Yvonne Hangsterfer

Getting Started in Your New Role

Once you’ve chosen a locum tenens nurse practitioner role and you’re ready to start pursuing the next phase of your career with help from All Star, it’s time to set your expectations for the early days of your new position. Here are some pro tips from our staffing experts on how to make the most of your first days on the job.

Understand that Orientation Might Be Brief

Often, locum tenens nurse practitioner positions are available because the permanent staff is overworked or shorthanded. They really need someone to hit the ground running and start making a difference right away. So maximize your orientation time with really targeted questions like:

• What are the EHR systems?
• What are the emergency protocols?
• What is the referral process?
• What are the local pharmacy and lab procedures?
• How does work flow through the practice?
• Who are the key contacts for the practice?

Make a Great First Impression

Sometimes you’ll be going into clinic settings that are a little stressed or tense. Short staffing can make even the most supportive and welcoming new coworkers edgy at times. The best thing for you to do is to be as friendly, positive, and adaptable as possible in your early days.

Understand Your Scope of Practice

Just like cultures can differ from one clinic to the next, practice norms can differ from healthcare system to healthcare system. It’s important that you understand things like:

• Your level of autonomy in that state
• What situations require physician collaboration
• What protocols and restrictions exist in that facility
• How schedules and rotations are created

Get to Know the Chain of Command

We know you’ll be meeting a lot of new people and learning a lot of new things in your new locum tenens role, but it’s important that you know things like:

• Who you report to
• How to escalate clinical issues
• Who handles vital functions like scheduling, ordering, and patient feedback

Protect Your License

Regardless of who is covering your malpractice insurance—your staffing agency, the employer, or yourself—make sure it’s active and that you have appropriate coverage. You don’t want to make any mistakes where insurance and your coverage are concerned.

Get to Know the Patient Population

Every community has its own cultural norms and health trends, so getting to know the patient population will help you treat them with more empathy. Understanding things like language preferences, social determinants, and prevalent conditions can help you deliver better care.

Stay Organized

Locum tenens positions for nurse practitioners can come with a lot of paperwork, so make sure you keep copies of your important documents in a safe, accessible location. Contracts, insurance policies, and licenses should all be stored in filing cabinets, safety deposit boxes, or lock boxes to keep them organized and reachable.

• Tip from an All Star Pro: Keep detailed notes and write down anything unusual or concerning that you may experience during your locum tenens contract. Don’t forget to date your records just in case you need them in the future.

Communicate Early and Often

No one wants to be a squeaky wheel, but proactive communication with All Star and the on-site team is critical to resolving issues quickly and effectively. It’s OK to speak up if you see something you don’t agree with, and it’s important to keep everyone in the loop.

Be Adaptable

Even the most well-prepared facilities may have gaps or surprises in store, and we all know that processes and protocols change from practice to practice, so keep your cool and stay focused on delivering high-quality care.

• Tip from an All Star Pro: Don’t forget that we’re here to help with tricky situations like scope creep, scheduling breakdowns, or other issues.

Choosing the Locum Tenens Companies

We know that this guide is an exciting introduction into the world of locum tenens for nurse practitioners, taking you through the process from beginning to end. Before you get started though, we wanted to highlight one of the most critical facets—finding, selecting and partnering with the ideal nurse practitioner staffing agency. There are lots of things to consider, and in this section, we’re going to highlight the most important.

Reputation Counts

Do your research and learn about the staffing agency’s reputation in the industry and online. Talk to your colleagues, check online reviews, and follow them on social media to get a feel for how they show up in the world. Look for:

• Positive reviews on nurse practitioner forums, social media, and employment platforms like Glassdoor
• How long they’ve been in business and how many advanced practitioners they’ve helped
• Recognition and accolades from professional associations
• Client and employer testimonials

All Star is proud to have a national reputation for excellence in advanced practitioner staffing services, with over 30 years of experience and an ever-growing network.

Experience Counts

While young startup staffing agencies might be enthusiastic, they lack the experience necessary to place advanced practitioners like you in high-quality positions. You need a staffing agency that understands:

• Your scope of practice
• Your licensing needs
• Your credentialing timelines
• Your insurance obligations

Communication Counts

Your time is valuable and your schedule is busy, which is why you should only partner with a staffing agency that respects your time, understands your goals, and goes above and beyond to keep you informed throughout the process. Ask yourself:

• Are they up front about rates, locations, and responsibilities?
• Do they respond quickly and clearly to questions or concerns?
• Do they explain contract terms effectively, making every effort to clarify key points?

Support Counts

The right nurse practitioner staffing agency does so much more than just compiling lists of opportunities and emailing them over once a week. A truly professional staffing agency will have all the resources to help you navigate the locum tenens process, providing help with things like:

• Navigating multi-state licensure and compact states
• Handling your paperwork and timelines
• Covering your application fees or assisting with reimbursement

Coverage Counts

Your staffing agency should have processes in place to help with your malpractice insurance coverage. Whether they provide it directly to their clients or they facilitate malpractice insurance provisions through employers, they should ensure that you’re provided with:

• Occurrence-based or claims-made insurance with tail coverage
• Adequate and appropriate policy limits
• Appropriate insurance documentation and copies of your policies

Compensation Counts

You should be able to rely on your staffing agency to fully explain and outline the pay rates, policies, stipends, and other financial arrangements you’ll need for your locum tenens role.

Variety Counts

Another reason to select an established, well-respected agency like All Star is that we can offer a wide range of opportunities, filtered by state, specialty, setting, and duration. We make it possible to truly tailor your experience without compromising on what matters most to you.

Relationships Count

There’s no point in partnering with a recruiter who doesn’t listen to your goals and advocate for your preferences. Instead, build a strong, long-term partnership with a staffing agency like All Star that respects you and wants to build a lasting relationship with you. No matter what staffing agency you ultimately select, make sure you:

• Will have a consistent, reliable point of contact
• Know how often they’ll check in
• Ask for references and referrals from other advanced practitioners and employers

Quality Counts

The best staffing agencies, like All Star, are compliant, ethical, and committed to providing the highest quality experience for everyone involved. We are here to put our expertise, network, and experience to work for you as your career advocates.

Your Locum Tenens Journey Starts Here

Locum tenens roles for nurse practitioners are an empowering path to career success on your terms. Whether that means gaining new skills, working in new settings, or achieving a better work-life balance, locums offer the flexibility, competitive pay, and enhanced experience you’re craving.

At every stage of this journey, having the right staffing partner on your side makes all the difference. When you work with All Star, you’ll get more than just a recruiter in your inbox. You’ll get access to our top-tier network of employers, customized support solutions, and a trusted advocate who shares your goals and aspirations. Our Red Carpet Service commitment will help you navigate every step with confidence.

Ready to see where locum tenens might take you? Let’s get started! Your opportunities are waiting.

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by Yvonne Hangsterfer

What Every NP Should Know Before Starting Locums Tenens

If you’re convinced that the benefits of locum tenens positions are right for you, then it’s time to dig into the application process. Now is the right time to start researching staffing agencies like All Star, lining up tax advisors, and figuring out where in the country you want to go. 

Double Check State Licensure

If you’re planning on going out of state for your locum tenens role, make sure that you understand the licensure rules in your target state. Many states participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, an arrangement which allows nurse practitioners with a license in one compact state to practice in any other compact state with a single, multistate license. Not eligible for reciprocal licensure? Make sure you understand the timelines, requirements, and fees associated with becoming licensed in your target state. 

Identify Target Geographic Areas

Where do you want to go with your locum tenens role? Many of these positions are in high-demand areas experiencing healthcare gaps like rural communities or urban areas that experience healthcare shortages due to demographic factors. Others are in places that experience seasonal population swells like Florida and California. Make sure you understand the risks and rewards of any location before you commit to one. 

Review Your Malpractice Insurance

Before you go riding off into the sunset on your next great adventure, make sure you know your limits, make decisions about supplemental policies, and read the fine print carefully. Need help with malpractice insurance? Let All Star’s team of lawyers and professional staffers demystify the process! 

Understand the Tax Changes

If you’ve always been a full-time employee with a W2, you’ve probably always had taxes removed from your income before you got your pay check. However, as a contract you will have a W9 tax form, and your tax burden will probably change. Make sure you’ve got a CPA or qualified tax professional in your corner, focused on helping you set up your tax structure. 

Carefully Pick Your Staffing Agency

Finding the right staffing partner is critical for locum tenens nurse practitioners. All Star is an industry leader, known for our commitment to Red Carpet Service for both providers and employers, and specializing in locum tenens roles for advanced practitioners. We have a dedicated team of professionals to assist with licensure and insurance needs, and we’re dedicated to supporting your career goals with hand-selected opportunities that propel you toward the future.

Picking the Right Role for your Locums Journey

Once you and your All Star partner have aligned on your career goals, licensure needs, insurance coverage, and the kinds of locum tenens roles you’re looking for, it’ll be time to narrow your focus and pick a role. This is an exciting milestone on the locum tenens journey because it means you’re one step closer to the future you envisioned for yourself, but we understand that it can be tricky to select just one option. Here are some qualifiers to keep in mind while you make your choices. 

Clinical Fit

You know your experience best, so make sure the position aligns with your specialty, experience level, and comfort zone. You can ask questions like: 

• What patient population will I serve? 
• Are there any skills or procedures required that I’m not current in?
• Will I have enough support from administrative staff, permanent practitioners, and collaborating doctors? 

Geographic Fit

Many locum tenens nurse practitioner roles are located in areas where significant healthcare gaps exist, so do some research on the community and make sure the position is located in an area that can support your interests and aims. You can ask questions like: 

• Can I commute to this role, or will I need housing?

– If I need housing, does the healthcare system provide an adequate housing stipend? 

• Do I know anyone in the area or have any existing support system to rely on?

– If not, are there opportunities to pursue my interests outside of work and make friends? Work-life balance matters, so if you’re a passionate surfer, you might want to consider roles that keep you near the beach. If you’re an avid reader, you might want to find an active book club in the area. 

• Do I feel safe in this community? Will going to and coming back from work pose a risk to me for any reason?

      – Your safety should always come first, so make sure that the community feels welcoming and secure to you. 

Financial Fit

One of the major benefits of making the switch to locum tenens positions for nurse practitioners is the competitive compensation, so make sure the role you’re targeting offers a compensation package that’s in line with your expectations. Don’t forget, that’s more than just wages. You can ask questions like: 

• What is the pay rate?
• Is housing covered or reimbursed?
• Is malpractice insurance provided (including tail coverage)?
• Are travel and/or relocation costs covered?
• Are there any bonuses, per diems, or overtime offerings?

Schedule Fit

Many locum tenens positions are with healthcare systems that are experiencing staffing shortages, and the schedule may reflect that in many different ways. Whether it’s part-time hours so permanent staff can get a day off or full-time hours with potential for overtime, make sure the clinic’s expectations align with your capabilities and availability. Ask questions like: 

• How many hours a week are expected?
• Is overtime expected?
• What are my on-call duties?
• What are my weekend and holiday responsibilities?
• What are the patient volume expectations?
• What is the average appointment length?
• How long is the assignment?
• Is there potential for a permanent placement if both parties agree? 

Cultural Fit

It can be easy to shrug off cultural misalignments for temporary positions, but at All Star we place a high value on a good cultural fit for practitioners and employers. It’s important to make sure the practice is somewhere that you actually want to work by asking questions like: 

• How do you onboard new team members?
• How is the team structured?
• What support is offered to the team?
• What does leadership do to foster positive relationships?
• What’s the clinic’s reputation in the community?
  

Future Fit

Only consider positions that align with both your long-term and short-term career goals. For example, if you are exploring new specialties, then only accept roles that can offer you the experience you need. If you’re exploring new communities, then only target roles in communities that you’re interested in. You can ask questions like:

• Does this expand on my experience?
• Could this lead to future opportunities?
• Will this refresh my passion for the practice?
• Does this give me a chance to explore new areas of expertise? 

Agency Fit

You deserve a staffing partner who has your back 100% of the time. Only trust the future of your career to an agency that you respect, with a proven track record of success for advanced practitioners. You can ask questions like: 

• Do they have a good reputation in the industry?
• Do they have an established presence in my target area?
• Do they have transparent processes? 
• Will they support my decisions and help me meet my milestones?

Feeling prepared? In our final post, we’ll walk you through how to hit the ground running in your new role. 

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by Yvonne Hangsterfer