Locum Tenens

[SMFNP2014]

I graduate from FNP school in 2 weeks. The area I live in has 10 FNP schools and 2 PA schools within 100 miles and so it is saturated here. I have friends who have been out of school for 2 years and can not find a FNP job and can not relocate. I am in a position to relocate. At this point in time I have placed my resume on monster.com and sent it out through indeed and all the local health systems. I am considering giving Locum Tenens a shot. I would be doing it as a new graduate however I do have 5 years of experience in ICU/ER. Has anyone did travelling FNP? Especially as a new grad? I need feedback. The recruiters are good at selling the business but I need someone to tell me those things I do not want to hear. I can deal with a less than ideal work environment. I inform the recruiters I do not want to work alone in an area rather be somewhere with people I can consult for help. They say this is no problem. Thanks again!

[BostonFNP, APRN]

In my opinion, that's a tough job for a novice NP. I think it's doable by the right person, but may make for a more difficult transition.

I know you stated that you have some nursing experience, but it is a big transition. Support, mentorship, orientation is all extremely important in your first year of practice.

You should also ask the recruiter how credentialing works for this positions. Some states take weeks or months to get licensed and full prescriptive authority.

[Psychcns]

Maybe recruiters could put you in touch with previous locum tenens who worked at the facility, your physician collaborator, and maybe another NP at the facility.

I saw a posting a while back on all-nurses of a new NP who did locums at an urgent care clinic with good backup and loved it.

The recruiters only know what the facility tells them about a position.

[SMFNP2014]

Thanks for responding. I have definitely considered asking to speak to someone who is there now. The agency did inform me that many places are needing help and are very willing to accept a new graduate. One place in particular is willing to start you out only seeing ten patients per day. It is located in a very rural area and I was informed I would have to be sufficient at self entertainment when I am not at work. I wont argue that it could be a hard start. I just need somewhere to start though and with FNPs in my area waiting two years to even get a job I feel as though because I am mobile I can at least work in someway. I have applied to many places but can only seem to get interviews with pain clinics which is far from what I desire. Thanks for your input!

[Psychcns]

10 patients per day sounds good. It would give you time to learn the role and to look things up. It would help if there is supervision/ mentoring available. Best wishes.

[zmansc, ASN, RN]

OP - If your willing to travel another option might be to look at permanent positions in other areas of the country that are in high need areas. I know there are many VA, IHS and other government jobs. There are also many clinics or facilities on HRSA's list of clinics that need providers. The advantage to them is you might qualify for loan repayment as well.

We have many providers come through town for 1, 2, or even 3 years, get their loans paid off, get some experience and some decide to stay, other decide to go back home, and some decide to move on to a new location altogether.

Just a thought!