Wow 10 years goes by fast! I can’t believe I have been working as a locum tenens nurse practitioner for 10 years now. It’s been a lot of fun and I am glad I made the leap 10 years ago. I never thought that I would still be a travel NP until this day. I thought I would settle down after a few years.
In the last decade, I have worked in 11 different states and 26 different practices. I have learned so much as a nurse practitioner, and grown a lot as a person. Being a traveler has set me up for success – emotionally, mentally, and financially.
I have enjoyed working in different places and meeting new people. I loved living temporarily in different states and climate hacking. This means I enjoy cool weather during summer and warm weather during winter J It has been a great way for me to keep in touch with friends, family, and former classmates.
Most of all, I do not think I would be financially independent had I never started working as a travel NP. Being a travel NP, allowed me to double my income; save on housing and car; and reduce my overall taxes.
My identity isn’t being a nurse practitioner; it is being a travel NP. The travel NP that always has new experiences and something to look forward to. The travel NP that came to “save the day” and help her fellow colleagues see patients and get in patients that have waited months for an appointment. The travel NP that can decide where she gets to live and how much she wants to work.
I think every NP should take a dab into locum tenens. You don’t need to work 10 years like me, but even doing it for a few months can set you up for success. It can make you feel more confident as an NP. It can help you build your skills. It can help you pay off debt. It can help you save up to start your own business.
For the last 2-3 years I have cut down to working as a travel NP only 6 months out of the year. I remember when I first started as a travel NP, there were other locums that would come to the clinic I was at in WA, and they told me they worked 3 months on and 3 months off. I thought that was amazing. I never thought that that would be me someday – even in my 30’s!
Although I don’t know how much longer I will continue to practice as an NP, I know I will always have locum tenens as an option for me.
