A Guide to Locum Tenens for Nurse Practitioners: Part I
Why Locum Tenens Might be Right for You
Whether you’re seeking greater flexibility in your schedule, a better work-life balance, or the chance to explore new specialties and settings, locum tenens positions for nurse practitioners offer a unique and rewarding path forward. From competitive compensation to reduced administrative burdens and the chance to hone new skills while exploring the country, locums can help align your career with your personal goals.
In this three part series, we’ll explore the many benefits of locum tenens positions for nurse practitioners, offer inside tips for getting started, and help you choose the right staffing partner to support the next phase of your career.
Locum Tenens Benefits for Nurse Practitioners
Nurse practitioners rank among the most sought-after advanced practitioners in the United States, with US News & World Report ranking NPs as the #1 job in America in 2025. The importance of nurse practitioners in our national healthcare system is growing, giving rise to new, exciting locum tenens opportunities that can be tailored to suit individual needs with benefits like flexible schedule, competitive compensation, and increased independence.
Flexible Scheduling
Locums are unique because they give nurse practitioners like you the freedom to choose when and where they work. Nurse practitioners can take time off when they need it, achieve a more sustainable work-life balance, and position themselves for the next stage of their career with the help of locum tenens positions. Whether you’re paying off student debt, saving for a big milestone event, or easing into retirement, there’s a locum tenens position for you.
Competitive Locum Tenens Compensation
Planning a big event or saving for a milestone purchase? Nurse practitioner locum tenens roles often offer a higher hourly or daily pay rate than permanent positions. This additional income will help set you up for lifelong financial fitness, and best of all the clinic or staffing agency you’re partnering with will be there to help with travel, relocation, housing, and insurance stipends.
Broadened Clinical Experience
Many nurse practitioners find themselves looking for new challenges and experiences during the course of their career. If that sounds familiar to you, then a locum tenens role could help broaden your clinical experience and give you the chance to explore new specialties. Gain professional exposure, treat diverse patient populations, and discover new communities where you could thrive all while adding valuable experience to your resume.
Increased Independence
Nurse practitioners are advanced medical professionals with a great deal of education and expertise behind them. That’s why so many NPs enjoy the increased autonomy that locum tenens positions can afford them. If you’re interested in gaining new and improved leadership skills, building your self-confidence, and developing better people skills then a locums could be the perfect fit for you.
Reduced Administrative Burden
No one likes to see their calendar clogged with multiple meetings, or to spend valuable time every day on administrative tasks. Nurse practitioners have things to do—namely, taking care of the patients who need them—which is why you might like the lighter administrative load you’ll find in a locum tenens position. Locum tenens nurse practitioners report that they get to focus more on patient care and less on meetings, administrative tasks, and workplace politics than their permanent counterparts.
Opportunities to Travel
Thirsting for adventure? Hungry for new horizons? Locum tenens roles could give you the opportunity to travel across the country, exploring regions and communities you might never have visited otherwise. If you’re looking for a new place to put down roots, locum tenens can be the ideal “try it before you buy it” solution.
Protect Yourself from Burnout
Between 30% and 50% of advanced practitioners report experiencing career burnout. Between the grueling schedules, increased patient loads, staffing shortages, and the emotional toll of patient care, the risk of being overburdened at work is high for nurse practitioners. Luckily, locum tenens nurse practitioners get to choose assignments that align to their interests and, as a result, report greater job satisfaction, better job security, and more control over their work environment.
Pathway to Permanent Roles
If you’re looking to expand into a new specialty, find a cool new area to live in, or just want a different clinical setting, locum tenens positions can be a great option. Take your new workplace for a spin while still exploring all of your long-term options and experience the culture and community firsthand before you commit to a career path.
Stay tuned for our next post where we’ll break down what every NP should know before starting a locum tenens role.
