Locum Tenens - all input welcome!

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Specializes in dealing w/code browns and blues.

Hi guys,

I've seen a few threads on this subject but they are all a few years old. I was wondering if anyone out there is currently traveling as an NP and what your thoughts are on it. What are the companies you've used, which ones did you hate, and is this something you are loving or are you wanting to go back to a permanent position? I've been an NP for >5 years now so I'm feeling ready for a challenge. I'm in acute care. Thanks for all opinions!

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I'm getting ready to start my first assignment. So far, everything has gone smooth. Lots of paperwork...but the company had made it fairly easy....My only issue is that my housing will be in a shared house with private room/ single bed...my spouse was planning to make a short visit... Not sure how that is going to work. Has anyone out there travelled with spouse or had issues with getting private housing?

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Specializes in family practice.

I had a co-worker who travelled (she was RN though) with her mom. The other tenants in the shared housing did not like it and she had to look for separate housing. This area was not really conducive for renting out to outsiders.

Although I don't think it should be an issue if your spouse was visiting for a short while rather than the duration of the assignment.

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

If you do a search for "locum tenens" for all nurses there are a few posts.

When I traveled as a NP, they provided corporate housing. When I traveled as a staff nurse I took the stipend and found my own housing.

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Love it. Worked a perm position in ER level 1 for 2 years before signing up. Each contract gets better with time. My company has been very good with car and housing upgrades. I've seen a lot of the east and west coast, focus on patients not politics. Pick a new destination every 13 weeks. My top year made 155k :)

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Specializes in dealing w/code browns and blues.

Thanks for the reply, Sunny! Most of the threads here are a few years old and involve travel nursing, not practitioners. Do you mind me asking what company you are using? I'm hoping to see more of the US and keep away from office politics for a bit. Thanks for your help!

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Used Aureus Medical Group and most recently StaffCare AMN HealthCare. Depends on where you want to go and what contracts you are interested in. Indian Health Service in Northern Arizona was my favorite. Great people, housing was a Hilton Honors Suite and my rental car new and awesome. I extended that contract for almost a year. Have Fun!

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Specializes in dealing w/code browns and blues.

Awesome, thanks so much for the info! The politics are getting to be a bit much for me. I'd love to return to what I started out as-taking care of patients. I'm hoping to see some coastlines, and get to explore a little. Why do you rent a car instead of driving your own?

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Specializes in dealing w/code browns and blues.

Locum, how's your assignment going? Where are you at?

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Currently on east coast, love to surf. First patient is at 10am, lol. So most days I get the high tide waves. Clinic is 1 block from beach. Never use my personal vehicle, would not suggest it. Too much of a headache. Your recruiter should arrange everything for you. Work hard, play hard. My jeep liberty is from Avis. I have an AWD # which allows upgrades wherever I go. Per diem money is important. After this contract in October I will be going to Colorado, time to Ski/Snowboard. My next vehicle Nissan Armada, need 5 bedroom. Want family to join me for Christmas, saving up now :)

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Specializes in dealing w/code browns and blues.

Appreciate the info. I currently work in trauma at a level 1 center so I get to see a lot but I'm sure you can understand the idea of setting out on my own is nerve wracking. But the lure of travel.....my biggest fear is having to do the basics "can you look in my ear?" Uh, no. I treat broken ribs and MRSA. You'll need to see a primary care somebody to look in your ear. Lol

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