The nurse practitioner's locum tenens guide: How to choose a locums agency

This is part three in a six-part series on everything nurse practitioners need to know about working locum tenens. If you missed part one and two, you can read it here: Getting started with locums and Pay, benefits, and flexibility

For many nurse practitioners, the appeal of locum tenens work is clear: control over your schedule, exposure to different practice settings, and the opportunity to build a more adaptable career. But the reality is that locums comes with its own learning curve. From understanding state requirements to evaluating assignments, having the right support system can make the difference between a smooth transition and a stressful one—especially if you’re new to locums work.

That’s where a locum tenens agency comes in.

A strong agency doesn’t just place you in a role. It acts as a long-term partner, helping you navigate the logistics so you can focus on what matters most: patient care.

What locum tenens agencies do for NPs

At its core, a locum tenens agency acts as the bridge between healthcare providers and facilities in need of temporary staffing. Agencies typically handle:

Placement: Matching you with assignments that fit your specialty, schedule, and career goals.

Licensing and credentialing support: Managing the complex paperwork required for multiple states.

Administrative support: Handling contracts, pay, malpractice coverage, and more.

Advocacy: Serving as your advocate with facilities and supporting you throughout each assignment.

Instead of juggling dozens of tasks yourself, you have a single point of contact guiding the entire process.

Beyond these core services, agencies also serve as a source of market insight. Because they work with hundreds or thousands of providers, they can offer guidance on competitive pay rates, in-demand specialties, and realistic timelines for placement. This perspective can be especially valuable for NPs who are new to locums work and unsure what to expect.

Benefits of using an agency vs. going solo

Some NPs prefer to find their own assignments. Going solo may seem appealing if you value full independence, but it often requires significant time and organizational skills. You’re responsible for sourcing opportunities, negotiating terms, managing tax considerations, and ensuring compliance with facility requirements. For many NPs, the administrative load quickly outweighs the perceived benefits, especially when combined with full clinical schedules.

Using an agency reduces much of the administrative burden by handling paperwork and logistics on your behalf, giving you faster access to opportunities through established relationships with healthcare facilities, and providing ongoing support. Hence, someone is always available to help troubleshoot issues when they arise.

An agency centralizes these responsibilities, allowing you to focus your energy where it matters most: on patient care and professional growth.

Licensing and credentialing made easier

Licensing and credentialing are often the most significant barriers for NPs entering locums work. Each state has different requirements, and facilities may request overlapping but slightly different documentation. Maintaining multiple state licenses can be daunting, but an experienced agency will guide you through the process.

A reputable agency will:

Agencies streamline this process by acting as a coordinator between you, state boards, and healthcare facilities. This support can save you significant time and reduce the risk of delays between assignments.

Over time, this support can also help you build a portable professional profile that makes future assignments easier to secure.

Stay organized: How to maintain multiple state licenses as a locum NP

How to choose an agency

Selecting the right agency is about trust, experience, and fit. You’re not just choosing a company to place you in a role; you’re choosing a partner to support your career.

Start with reputation. Look for agencies with strong reviews and testimonials from other nurse practitioners. Consistent, positive feedback is often a good indicator of reliability and provider satisfaction.

Next, consider support services. A strong agency should help with licensing, credentialing, and logistics, reducing administrative burden and making transitions between assignments smoother.

Finally, pay attention to communication style. You want an agency that is responsive and transparent, sets clear expectations, and follows through. Good communication builds trust and makes the locum experience far less stressful.

It’s also worth considering whether an agency specializes in working with nurse practitioners. Some agencies primarily focus on physicians and may not fully understand NP-specific credentialing pathways or scope-of-practice considerations. An agency with a strong NP track record is more likely to anticipate potential challenges and advocate effectively on your behalf.

More than money: The benefits of working locums with CompHealth

Questions NPs should ask before working with an agency

Before committing to an agency, it’s important to ask a few key questions to understand how they operate and what level of support you can expect.

These questions aren’t just about gathering information—they’re also a way to assess how transparent and responsive the agency is. The quality of their answers often reflects how they’ll communicate once you’re actively working together.

1. How are assignments matched to my skills and preferences?

2. What is your process for credentialing and onboarding?

3. What is your policy for pay, malpractice coverage, and contract terms?

4. How do you support NPs with multi-state licensure?

5. Can you provide references from other NPs who have worked with you?

Expert advice: How I pick which locums agencies to work with

Common myths about locum tenens agencies

Myth: Agencies are only interested in filling positions quickly.

Fact: A reputable agency focuses on matching providers with opportunities that align with their career goals.

Myth: Using an agency is expensive.

Fact: Most assignments are fully paid by the facility; the NP’s compensation isn’t reduced.

Myth: Locum agencies only offer short-term or last-minute work.

Fact: Many agencies place NPs in long-term or recurring assignments, making locums a viable option for sustained income and career stability.

Myth: Once you start with one agency, you’re locked in.

Fact: You can work with multiple agencies, but staying with a trusted company can provide consistency and peace of mind.

Ultimately, choosing the right agency is about finding a balance between professional support and personal alignment. The best agency relationships feel collaborative rather than transactional, with recruiters who understand your goals, respect your boundaries, and advocate for your interests over time.

Choosing a locum tenens agency is an important first step—but the individual recruiter you work with and the contract you sign will shape your day-to-day experience just as much. Once you’ve selected an agency, the next step is understanding how to choose the right recruiter and evaluate contracts with confidence. 

In Part 4 of this series, we’ll walk through what to look for in a recruiter and how to assess a locum tenens contract before you sign.

Go back to part two: Pay, benefits, and flexibility of locums

Interested in learning more about locum tenens opportunities? We can help you find your first assignment. Give us a call at 800.453.3030 or view today’s locum tenens job openings.