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Locum tenens nurse practitioner jobs are short-term, flexible contracts where NPs fill in at healthcare facilities facing staffing gaps, often earning higher pay, with more autonomy and variety than permanent positions. These roles allow NPs to choose their schedule, specialty, and setting without the burnout of full-time employment.
TL;DR – How Nurse Practitioner Locum Tenens Jobs Can Help You Break Free from Burnout
- Locum tenens NP jobs offer short-term, high-pay contracts where you choose the schedule, location, and specialty—no office politics, no burnout.
- You’re an independent contractor, meaning more autonomy, tax perks, and hourly pay—but you’ll need to manage your own benefits and licensing.
- Credentialing and licensing take time, so staying organized with documents is key to landing consistent, high-paying assignments.
- You gain clinical range fast, testing out specialties, regions, and practice settings without long-term commitments.
- With NPHire, you get access to curated locum NP roles, credentialing help, and exclusive listings—so you can work on your terms, not theirs.
Why So Many NPs Are Ditching Full-Time Jobs for Locum Life
The nurse practitioner job market has gotten wild. You’re expected to take on full panels, deal with back-to-back patients in urgent care settings, and somehow do it all for less than you're worth. Burnout? Almost guaranteed. Flexibility? Not unless you count working three night shifts in a row.
That’s why more providers are stepping away from traditional roles and building real careers through locum tenens nurse practitioner jobs.
These short-term, high-demand assignments let you actually choose your schedule, travel (if you want), and get paid for your full skill set without office politics or burnout. For NPs looking to reclaim their work-life balance, locum tenens NP work is a game-changer.
But what’s really driving this shift and why now? Let’s look at why so many nurse practitioners are leaving the full-time grind behind.
Burned Out or Boxed In? Why More NPs Are Choosing Locum Tenens Jobs
Let’s not sugarcoat it: being a nurse practitioner today often means being overworked, underpaid, and told to "just be grateful" for your job.
Whether you're grinding through 10-minute visits in a packed urgent care setting or stuck waiting years for a schedule you actually want, the system isn’t exactly set up for NP wellness.
That’s why more NPs are choosing locum tenens nurse practitioner jobs. Instead of settling for one full-time position that demands everything and pays modestly, locum tenens lets you choose assignments that fit your goals, your schedule, and your bandwidth. You decide when and where to work—and you walk away when it no longer serves you.
And it’s not just about freedom. It’s about power. Power to earn more. Power to gain experience across specialties. Power to take a month off without a supervisor side-eyeing your time-off request. From primary care to critical care, NPs are realizing they can build a career that works for them—not the other way around.
So if that’s the why, let’s talk about the what. What exactly is locum tenens work—and how does it really function for nurse practitioners?
What Nurse Practitioners Need to Know About Locum Tenens Work
Locum tenens literally means “to hold the place,” but for nurse practitioners, it means something way more powerful: freedom and leverage.
When you work a locum tenens nurse practitioner job, you’re stepping into a temporary assignment at a healthcare facility that’s short on staff.
That could be due to a vacation, someone on medical leave, or a chronic staffing gap in rural or high-volume settings. You might work a single weekend, a few weeks, or a few months. Then? You decide what’s next.
Unlike permanent positions, locum NPs are typically independent contractors, not employees. That means no built-in health benefits, but it also means higher hourly pay, tax deductions, and total control over where you work, when, and for how long. And most of the logistics like housing, licensing, credentialing, travel are handled for you by the agency or recruiter.
In short, it’s NP work on your terms, not theirs. You get in, provide care, get paid, and move on when you want to. No long-term drama. No “team bonding” retreats. Just clean, compensated practice.
But let’s not just talk logistics, let’s break down how the locum process actually works, start to finish.
Behind the Scenes: What It’s Like to Work as a Locum Tenens NP
Here’s the part most job sites gloss over: locum tenens work isn’t just some mysterious side hustle, it’s an actual career path with real structure, strong support, and serious perks.
And the best part? You don’t have to figure it out alone. There’s a system in place to get you from “kind of curious” to “credentialed and on assignment” faster than you’d expect. Everything runs on a rhythm and it starts with this:
Step 1: Connect With a Recruiter Who Specializes in Locum Tenens NPs
Most nurse practitioners start by working with a staffing agency that places locum tenens NPs. The recruiter becomes your main point of contact—they’ll pitch assignments to you, handle credentialing, and help manage contracts. But the right recruiter gets NPs—they won’t waste your time with irrelevant physician gigs or inflexible schedules.
They’ll ask about:
- Your ideal specialty: primary care, urgent care, cardiology, interventional cardiology, general surgery, etc.
- Your preferred location and willingness to accept travel nurse assignments
- Your desired schedule (weekdays only, no night shifts, full-time vs part-time)
- Your licensing requirements and active state licenses
- What type of healthcare facilities or team setup you thrive in
Step 2: Choose Assignments That Align With Your Life and Skills
Once they know what you’re looking for, your recruiter will present specific locum tenens assignments that fit. You’ll get full transparency—no mystery job postings.
Each assignment will clearly include:
- Practice setting: urgent care setting, hospital-based, outpatient, rural clinic, etc.
- Schedule details: shifts, call coverage, weekends, holidays, night shifts
- Patient population and expected procedures
- Compensation package: hourly pay, overtime, stipends, travel reimbursement
- Credentialing timeline and start date
This is where you take control. You only say yes to the practitioner jobs that actually fit your career goals and current bandwidth.
Step 3: Complete Licensing and Credentialing Requirements
Once you accept an assignment, your agency will help you meet all licensing requirements for that state and assist with credentialing at the facility.
You’ll need to provide:
- Your updated CV, state licenses, and board certification
- Malpractice insurance info (often provided by the agency)
- Immunizations, DEA license, references, and NPI number
- Any state-specific documents like collaborative agreements (if required)
Agencies usually pay for these and walk you through the process so you don’t have to manage it alone.
Step 4: Sign Your Contract and Finalize Logistics
This is where it becomes official—and where being an independent contractor pays off. You review the full contract and confirm all terms.
That includes:
- Hourly rate, overtime policies, cancellation terms
- Coverage for housing, travel, and rental car
- Reimbursement for licensing and any credentialing fees
- Confirmation that malpractice insurance is fully covered
- Shift schedule, scope of practice, and orientation details
If something’s unclear or doesn’t match your goals—this is your moment to negotiate or walk away.
Step 5: Travel, Onboard, and Start the Work
Once the paperwork’s done, your agency books your flights or helps arrange housing if it’s a travel nurse or out-of-state assignment. Some NPs stay in extended stay hotels, others in furnished apartments—depends on the gig.
You may get:
- A full orientation day at the facility
- A few hours of EHR training and a walkthrough
- Or a “hit the ground running” welcome with minimal support
Either way, once you’re there, you’re fully functioning as a locum nurse practitioner—seeing patients, managing care, and delivering treatment like any member of the provider team.
Step 6: Wrap, Renew, or Rest—You Decide What Comes Next
After your temporary assignment ends, you’re in the driver’s seat. You can:
- Extend the contract
- Try a new specialty or location
- Take a break to recharge
- Pick up another NP job to keep income flowing
That’s the beauty of locum tenens work—you’re not just “filling a gap.” You’re building a flexible, empowered career on your terms.
Next up, let’s talk about what NPs are actually gaining from this model—and why so many stay in it long-term.
What You Really Gain from a Nurse Practitioner Locum Tenens Career
Image this: you’re practicing on your own terms with no mandatory committee meetings, fewer call shifts, and significantly higher pay.
That’s what locum tenens nurse practitioner jobs promise and deliver. You’re not trading away patient care; you’re reclaiming your time, sanity, and career growth. Here’s how it breaks down:
Elevated Pay & Financial Freedom
Locum tenens NPs often earn $15–$25 more per hour than full-time colleagues and that doesn’t include travel stipends, per diem, or overtime.
With many assignments, housing and transportation are covered. Plus, as an independent contractor, you can leverage tax deductions for business expenses like travel, licensing fees, and continuing education.
One-of-a-Kind Schedule Flexibility
Want to work a few months on, then disappear for the summer? Prefer only covering night shifts or only weekdays? With locum NP assignments, you decide your rhythm.
Need a break to care for family or chase a passion? Take it. This kind of more flexible schedule is rare in permanent NP jobs.
Build Your Clinical Toolkit—Fast
Ever wonder if critical care is right for you or if you’d thrive in interventional cardiology? Locum work lets you try multiple healthcare facilities and specialty settings without long-term commitment.
It’s a crash course in family practice, urgent care, critical care, or more niche fields and employers love the breadth on your résumé.
Travel & Lifestyle Perks
Whether it’s a snowy mountain clinic or a beachside urgent care, many locum assignments come with travel nurse assignment perks—flights, housing, rental cars. Want to road trip between assignments? Go for it. Want to settle near family after a break—even better. The world gets smaller when you're not chained to one zip code.
Those are just a few top-level wins. The core truth is this: locum tenens NP jobs give you back ownership of your professional life. Up next, because it’s not all rainbows, what you should watch out for before signing on.
The Not-So-Glamorous Side of Locum Tenens NP Work: What to Watch Out For
While locum tenens nurse practitioner jobs offer incredible freedom and pay, they’re not a stress-free ride.
There’s a reason these roles pay more and it’s because you’re stepping into a fast-moving system that requires confidence, independence, and a tolerance for some serious red tape.
If you’re imagining a nonstop highlight reel of flexible schedule gigs and paid-for travel nurse assignments, it’s time to zoom out. Here’s what you need to consider before getting started:
Licensing Headaches (Yes, You Need More Than One License)
If you plan to take on locum tenens NP assignments across state lines, brace yourself: each state has its own licensing process, timelines, and legal requirements. It’s not just about having an NP license, you may also need:
- A separate RN license in certain states
- A DEA registration specific to each state
- Collaborative agreements (in states that limit NP autonomy)
- Extra time to process in high-demand states like California, Texas, and New York
Even with agency support, managing multiple licenses means staying hyper-organized—and probably learning what “expedited processing” really means (hint: it’s still slow).
Credentialing Is a Full-Time Job by Itself
Before you ever touch a patient, you’ll need to get credentialed with the facility every time you start a new locum tenens assignment. And no, this isn’t a one-and-done scenario. Expect to repeat the process every few months, often with overlapping paperwork.
Be ready to provide:
- An up-to-date CV with no employment gaps
- Current state licenses and certifications (like BLS, ACLS, or PALS)
- Proof of immunizations, TB test results, and physical exams
- DEA registration and malpractice insurance
- At least 2–3 professional references and possibly university transcripts
Most facilities require 30–90 days for credentialing, so plan well ahead or risk missing out on high-paying nurse practitioner locum tenens opportunities.
No Built-In Benefits (But You Knew That)
As a 1099 independent contractor, you don’t get the perks of a W-2 employee. That means you’re managing your own:
- Health insurance (either private or through a partner)
- Retirement accounts (such as a SEP IRA or solo 401(k))
- Paid time off (which doesn’t exist here)
- Disability and liability protection
Yes, locum NPs make more per hour but you’ll need to budget for taxes and benefits to really come out ahead.
Orientation Can Be... Minimal
One of the biggest shocks for new locum tenens NPs is how little training you might receive. Some facilities offer a quick intro to the EHR system, while others hand you a badge and expect you to roll with it.
In many settings, you’re expected to:
- Adapt immediately to their documentation style
- Learn the patient flow with little guidance
- Function independently in full-scope nurse practitioner roles from day one
This is why experience matters so much—facilities want someone who can lead, not learn.
The Emotional and Administrative Load Is Real
Every locum tenens nurse assignment means entering and exiting a team quickly, which can feel jarring, especially if you're used to long-term patient relationships or working closely with familiar staff.
On top of that emotional churn, there’s a constant need to stay on top of:
- Contracts and payment schedules from multiple agencies
- Tracking income across different tax jurisdictions
- Keeping your malpractice insurance, certifications, and licenses current
- Managing your own credentialing packets for each new assignment
None of these are deal-breakers but if you're not organized, they can become burnout triggers fast.
Despite all of this, locum tenens work still gives thousands of NPs their freedom back. But success requires strategy, not just spontaneity. So, if you’re ready to take the next step, let’s walk through exactly how to get started without the overwhelm.
How to Land Your First Nurse Practitioner Locum Tenens Assignment Without Losing Your Mind
Breaking into locum tenens NP jobs doesn’t have to feel like navigating an EHR blindfolded. But you do need a clear roadmap—because while these temporary assignments offer tons of freedom, the onboarding process can be deceptively complex. The good news? Once you nail the setup, it gets easier every time.
Let’s break it down, step-by-step—with real prep, real expectations, and real ways to avoid rookie mistakes.
Step 1: Partner With a Locum Tenens-Focused Recruiter
You don't need to cold-call hospitals or hunt job boards at 2 a.m. Your first stop is a staffing agency that specializes in nurse practitioner locum tenens roles. A good recruiter will:
- Match you with locum NP assignments based on your specialty, location preferences, and availability
- Help you understand licensing requirements in each state you’re interested in
- Walk you through pay rates, contracts, and travel arrangements
- Be honest about the skill set facilities are looking for—especially in high-pressure areas like urgent care settings or critical care
Step 2: Gather and Organize Your Credentialing Documents
This is where things start to feel real (and occasionally ridiculous in volume). Facilities need proof you are licensed, legit, and ready to practice. Create a digital folder with:
- Updated CV (no unexplained gaps)
- All state NP licenses and DEA certificates
- Board certifications (FNP, AGACNP, etc.)
- Immunization records (flu, COVID, TB, Hep B, etc.)
- Malpractice insurance documentation (your agency might provide this)
- At least three professional references
- Your driver's license or government-issued ID
Having all this prepped early speeds up your credentialing process—often the biggest delay in getting hired.
Step 3: Apply for State Licenses If Needed
If your dream locum tenens assignment is in another state, you’ll need to be licensed there—which can take weeks to months. Be prepared to:
- Apply for both NP and RN licenses in some states
- Meet any additional requirements (e.g., collaborative agreements in restrictive practice states)
- Pay multiple fees (some covered by your agency)
- Wait for primary source verification and board approval
Step 4: Review the Contract Details (Don’t Just Skim!)
Before signing anything, make sure you know exactly what you’re committing to. A good locum tenens NP contract will spell out:
- Hourly rate and overtime rules (especially for night shifts or weekends)
- Travel and housing support (usually included)
- Reimbursement for licensure and credentialing
- The scope of the assignment (EHR system, number of patients, support staff, procedures expected)
Step 5: Get Credentialed and Prepped for Your First Day
Once you’ve signed the contract, your recruiter will initiate credentialing at the facility—which might feel like déjà vu paperwork-wise. You’ll also want to:
- Learn the basics of the EHR they use (Epic, Cerner, etc.)
- Clarify the orientation schedule (some are brief or nonexistent)
- Ask for a point of contact on-site in case things go sideways
Your goal: arrive confident, prepared, and ready to provide excellent care—even if the first day’s a blur.
Starting with locum tenens nurse practitioner jobs might sound overwhelming, but once you’ve got your system down, you’re golden. And the best part? You’ll never need to rely on job boards again. Up next—we’ll share how to actually thrive in this lifestyle once you’ve landed the gig.
How to Succeed in Locum Tenens NP Assignments
Locum tenens work puts you in the driver’s seat, but success still takes more than just showing up with your stethoscope.
These jobs are fast-paced, short-term, and expect you to hit the ground running, so how do you actually thrive? Here's how to step into any assignment like a pro and leave with a solid rep (and maybe even a callback).
1. Be Adaptable from Day One
Every facility’s got its own flow. One place might have a team that hands you everything on a silver platter, and the next expects you to juggle triage, procedures, and charting without blinking. Be ready to learn fast, ask smart questions, and roll with whatever system they’ve got. If something’s unclear—say so. Confidence doesn’t mean pretending you know it all.
- Ask how they prefer consults or discharges.
- Learn the rhythm of the team (Are the MAs helpful? Are you expected to manage rooms?)
- Pay attention to what's different—but don’t be thrown by it.
2. Keep Your Docs Tight and Ready
If your license, certifications, or CV are out of date, you’re basically ghosting yourself from your next gig. Keep everything updated and stored in one place—Dropbox, Google Drive, whatever works for you. That way, when the recruiter calls, you’re not scrambling for your DEA number like it’s your kid’s lost soccer cleats.
- Have copies of your NP license(s), DEA, BLS/ACLS, immunizations, and malpractice insurance.
- Know the status of every license, especially if you’re working across state lines.
- Send updates to your recruiter before they have to chase you down.
3. Be That NP Everyone Wants Back
Even if it’s just a weekend shift, act like it’s your home turf. Be respectful, reliable, and cool under pressure. The staff might be burned out, understaffed, or dealing with chaos—and your vibe could be the one thing that makes their day better. Don’t underestimate that.
- Show up early. Don’t assume someone else will onboard you.
- Introduce yourself to everyone from front desk to lab techs.
- Keep your cool, especially if the clinic flow is a mess.
4. Get Fast with the EHR
Let’s be honest: no one likes learning a new EHR system on the fly. But unless you're bringing your own laptop and software (don’t), you’re going to have to figure it out. Some facilities are great at onboarding; others will say, “You’ve used Epic, right?” and leave you there. You can’t control the system, but you can control how quickly you get your bearings.
- Ask for a quick tutorial or cheat sheet on day one.
- Pay attention to common charting shortcuts or macros.
- Take mental notes—many EHRs share similar logic.
5. Make Connections, Even if You’re Only There a Week
It might feel weird to bond with a team you’ll be leaving soon, but here’s the thing: people remember people who show up fully. A thank you to the RN who helped you with a difficult patient or remembering the front desk staff’s name? That’s the kind of stuff that makes you stand out without even trying.
- Don’t isolate—say yes to lunch invites or quick team huddles.
- Ask about people’s roles and how you can help their workflow.
- Leave on good terms. You never know who’s watching—or where they’ll be next.
It’s Time to Take Back Control of Your NP Career
Nurse practitioner locum tenens jobs are a serious power move. Whether you’re sick of burnout, bored in your current role, or just craving the freedom to pick your schedule and pack your bags, locum tenens NP work gives you that choice.
It’s not always easy there’s paperwork, credentialing, new systems, and yes, occasionally learning someone’s name three days before you leave, but it’s worth it. Why? Because you’re not boxed in. You’re exploring. You’re growing. You’re making good money while doing work that matters and that’s the kind of flexibility and autonomy most full-time roles can’t touch.
And with NPHire, that freedom isn’t buried under bad job boards or recruiter games. We give you first dibs on high-paying, high-quality locum NP assignments matched to your specialty, experience level, and lifestyle goals.
Our platform is built only for NPs (no random job boards, no irrelevant listings), with exclusive access to high-paying locum opportunities in primary care, urgent care, critical care, and beyond.
So if you are ready to work on your term and stop scrolling. Create your free account at NPHire and let us help you build the flexible, fulfilling NP career you’ve been chasing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Locum Tenens NP Jobs
1. What is a locum tenens nurse practitioner?
A locum tenens nurse practitioner is an NP who fills short‑term roles—ranging from a few days to several months—at clinics, hospitals, or urgent care facilities facing staffing gaps. These are temporary assignments that give you flexibility and variety while often offering higher pay.
2. How are locum NP jobs different from permanent NP positions?
Locum NP roles are temporary and often pay more per hour. You pick your assignments, schedule, location (including critical care or urgent care settings), and don’t get locked into one job. No office politics, no set meal breaks, and no annual leave tracking—just care when you choose to work.
3. Can new grad NPs work locum tenens?
Yes! While some assignments prefer experienced NPs, there are plenty geared toward new graduates—especially in less acute settings or family practice. Networking with recruiters who specialize in locum NP roles increases your chances of landing one.
4. What specialties are in high demand for locum tenens NPs?
High-demand areas include primary care, urgent care, critical care, emergency medicine, interventional cardiology, and general surgery settings. Demand can vary by region—but these areas consistently have openings for locum providers.
5. Do I need multiple state licenses to work locum tenens?
Yes, if you want to work across state lines. Most assignments require an active NP license in the assignment state—and sometimes an RN license or DEA registration too. Some states also require collaborative agreements, depending on practice autonomy.
6. Will I be credentialed and ready to start quickly?
It depends—credentialing can take 30–90 days per facility. You’ll submit your CV, licenses, DEA, board certifications, immunizations, and references. Keeping your documents organized and digital makes the process smoother and faster.
7. Am I considered an independent contractor?
Yes. As a locum tenens NP, you’re typically a 1099 contractor—not an employee. That means you handle your own taxes, benefits, and malpractice insurance (though many agencies include malpractice coverage).
8. How does scheduling work?
Most assignments let you choose shifts—whether you prefer 4×10s, night shifts only, weekends, or 12-hour days. You pick assignments that match your desired schedule; if you want to avoid holidays or nights, you can.
9. Are travel, housing, and meals included?
Often, yes. Many locum tenens NP assignments cover housing (extended stay or furnished rentals), flights or mileage, and sometimes per diem for meals. Confirm details per contract before committing.
10. Is locum tenens right for me?
If you want greater autonomy, higher pay, and diverse clinical exposure without the burnout of a full-time role, it can be a great fit. But if you prefer stability, fixed schedules, and employee benefits, a permanent NP position may suit you better.
Key Terms Every Locum NP Needs to Know
- Locum Tenens
A fancy Latin phrase that basically means you’re the pinch-hitter—stepping into short-term NP roles wherever help is urgently needed. - Locum Tenens Nurse Practitioner Jobs
Temporary nurse practitioner gigs in hospitals, clinics, or specialty settings—ranging from a few days to a few months. These jobs offer serious flexibility and often higher pay. - Locum NP / Tenens Nurse Practitioner
Just a shorter way to say you’re not locked into one employer. You take temporary assignments on your terms. - Independent Contractor
Instead of being on payroll, locum NPs usually work as 1099 contractors. That means more take-home pay—but you’re responsible for your own taxes and benefits. - Staffing Agency
The matchmaker that connects you (the provider) with the healthcare facility in need. They help line up your next locum tenens assignment and often handle travel, housing, and onboarding. - Credentialing
The paperwork party you’ve got to go through so a hospital or clinic can verify your qualifications before you start. Think of it as a background check for healthcare providers. - Malpractice Insurance
A must-have safety net for any NP. Good news: most locum agencies include it while you’re on assignment. But always ask. - Scope of Practice
What you’re legally allowed to do as a nurse practitioner in a specific state—like prescribing meds or performing procedures. It changes depending on local laws and your credentials. - Assignment
The locum job itself. Could be a weekend ER shift, a three-month contract in rural primary care, or anything in between. - Orientation
A crash course (sometimes very crashy) on how things work at your new gig—EHRs, team workflows, clinic layout. Some places do this well. Others expect you to hit the ground running.
About the author
- NPHire Staff
At NPHire, we’re here for nurse practitioners at every step of the job search. Our team is made up of experienced NPs, healthcare recruiters, job strategists, and former students who know firsthand how overwhelming the market can be. We work directly with nurse practitioners across the country to help them find the right roles faster, with less stress, and with more clarity about what they’re walking into. Whether you’re looking for your first job or your next big move, we’re in your corner. - Last updated
Jun 26, 2025 - Fact-checked by
NPHire Nurse Practitioner Career Strategy Team - Sources and references
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