Locum Tenens for Nurse Practitioners

The physician shortage in specialties like primary care and psychiatry has caused a dramatic increase in the demand for nurse practitioners. As a result of an aging population and changes in the healthcare system, many facilities all over the country are left without adequate coverage, and the problem will only continue to grow. In order to fill those gaps, facilities are turning to locum tenens nurse practitioners.

Your services as a nurse practitioner are in high demand because facilities are employing locum tenens NPs to fill gaps in coverage. As a nurse practitioner, you can combat the shortage and optimize your career by exploring locums work.

What is locum tenens?

Locum tenens is a Latin term meaning “temporary placeholder.” Locum tenens physicians and nurse practitioners provide care to patients temporarily – anywhere from a couple of days to many months – in a facility that needs coverage. Healthcare organizations hire locum tenens providers to cover vacation time, account for seasonal high volume, combat high patient wait times, or step in until a permanent hire is found. There are locums opportunities all over the country, but you are not required to be mobile. You can find opportunities in the area you live in.

Locums Nurse Practitioners

Curious about locums opportunities?​

Why is locum tenens right for me?

Big, small, urban, government and private facilities use locum tenens. The benefits to you as a Nurse Practitioner include:

  • More career independence and flexibility: You’ll have more variety of opportunities, the ability to chose your own schedule and freedom to take control of your career.
  • Extra income: If you’re looking to pay off student loans or looking to supplement your income, you can work locum tenens in addition to regular employment by picking up moonlighting or weekend coverage.
  • A greater range of career experience: Being exposed to new practice environments can provide greater opportunities to expand your career and choose the type of employment that works best for you.
  • Opportunities to travel: Working locum tenens gives you the opportunity to see various parts of the country or stay close to family.
Projected percent change in employment for NPs, PAs and all other occupations, 2019-2029.

Nurse practitioner jobs are projected to increase by 45% from 2019-2029, compared to 31% for Physician Assistants and 4% for all occupations. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021

Nurse Practitioners are an important part of the solution to reducing patients’ barriers to care and providing better patient outcomes. Your growth potential is exponential, and locum tenens can help you find the right career path for you.

Contact us to get started on your locums journey. We’ll handle all the logistics so you can focus on patient care.

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Federal facts for you.

We are a Federal Supply Schedule Contract holder. 

Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Contract: 36F79723D0086, Professional and Allied Healthcare Staffing, effective March 15, 2023, through March 14, 2028.

NAICS Codes:
  • 561320: Temporary help services. 
  • 621111: Offices of physicians. 
  • 621112: Offices of physicians, mental health specialists. 
  • 621399: Offices of all other miscellaneous health practitioners. 
  • 621330: Offices of mental health practitioners.

Privileging.

Once you and our client agree to move forward with your assignment, our privileging team will assist you and the client in gathering information required by the healthcare facility to grant clinical privileges.

1

We contact the facility’s Medical Service Office (MSO) for their application and requirements.

2

We will assist you by pre-populating the facility’s application and sending to the MSO.

3

We will assist the MSO by following up on requested items.

4

MSO will grant privileges based on your training and experience, and you will be able to start your assignment.

Headshot of Maggie Youmans

Maggie Youmans

Senior Vice President, Sales

As Senior Vice President, Maggie oversees several key specialty divisions and adjacent teams. With a demonstrated history of leading teams and developing individuals across the organization, she is dedicated to inspiring, challenging and empowering associates to achieve their personal and professional goals. 

Maggie earned degrees in marketing and management focused on consumer economics from the University of Georgia, Terry College of Business. She enjoys traveling with her husband to visit different bed and breakfasts. Together, they have been able to see the beauty within their own backyard and across the country.

Connect with Maggie on LinkedIn.

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Anne Anderson

Executive Vice President

"I'm passionate about the locum tenens industry - we make a real difference in the lives of both our heroic healthcare providers and the patients they treat."

Anne has been at the forefront of the evolution of locum tenens for more than 35 years. She’s a respected leader with expertise in corporate operations, risk management, credentialing, and travel services. Before joining Jackson + Coker, she served as Executive Vice President at Medical Doctor Associates, part of Cross Country Healthcare. 

An ardent industry advocate, Anne served several years on the Board of the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO), including two years as president. 

Anne received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Spring Hill College. She is also a PADI open water diver and enjoys scuba diving. 

Connect with Anne on LinkedIn.