Credentialing

It has always been months for credentialing.  NP, PA, MD.  

Months, even for locum work? 

In particular with a hospital setting, it can take 3-5 months.  I would imagine smaller places maybe a month, but this is very minimum.  It all has to do with liability for the place you are working, and whether permanent or not all the same for them.  On the positive, it is a great deal of output for the hospital, and probably has to do with higher potential to land a permanent position down the road.  As I understand people who intend career with locum plan ahead well in advance, knowing where they are going months ahead.  Makes it very difficult the initial position.  

My first job with a hospital took a very solid 3 months.  Most recently hired with an independent group of 7 physicians and 2 NPs, had to be credentialed in addition with dialysis clinics and hospitals in the area, solid 4 months.  

Good luck!  It is stressful!  In particular makes the decision on what program to concentrate for NP students...if primary or family for a hospital, for example, may only credential acute even if "hired."  I don't think this was so clear to me as a student, and NP schools tend to be selling the dream so not always forthcoming.

No, it definitely is a piece that is not communicated well. Interesting.

Months...a new grad with no work history may get lucky and get credentialed in 1 -2 months. If you have a work history it'll be longer.