers are paid for what they work.
4. Locums lets you decide what working conditions you’re willing to accept and for what price.

Too young or too old?
Think you’re too young? Some nurse practitioners choose locums as their first job out of residency. Too old? Not likely. Three quarters of locum tenens nurses are in their mid to late 50s. Locum tenens is appropriate for young nurse practitioners who have just completed training, mid-career NPs seeking new experiences, and late-career NPs searching for part-time work in lieu of retirement. Locum tenens provides an attractive alternative for nurse practitioners at all career stages who value increased flexibility and improved work/life balance.

Travel
Locum tenens NPs can literally travel the world while earning a paycheck. Although frequent travel may be more suitable to young, single nurse practitioners, locums assignments may also be attractive to men and women with children. International opportunities for U.S. NPs extend to the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as other locations such as Australia, Bermuda, Canada and others. Compensation in foreign countries might be lower than U.S. rates, but the travel and cultural experience that come with the job are free!

Final Thoughts
Is locum tenens right for you? Approximately 50,000 nurses have discovered that a flexible schedule enhances their lives. If you are curious about locum tenens and not completely satisfied with your current employment, visit our Job Opportunities page

Floyd Lee Locums provides an elite concierge experience to Physicians, CRNAs, NPs, PAs and other advanced practice healthcare clinicians searching for new career opportunities. Founded by industry veterans Matt Floyd and Natasha Lee, Floyd Lee Locums is a locum tenens healthcare staffing organization with 60 years of combined locums and staffing experience. Our hands-on approach was created to seamlessly deliver best-in-class service to clinicians and facilities nationwide. We endeavor to be your partner, creating personalized career solutions that are mindful of your goals and positively impact patient outcomes.