Advantages of Being a Locum Tenens Nurse Practitioner
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) reports that there were approximately 63,000 nurse practitioners (NPs) working across the country in 1991; as of January 2019, that number had reached over 270,000.
Additionally, AANP estimates that the number of patient visits to nurse practitioners now exceeds 1.06 billion annually. That’s a lot of patient visits every year!
This growth in the NP role has created new opportunities for nurses looking for a change of pace in their careers.
One option is locum tenens nursing, which allows NPs to work temporarily in a variety of different settings. This can be a great way to experience new work environments, learn new skills, and meet new people.
So if you’re ready for a new challenge, read on to learn more about the benefits of working as a locum tenens nurse practitioner.
Discover new areas of the country
Working as a locum tenens nurse practitioner is the perfect way to see new parts of the country. If you’ve always wanted to travel but never had the opportunity, working as a locum tenens NP will give you the chance to explore different regions while still getting paid for your work. And since you’ll be working in different areas, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about new cultures and meet new people.
Locum tenens isn’t just for big cities either. You can find locum tenens NP jobs in rural areas, small towns, and even on Native American reservations. So no matter where you want to go, there’s sure to be a locum tenens job that’s right for you.
Gain specialized experience
Working as a locum tenens nurse practitioner can also help you gain specialized experience in certain areas of healthcare. If you’re interested in working in a specific type of healthcare facility or with a certain population of patients, working as a locum tenens NP will give you the chance to gain the experience you need. And since you’ll be working in different settings, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn new skills and knowledge.
For example, if you’re interested in working with the elderly, you can find locum tenens jobs in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Or if you’re interested in working with children, you can find locum tenens jobs in pediatrics offices and clinics.
So no matter what your interests are, working as a locum tenens nurse practitioner
Find your ideal work setting
One of the best things about working as a locum tenens nurse practitioner is that you’ll have the opportunity to try out different work settings.
You may find that you prefer working in a smaller clinic or a larger hospital. Or you may discover that you like working in a rural area or an urban area. Whatever your preference, working as a locum tenens NP will allow you to find the ideal work setting for you.
Enjoy freedom and flexibility
Another great benefit of working as a locum tenens nurse practitioner is that you’ll enjoy freedom and flexibility. You’ll be able to choose when and where you work, which means you can work around your personal schedule. And since you’ll be your own boss, you’ll be able to make your own decisions about your work. This freedom and flexibility can be a great way to reduce stress and enjoy a better work-life balance.
Earn extra income
Locum tenens NPs enjoy a great deal of flexibility when it comes to setting their work schedule. This means that they can easily supplement their income by picking up extra shifts. In addition, locum tenens NPs may also have the opportunity to earn bonuses and other incentives. This makes it an ideal way to save up for future goals.
Taking on extra shifts and earning more money is a great way to pay off medical school debt.
Or you could use the extra income to travel more, save for retirement, or make other investments. Whatever your financial goals, working as a locum tenens nurse practitioner can help you reach them.
Serve patients in underserved communities
Not every community has access to quality healthcare. And while this is a problem that needs to be addressed, it also means that there’s a great need for nurse practitioners in underserved communities. By working as a locum tenens NP, you’ll have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Serving these patients can be very rewarding, and it’s also a great way to expand your skills and knowledge.
Return to your field after retirement
Retirement doesn’t have to mean the end of your nursing career. If you’re interested in staying active and engaged in your field, working as a locum tenens NP can be a great way to do it.
You’ll have the opportunity to work as much or as little as you want, and you can choose the hours that work best for you. This can be a great way to stay involved in your field and earn some extra income.
See how providers across the country practice medicine
Locum tenens nurse practitioners have the unique opportunity to learn about medical practices across the United States. By working with a variety of providers, they can see how different approaches to patient care can be successful.
In addition, locum tenens nurse practitioners can share their knowledge with other providers, helping them to improve their own practice.
You will also be able to see first-hand how different facilities operate and what kinds of patients they see. This experience can be invaluable as you develop your career.
In addition, working as a locum tenens nurse practitioner can help you to hone your skills and become more proficient in your field. As you work with different patients and staff, you will learn new things and become better at your job. This can only benefit you in the long run as you continue to grow in your career.
Build your network of healthcare professionals
As a locum tenens nurse practitioner, you will have the opportunity to work with a variety of different healthcare professionals, including physicians, hospitalists, and other nurses. This can be a great way to build your network of contacts within the healthcare industry. This can be valuable both professionally and personally.
How to Get Started as a Locum Tenens Nurse Practitioner
If you’re interested in getting started as a locum tenens nurse practitioner, there are a few things you need to do. First and foremost, you need to obtain the proper licensing in the state or states where you plan to work. Once you have your license, the next step is finding a good staffing agency that can help connect you with locum tenens opportunities. Finally, it’s important to brush up on your CV and be prepared to interview potential employers.
VISTA Staff Can Help
Locum tenens is a great way to get started as a nurse practitioner. VISTA staff can help you find the perfect locum tenens opportunity. We have a wide variety of locum tenens opportunities available, and we can help you find the one that’s right for you. Contact us today to get started.
We understand that finding the right Locum Tenens opportunity can be a difficult and time-consuming process. That’s why our experienced staff is here to help. We’ll work with you to find the perfect match, and we’ll provide all the support you need to make sure your experience is a positive one.
Contact us today to get started on your locum tenens journey.
