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Locum tenens is Latin for “to hold the place of.” It is a term used to describe medical professionals who travel for work in different practices. Locum tenens is similar to travel nursing, with a few important differences. The most significant difference is that travel nurses are often W2 employees who work as direct employees of their agency. Locum tenens professionals, on the other hand, are usually independent contractors. This means they have to pay their own taxes and do not get benefits. However, they are generally paid more to compensate.
One of the biggest perks of being a locum tenens nurse practitioner is the higher pay. Because locum tenens nurses are willing to travel and fill needed roles in other communities, they are paid a premium for their service. For workers who enjoy travel, meeting new people, and filling important roles in a community - locum tenens roles can be a great fit.
Another significant benefit of locum tenens assignments is control over your own schedule. Locum tenens professionals can effectively take as much vacation as they want when they are not contracted to work. For professionals who value flexibility and plenty of time off - these roles can be a great solution.
A locum tenens Nurse Practitioner salary can vary depending on their specialty, experience, and the location they are working in. Locum tenens roles almost always pay more than traditional employment. Average pay for all locum tenens Nurse Practitioner assignments varies from $65-$115 per hour. Nurse Practitioners with a particularly in-demand specialty usually make on the higher end of this scale.
If you are interested in adding a specialty to your education as a nurse practitioner, you’re in luck. A wide variety of popular and sought-after specialties are available for nurse practitioners to join. These are available for Nurse Practitioners working locum tenens or traditional positions. Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioners, Primary Care Nurse Practitioners, and Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners are just a few of the specialties NPs can choose from.
For any specialty, there is a specific credentialing process and certification exam that must be completed. If you are interested in adding a specialty or changing specialties after you become a Nurse Practitioner, there are continuing education courses that can help you prepare to pass your specialty certification exam.
Locum Tenens Nurse Practitioners can work wherever they want. Emergency rooms, in-patient hospitals, family practices, urgent care, and health clinics all employ Locum Tenens Nurse Practitioners. There is demand for Nurse Practitioners of various specialties in almost every state, so these medical professionals can also choose the geographic area or city they most enjoy working in.
There is a strong demand for locum tenens Nurse Practitioners. Locum tenens positions continue to be incredibly popular across the country, and Nurse Practitioners of all kinds have a projected job growth of 52% from 2020-2030. Specialties also vary in demand. The two most in-demand specialties for Nurse Practitioners are Family Practice and Mental Health Nurse Practitioners.
Caliber is passionate about helping Nurse Practitioners navigate the locum tenens space. If you’re interested in becoming a locum tenens Nurse Practitioner and traveling for work - reach out today and enjoy access to our extensive network of available positions. We have helped thousands of healthcare professionals find their dream jobs all across the country.
What Nurse Practitioner specialty is the highest paid?
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners are usually the highest-paid specialty among Nurse Practitioner positions. The high demand in the field and increased specialization mean salaries for these Nurse Practitioners are higher than average.
Is locum tenens worth it?
Locum tenens is an excellent choice for many Nurse Practitioners. If you are interested in a job where you are traveling, meeting new people, and making great money - locum tenens could be for you.
Can you travel as a Nurse Practitioner?
Locum tenants and travel positions are not just for Registered Nurses. Nurse Practitioners are highly in demand across the country and can travel to almost any city with a locum tenens contract.
Can new grads do locum tenens?
New grads are more than capable of working in a locum tenens role. In fact, it is quite popular with recent grads and experienced practitioners alike. No matter your experience, these roles are lucrative and in demand for all types of Nurse Practitioners.
