Locum Tenens for Nurse Practitioners: Is It Right for You?

The healthcare industry has seen tremendous growth in the locum tenens sector in recent years, with double-digit growth in 2023 and 2024. Driven by an aging population, rising chronic disease rates, and widening gaps caused by rapid provider retirements, there is a significant demand for locum tenens nurse practitioners (NPs) to step in when full-time staff members are temporarily unavailable.

Whether seeking temporary nursing assistant jobs or travel NP roles, you may appreciate the unmatched flexibility locum tenens status provides. This role offers not only varied clinical experiences but also competitive pay. If you're curious about the benefits of locum tenens nurse practitioner jobs, take a closer look at what you need to know before pursuing these exciting opportunities.

What Does Locum Tenens Work Look Like for Nurse Practitioners?

Locum tenens NPs perform the same critical duties as full- or part-time staff providers, including assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients, as well as helping them manage their medications. However, the assignments are short-term and often come with a specified start date and duration.

While you are not guaranteed a salary or benefits like regular staff, the flexibility to choose assignments in line with your personal needs and preferred schedule is a major advantage.

Additionally, locum tenens job opportunities come with fewer administrative burdens. Because you do not work directly for the facility, you typically won’t have to worry about staff meetings, paperwork, or mentoring responsibilities.

Locum tenens assignments offer endless travel opportunities and the ability to work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:

• Primary care or family practice offices
• Outpatient or urgent care clinics
• Hospital emergency, critical care, and pediatric units
• Nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and geriatric clinics
• Schools and school-based health centers

Locum tenens NPs typically work as independent contractors in assignments lasting anywhere from a few weeks to several months. For example, you may cover for an internal medicine or family nurse practitioner (FNP) on vacation for three weeks or help ease a healthcare facility’s seasonal staffing shortage for three to four months.

Top Benefits of Locum Tenens for Nurse Practitioners

Whether you love the fast pace of emergency medicine or wish to provide patient care in other practice settings, here are four of the key benefits you can anticipate when pursuing locum tenens positions.

1. Flexibility in Scheduling and Location

Locum tenens roles allow you to choose assignments that align perfectly with your needs and lifestyle. For example, if you prefer night shifts and enjoy outdoor recreation, an assignment in Colorado might align perfectly with your lifestyle. An assignment as a hospitalist NP in Colorado may be your ideal fit. You can even take time off between assignments when needed.

2. Exposure to Diverse Patient Populations and Specialties

Full-time staff NPs often stay in one role and setting. Locum tenens, on the other hand, offers the chance to expand your clinical skills by working in a wide array of healthcare environments. Not only can you discover new passions, but you can also boost your resume along the way.

3. Competitive Compensation Packages

Short-staffed facilities are often willing to pay a premium to ensure excellent patient care. As a result, locum tenens NPs can expect higher pay and increased bonus opportunities. High-demand locations, like New York, can lead to even higher salaries.

4. Opportunities for Career Growth and Networking

Working in multiple settings gives you the chance to build a vast professional network. Not only can this lead to new career growth opportunities, but it can also open doors to mentorship and guidance. This is especially true for facilities that prefer to hire those who are already familiar with their environment.

Challenges NPs Should Consider Before Taking Locum Tenens Roles

NPs who choose locum tenens work must be prepared to quickly adapt to new clinical teams and workflows. You may change work environments every three to twelve weeks, so the ability to hit the ground running is essential.

Additionally, each state has its own licensing requirements, meaning you’ll need to manage your credentialing efficiently. It’s also important to know which states participate in compacts and reciprocity agreements.

Like all healthcare travel jobs, you’ll need to navigate transportation and short-term housing logistics. While some facilities offer assistance with this, you may need to handle it independently.

Finally, you may encounter gaps in benefits or job security. Because locum tenens work is short-term, you may have breaks between assignments, contracts may end unexpectedly, or you may be asked to start an assignment earlier than planned. Flexibility is key when pursuing locum tenens roles.

Is Locum Tenens the Right Choice for You?

To determine if locum tenens nursing or NP roles are right for you, assess your career goals, flexibility needs, and personal priorities. For example, if you desire to travel, take frequent career breaks, or experience varied professional settings, locum tenens may be the perfect fit.

Take time to understand the unique credentialing process for locum tenens positions. You must be licensed to practice in each state where you accept an assignment.

Just because you work locum tenens in New Jersey does not mean you can do the same in Massachusetts. However, some states participate in the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Compact, allowing NPs to practice in any member state.

Finally, consider your comfort with frequent changes in your workplace and patient populations. Locum tenens roles require NPs to be highly adaptable and able to quickly meet patient and facility demands.

How GHR Healthcare Supports Nurse Practitioners in Locum Tenens

Whether this is your first healthcare travel assignment or you’re a seasoned pro, GHR Healthcare offers dedicated recruiter support and expert guidance throughout the licensing and credentialing process. Our extensive professional network enables us to offer a wide variety of locum tenens NP assignments nationwide.

To ensure your success, our experienced recruiters provide personalized career consulting tailored to your specific goals as a nurse practitioner. You can also benefit from 24/7 support before, during, and after placements, helping you stay on track and move toward career success.

Is Locum Tenens the Right Path for Your NP Career?

Locum tenens roles offer nurse practitioners unmatched flexibility, freedom, and the chance to grow their clinical expertise. Whether you're looking to travel, explore new settings, or improve work-life balance, GHR Healthcare supports every step of your journey.

We match NPs with high-quality assignments nationwide and provide expert credentialing, personalized recruiter support, and 24/7 guidance—so you can focus on delivering exceptional care.

Start your next assignment today and find a role that fits your lifestyle, strengths, and goals.