How do you rent a nurse practitioner?

At the encouragement of my mentors, peers, and even my wife, I am going to attempt to share my journeys across America. I will share the good, the bad, and if it happens the ugly. If you are considering working locums, hopefully you can learn from my experienc and won't have to buy all the experience I have already purchased.

So just how do you "rent" a nurse practitioner? Well the "proper" term for what I do is locum tenens staffing. Locum tenens is Latin for "place holder".  I work in the place of a regular healthcare provider when that provider is absent, when a provider takes vacation time, when a practice is growing, or when a hospital/practice/clinic is short-staffed. To some this seems very glamorous, and at times it is. But don't think it is all glamour and glory,because it does come with it's own issues, problems, and down side.

Other nurse practitioners often ask me how they can get started working locums and quit their "regular" job. If you search google for "nurse practitioner locum tenens jobs" you will see a screen full of staffing companies that want you to work for them and fill their locums openings. Unfortunately my experience has shown that the healthcare recruiting industry has many similarities to the used car business. The recruiters are very adept at telling you what they think you want to hear. In addition to thoroughly researching the individual companies some examples of questions that you should ask in the very beginning of your negotiations with any recruiter might include:
1) Is this an employed position (taxes come out of your check and you may be entitled to benefits) or a 1099 position (you are an independent contractor and responsible for your own income taxes, health insurance, retirement, etc)?
2) Is transportation paid by the company, or are you required to pay for travel (airline tickets, rental cars, etc) and get reimbursed
3) What are the living accommodations (apt, sleep room in a facility, hotel/motel room, extended stay hotel, etc)
4) Are the accommodations individual or shared with others?
5) What is the work schedule and how do you get from the lodging site to the work place and back (shuttle, carpool, rental car)?
6) If you are provided a vehicle, can you use it on your days off?
7) What is the dress code (scrubs, lab coat, busines casual, shirt and tie, etc)?
8) Is there internet access?
9) Does your current cell phone provider have coverage in the area you will be going?
And the list goes on and on ..............
Each assignment requires preparation and research. Do not be afraid to ask questions! Remember you will be the one living in a strange place, leaving your family and friends for an extended period of time. The answers you get from the recruiter will also give you insight into the person you are dealing with.