As healthcare needs grow and facilities face staffing shortages across the country, the demand for skilled Nurse Practitioners (NPs) has never been higher. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 45% growth in NP jobs from 2022 to 2032, far outpacing the average growth for most professions. With this surge in demand, NPs have more opportunities than ever to shape their careers.
For many, locum tenens has become an appealing option. This flexible, rewarding career path gives NPs the chance to provide meaningful care, gain valuable experience, and enjoy the freedom to choose how and where they work.
What is Locum Tenens?
Locum tenens, meaning “to hold the place of,” refers to temporary assignments that allow NPs to fill critical staffing gaps in healthcare facilities. These assignments may last anywhere from a few days to several months. Hospitals and clinics rely on locum tenens providers to:
- Cover staff vacations or extended leave
- Manage seasonal increases in patient volume
- Bridge the gap until permanent providers are hired
- Ensure uninterrupted patient care in rural or underserved areas
With locum tenens, NPs can step into roles that make an immediate difference. Assignments are available across the country, in both rural communities that need support and larger hospital systems. This gives you the flexibility to find opportunities that fit your lifestyle—without requiring a permanent move.
Why Choose Locum Tenens as an NP?
Locum tenens work offers a unique combination of freedom, flexibility, and professional development. Here are the top reasons many NPs are embracing this career path:
1. Career Independence and Flexibility
Locum tenens puts you in control of your schedule. You can decide how many shifts to work, where you want to practice, and even what type of facility you want to serve. This flexibility allows you to design a career that fits your personal and professional goals.
Whether you want to pick up extra weekend shifts, take on seasonal assignments, or step back temporarily to spend more time with family, locum tenens gives you the freedom to do so. This control over your schedule helps create a healthier work-life balance and reduces the burnout many full-time providers face.
2. Supplemental Income Opportunities
Locum tenens positions often pay competitively, and many NPs use them as a way to boost their income. Whether you’re paying off student loans, saving for a major purchase, or simply looking for financial flexibility, locums can help you reach those goals faster.
Many providers also use locum tenens for moonlighting or weekend shifts, earning extra income without committing to a second permanent position. Plus, some assignments may include travel stipends, housing assistance, or other benefits that add even more value.
3. Broader Career Experience
Working locum tenens gives you the opportunity to build a diverse portfolio of experience. You can:
- Work in hospitals, urgent care centers, primary care clinics, and rural health facilities
- Learn different clinical approaches and workflows
- Gain exposure to various electronic health record (EHR) systems
- Collaborate with providers from different backgrounds and specialties
These experiences not only strengthen your skills but also make your resume more competitive. You’ll become a more adaptable and resourceful NP—qualities that healthcare employers value highly.
4. Travel and Exploration
If you’ve ever wanted to see new places or experience life in a different community, locum tenens is the perfect opportunity. You can accept assignments in other regions and use your off-time to explore. Prefer to stay close to home? There are also local assignments available that allow you to remain near your support network.
This flexibility means you can build your career around your lifestyle, not the other way around.
5. A Pathway to Rural Healthcare Impact
For NPs who want to make a lasting difference, rural locum tenens positions can be especially rewarding. Rural hospitals often face the greatest staffing challenges, and your skills can have an immediate impact on patients who need care most.
By working with Docs Who Care, you not only help fill a critical gap in healthcare access but also join a team that supports you every step of the way. From handling logistics to providing ongoing guidance, we make it easier for you to focus on what matters: your patients.
Start Your Locums Journey
Locum tenens is more than a temporary job. It is a chance to advance your career, grow your skills, and make a meaningful difference for patients. Whether you are seeking flexibility, higher income, or a new adventure, locum tenens offers a path that fits your goals.
At Docs Who Care, we take care of the details so you can focus on what you do best: delivering exceptional care.
Ready to get started? Visit www.docswhocare.com to explore current locum tenens opportunities and take the next step in your career today.
