From Clinic to Cruise Ship: Unique Locum NP Opportunities to Consider

With more than 385,000 nurse practitioners in the United States and more than 39,000 NPs completing their degree programs each year, it’s safe to say that these health care providers are a growing and valued part of the medical community. 

But one of the other interesting aspects of this career choice is its depth and breadth when it comes to career options! 

While the majority of nurse practitioners choose to focus on family medicine, not all nurse practitioners choose to work in a traditional medical setting. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners:  

  • 25 percent of NPs work in private practice 
  • 12.8 percent of NPs work in outpatient clinics 
  • 16.8 percent of NPs work in hospital inpatient settings 
  • 8.2 percent of NPs work in Federally Qualified Health Centers 
  • 5.9 percent of NPs work in Urgent Cares or ERs. 

NPs can switch specialties at any point in their career with additional training or a new certification exam, meaning your career options are almost unlimited! In fact, as an NP, you can work almost anywhere! Check out these ten unique NP opportunities! 

Entertainment Venues/Theme Parks

 Who do you think takes care of ill tourists or employees at theme parks or entertainment venues? These services are often provided through a contract with an established medical system in the area, or with a health care company established to provide concierge medicine services. 

Telehealth

Health care via phone/video conferencing is rapidly becoming a common tool for communities seeking fast, reliable and convenient health care. Some telehealth companies contract with hospitals and skilled nursing facilities to provide telehealth consults with patients and families, while other facilities offer their services to the public on a case by case basis.  

Aesthetics

If you’ve ever received a Botox injection or a dermal filler, chances are, it was an NP who took care of you. Medical spas, dermatology offices and plastic surgeons are where you will typically find this type of locum assignment.  

Retail Clinics

Have a cold and need to pick up a few grocery staples? Retail clinics are popping up all over and often, you’ll find an NP working there.  

School Nurse Practitioner

This might not be a setting where you’ll find many locum NPs, but school health clinics ARE a hot spot for NPs. School nurse practitioners generally work in inner-city or underserved rural areas in a school-based health center. While school nurse RN’s take care of the daily acute care of children in school and perform state-mandated screening such as hearing and vision, NPs provide more advanced medical care.  

Cruise Ship Nurse Practitioner

If you’re looking for a bit of adventure and don’t mind giving your sea legs a workout, this could be the job for you! Cruise ship NPs typically have emergency room and cardiac care experience. They also do all of the hands-on work that would typically be done by other allied health professionals, such as X-rays, lab tests and safety checks. 

Onsite Corporate Health Nurse Practitioner

Sometimes, it makes sense for employers to go all in on corporate health. Onsite health can include everything from health screenings, exercise programs, injury prevention, safety classes and workmen’s comp to physical therapy, health education and management of chronic illness. The idea is that with an NP on staff and at the ready, employees will be sick less often and miss less time at work. 

Cannabis Clinic Manager

This is a relatively new addition to our list. Cannabis clinics are popping up all over the U.S. In this role, NPs are the onsite medical authority, offering counseling and education regarding dosage, drug interactions and allergies.  

Movie Set Medicine

If movies are your thing, this may be your big break! NPs can be found on location all over the country, working with movie crews, keeping everyone safe and healthy.  

Sports Medicine Team

Movies may not be your cup of tea, but what about sports? Those interested in sports medicine NP roles may find work alongside orthopedic physicians providing care for professional athletes and high school teams.  

Once you’ve explored all your options, we’re here to help! SUMO Medical Staffing has a proven track record in helping medical professionals find jobs that best fit their specific needs. Our staffing representatives are ready to discuss your career goals and future. Request a consultation with a locum tenens staffing specialist today.