Each month I will include a blog entry answering some of the most common questions I get from readers about locum tenens as a nurse practitioner. Feel free to comment any questions you have or email me at travelingNP.com@gmail.com.
- Should I apply for state licenses during the search process, or wait until I have accepted an assignment?
I personally apply for state licenses as I go. Most of the time sites will want someone who already has their state license or at least pending (already started the application process). Sometimes agencies will work with you and assist you in obtaining licenses in states that are plentiful with jobs (such as Arizona, Oregon, California etc). I think new locum tenens nurse practitioners think that the process often starts with accepting an assignment and THEN getting the license. However, obtaining a license can often take 1-2 months (since we need both the RN and ARNP license), so sites typically do not want to wait more than 1 month for their provider to start. On the plus side, if you keep all of your receipts then the site/agency will reimburse you for the licensing costs once you start the assignment.
