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.