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.