Whenever I start a new locum tenens position, my new coworkers always ask me what’s my favorite place I’ve worked. It’s a difficult question to answer when you’ve worked in over 20 different locations. It’s similar to when people ask me what’s my favorite country I have visited, when I have been to over 50 countries – aka too many to choose from.
I usually proceed with – I have two answers: my favorite job itself, and my favorite city/state to live in. I have two favorite jobs, so I often use either one to provide as an answer. My first favorite job was my very first locum tenens assignment away from home, which was the community health center in Washington state. It was a really organized practice and showed me that not all FQHC’s are the same. I also learned a lot and proved to myself that I can be successful as a traveling NP.
My other favorite job was the first time I worked with the geriatric clinic in Virginia. I mean I stayed there for almost 1 year so that says something. I learned a lot in that job and developed amazing relationships with patients. I liked being accountable for patient outcomes, which is why I have continued to work with that practice in different locations for the last 7 years.
My favorite city/state to live in or practice in also has two answers. I absolutely love living in San Diego, CA. The job there is really an afterthought. I love the diversity of the city, laid back atmosphere, perfect weather, and being able to live on the beach. My second favorite place I lived in was surprisingly Maine. I liked that it was also laid back that the physicians at work would go fishing at a nearby pond during their lunch break. I appreciated being able to go for walks and hikes during the summer since the temperature was only in the 70’s.
What has been your favorite job or location as a traveling NP?
