The demand for Nurse Practitioners has never been higher. Hospitals, clinics, and private practices across the country are seeking your skills to fill critical gaps in patient care. This high demand opens up an incredible opportunity: locum tenens work. Imagine a career with the flexibility to travel, the potential for higher pay, and the chance to gain diverse clinical experience in new settings. It sounds fantastic, right? But there’s one key factor that can make or break your locum tenens experience: the agency you choose to partner with.
A great agency isn’t just a middleman; they’re your career partner, handling the logistics so you can focus on what you do best-providing exceptional patient care. So, how do you find the right fit? Let’s break down everything you need to know to choose the best locum tenens agency for your goals.
What Do Locum Tenens Agencies Do for Nurse Practitioners?
How does a locum tenens agency actually help NPs?
A locum tenens agency acts as your personal advocate and logistics manager. They find and secure short- and long-term assignments that match your skills and preferences, and they handle the complex administrative burdens like credentialing, licensing, travel arrangements, and housing.
Think about the paperwork involved in taking a job in a new state. For a solo NP, navigating the licensing process, submitting credentialing packets, and arranging temporary housing can be a full-time job in itself. Now, imagine you’re an NP from Florida who lands a dream three-month assignment at a rural clinic in Montana. A quality agency will manage the entire application process for your Montana license, gather and verify all your credentials for the facility, and either provide you with fully arranged housing or a stipend to find your own. This support system allows you to transition smoothly into your new role without the administrative headache.
What Should Nurse Practitioners Look For in an Agency?
How can I tell if an agency is a good fit for me?
The best agencies stand out through their transparency, communication, and support. Key factors to evaluate include clear and competitive pay packages, the responsiveness and expertise of your dedicated recruiter, the variety and quality of assignments, and the specifics of their housing and travel support.
Let’s paint a scenario. NP Maria is comparing two agencies. Agency A offers a slightly higher hourly rate but provides a basic housing stipend that she soon realizes won’t cover the cost of a short-term rental in the desired city. Agency B offers a rate that’s $2 less per hour, but they provide fully-furnished, vetted housing within walking distance of the assignment and cover all travel expenses. For Maria, the peace of mind and lack of hidden costs with Agency B make it the better financial and personal choice. This highlights why you must look beyond the headline pay rate and dig into the full support package.
Which Agencies Are the Best for Nurse Practitioners?
What are the top locum tenens agencies to consider?
While the “best” agency is subjective to your needs, several nationally recognized agencies have built strong reputations for their specialized support of Nurse Practitioners. These include industry leaders like CompHealth, Barton Associates, AMN Healthcare, and Global Medical Staffing.
Here’s a closer look at what makes these agencies stand out:
- CompHealth: Often considered a gold standard for NPs, CompHealth has been in the business for decades. They are known for their personalized service and strong focus on building long-term relationships. Their dedicated teams provide exceptional support with licensing and credentialing, which can be a major hurdle. They offer a wide variety of jobs, from critical access hospitals to bustling urban clinics, giving you plenty of choices.
- Barton Associates: If speed and efficiency are your priorities, Barton Associates is a top contender. They have a massive database of opportunities and a reputation for making fast placements. Their recruiters are known for being highly accessible and straightforward. For an NP who knows what they want and wants to start working quickly, Barton’s nationwide reach and streamlined process are significant advantages.
- AMN Healthcare: As one of the largest healthcare staffing companies in the nation, AMN Healthcare offers immense resources. This scale translates to a vast network of assignments and often more robust benefits options, including health insurance and retirement plans for career locum NPs. Their travel nurse housing support is typically comprehensive, taking the stress out of finding a place to live.
- Global Medical Staffing: For the NP with a serious case of wanderlust, Global Medical Staffing is the premier choice. While they have plenty of domestic opportunities, they specialize in international placements. Imagine working as an NP in Australia, New Zealand, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. They handle the complex international licensing and visa processes, making an overseas adventure a realistic career move.
How Can NPs Match an Agency to Their Career Goals?
What’s the best way to choose an agency that fits my personal and professional goals?
The most effective strategy is to align the agency’s strengths with your own top priorities. Be honest with yourself about what you want most from your locum tenens experience-is it maximizing income, exploring specific locations, achieving work-life balance, or gaining experience in a new specialty?
Consider two NPs with different goals:
- NP James is early in his career and wants to gain experience in various emergency department settings to build his resume. His priority is variety and high-intensity placements. He might lean toward AMN Healthcare or Barton Associates for their high volume of hospital-based jobs and quick placement times.
- NP Sarah is a seasoned professional looking for a better work-life balance. She wants a series of six-month assignments in small, scenic towns where she can enjoy the outdoors. Her priorities are location, housing quality, and recruiter support for a smooth transition. She might find a better fit with CompHealth, known for its personalized service and diverse range of community clinic opportunities.
By defining your “why,” you can shortlist agencies whose specialties match your ambitions.
Tips for First-Time Locum Tenens NPs
What should new locum nurse practitioners know before signing with an agency?
For your first contract, due diligence is non-negotiable. Treat the interview process as a two-way street-you are also interviewing the agency. Ask detailed questions about pay structure (including overtime and cancellation policies), contract terms, and get all housing and travel support details in writing.
A common pitfall for new locum NPs is assuming that all support is created equal. For example, an agency might say they “handle housing,” but what does that mean? Is it a corporate apartment, a hotel stay, or a stipend? A savvy NP will ask: “Can you walk me through exactly how the travel nurse housing process works? Will I receive a list of options to choose from? What happens if the provided housing is unsatisfactory?” Getting clear answers before you sign the contract prevents misunderstandings and ensures you won’t be faced with surprise costs or a stressful living situation upon arrival at your new assignment.
Your Partner in a Flexible Career
Embarking on a locum tenens career is an exciting step that offers unparalleled freedom and professional growth. The “best” agency is ultimately the one that feels like a true partner, understanding your unique needs and working diligently to meet them. Trusted names like CompHealth, Barton Associates, AMN Healthcare, and Global Medical Staffing are excellent starting points for your research because of their proven track records and specialized NP support.
Your career is too important to leave to chance. By asking the right questions and prioritizing the support that matters most to you, you can find an agency that will help you build the rewarding, flexible career you deserve.
Ready to find your ideal assignment? Explore housing options for your next NP adventure and connect with a reputable agency today to take the first step toward a more dynamic career.