Temporary NP position?

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I might already know my own answer but thought I'd ask for input from the group.

After one year in a crazy clinic with a supervising physician who had no interest in teaching me anything, I left and now am struggling to find a new job. I have gotten a few calls about "temping" as an NP which makes little sense to me- why not just hire someone? It seems to be that without tons of experience in different places, temping could be disaster? any one have any experience or thoughts. Thanks! Max

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I work locum tenens and like it, usually 3 month assignments. Don't have to get involved in the work place politics and then you're gone...off to a new assignment.

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Specializes in Emergency, MCCU, Surgical/ENT, Hep Trans.

Some practices just need temp help, think surgery or maternity leave. I wouldn't have a problem traveling, if you will. I know Maxim even offers a government program to help staff for NPs who are deployed, which is sometimes 3-12 months.

I was even offered a position to help short-term cover in the middle of my state. Some clinics need help while trying to find that right person, which could turn out to be you!

Good luck

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Locum tenens gigs are v. common, but, like "regular" agency/travel/temp nursing, the more experience you have, the better. Organizations that hire people on this basis pay a lot of $$$, and they're looking to get a seasoned pro.

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Locum tenens gigs are v. common, but, like "regular" agency/travel/temp nursing, the more experience you have, the better. Organizations that hire people on this basis pay a lot of $$$, and they're looking to get a seasoned pro.

Not always. I started locums right out of school.

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zenman you live my life... if I didn't have a family I would join the nurse corps or an agency... I get bored... so after 12 weeks moving on seems to be the answer! Plus, I hate a negative work place. I rather go in do my job and don't talk to me about the ********! By the time I graduate with my FNP (2013) my husband my be up for the adventure. I know my oldest son will be gone (he's joining the Army this year) and the other two boys will have to live with what life brings them!

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Zenman: Where do you work? what states?I've been doing this 3 years.

Anybody who is interested in traveling, I have recruiters from multiple companies emailing/calling every day asking if I know of any NPs looking for work. Lately lot of work in TX ( i think there is always work in TX), NM and CA.

send me a message and I can give you names/numbers of recruiters. Some of the places are so desperate they will take even 1 week all travel paid. They help you get the license if new state.

I posted this in another thread as well:

You can do travel nursing (called locum tenens) as a Nurse Practitioner as well. I went to school for FNP in CO and figured out afterwards that there are no jobs, or just PT or very low paying jobs (lower or same as RN).

Traveling as a NP I think is also better then traveling as a RN. As a RN you pretty much are stuck with 13 week contracts. As a NP you choose how long you want to go, if you need time off in between, etc. I have worked as little as 4 days to as long as 5.5 months. And almost ALL of them ask you to go perm (unless they just need vaca coverage) but you are not obligated unless you decide you love it and want to stay there.

I have worked all over the place and licensed in 5 states + 1 expired.

They usually pay for all your licenses, travel, malpractice, housing, and often they will pay for rental car or a car allowance. Most will also pay for your gas (if a short stent few weeks) and luggage fees.

I calculated I made 70k last year NOT including my travel, housing, etc. and I only worked 24 weeks.

There are downsides, you are continually packing your suitcase, have to pay for your own CME and vacations, health insurance, etc. (but most of that you can deduct on taxes)

It is a great way to pay off student loans and see the country!! How many jobs pay for a great apartment directly on the beach??

It is also a great way to get a wide variety of experience and really figure out what exactly you want to do. I've done rural pediatrics, family camp, college health, ER, urgent care, occ med, family practice, anesthesia/pre-op.

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P.s. I also started as a new grad with only 3 months experience and went directly into a night urgent care clinic as a solo provider for a college. I was nervous but was probably one of the best jobs i ever had!!! Super fun and super great people to work with!!

If you have a year experience you would do great!

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Zenman: Where do you work? what states?I've been doing this 3 years.

Anybody who is interested in traveling, I have recruiters from multiple companies emailing/calling every day asking if I know of any NPs looking for work. Lately lot of work in TX ( i think there is always work in TX), NM and CA.

send me a message and I can give you names/numbers of recruiters. Some of the places are so desperate they will take even 1 week all travel paid. They help you get the license if new state.

I'm in New Mexico and plan to continue working here in this NP friendly state. Recruiters call me almost every day. One got me early this morning with a job I'll apply for. Most just bug me with all the job offers!

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I'm in New Mexico and plan to continue working here in this NP friendly state. Recruiters call me almost every day. One got me early this morning with a job I'll apply for. Most just bug me with all the job offers!

Tell me about it... I think once you have worked with several companies and applied to various companies, and have established a good reputation they want you. I usually get a few calls a day from recruiters as well and plenty of emails.

Hey one company I work needs several NPs for ER in Albuquerque starting middle of June. Send me a message if you want their contact. (although I have received several emails regarding the same job...the company I have worked for in the same hospital system in Espanola, NM has been great! I can recommend them!!)

I'm probably taking a perm job in Texas because I'm tired of packing my suitcase all the time and really just want my own place again after 3 years... I also have 2 dogs so they are tired of it to.

I'm sure I will continue to travel but I'll take a "fun" job in CA or FL and work a few days and make a vacation out of the rest!

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I am so glad to find a blog about locum tenens. I am family practice/urgent care FNP an my husband is an RN. We are looking to travel in Sept. Was wondering which companies were the best to work with and had ??? you said you were licensed in 5 states. Which states have you worked. Just trying to decide which were more NP friendly.

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Specializes in Family Practice.

I live in Minnesota & am interested in doing locum work in Florida. I have 7 years experience in a rural clinic doing family practice. Would you be able to recommend any recruiters?

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