Nurse practitioners (NPs) are the fastest-growing advanced practice provider role in the United States. They make up more than 16% of the locum tenens workforce. These healthcare professionals pursue locum tenens for better pay, flexibility, and new practice environments.
In 2019, Ebony Thyme dove into 1099 contracting. Six years later, her guidance has helped others, like Alaysia and Renema, unlock financial freedom, professional growth, and renewed purpose.
Ebony’s Story
New York-based nurse practitioner Ebony Thyme started professionally traveling as a nurse who wanted to explore new places.
When Ebony accepted a full-time job at an urgent care, limited PTO and burnout pushed her to rethink her career options.
She partnered with Consilium Staffing in 2019 and found what she needed—contracts on her timeline, the ability to travel, and opportunities to grow her income. As she learned to navigate contracts, taxes, and the business side of locum tenens, she realized other NPs needed the same guidance.
Today, Ebony teaches providers how to build sustainable locum tenens careers through “The Locum Tenen Guide.” These lessons cover recruiter interviews, business setup, and career strategy.
Also, Ebony hosts an annual in-person event called Paychecks2Profit. This healthcare summit gives providers networking opportunities and tools to start their locum tenens career.
Ebony’s mentorship program has helped providers, like Alaysia and Renema, start locum tenens with confidence.
Renema’s Story
“After one genuine conversation, I saw her as a mentor who understood both the clinical and lifestyle side of locums.”
Renema, FNP-C
Burned out and seeking better alignment, Renema discovered Ebony’s online community. “Her messaging didn’t tell me how to work; it reminded me of who I am,” she says.
Renema feared employment gaps, isolation, and the logistics of 1099 contracting. Ebony reframed locum tenens as a strategic move, not a backup plan. She showed Renema that autonomy was possible.
Ebony tell hers students to be prepared for changes with every assignment. After a few successful assignments, Renema faced months of job searching.
At Ebony’s Paycheck2Profit event, Renema connected with Consilium Staffing. She knew she needed transparent communication and an agency that valued her skills.
“I wanted partners, not just a recruiter. Consilium offered that.” Renema found a cardiology job through Consilium and headed to the Pacific Northwest.
Even with clinical experience in critical care and cardiology, Renema still gets a little nervous walking into a new facility. However, patient feedback and building relationships with on-site staff reaffirmed that she’s exactly where she should be.
Today, Renema is pursuing growth and exploring new places. “I’m so grateful for Ebony’s pioneering spirit. 1099 locums has given me a new sense of possibility.”
Alaysia’s Story
“Working locum tenens offers financial freedom and time freedom.”
Alaysia, APRN
When Alaysia decided to pursue her master’s degree in nursing, she thought her time traveling as a nurse was over. She found Ebony on social media and learned about locum tenens.
“I didn’t know that travel was possible for nurse practitioners,” Alaysia says. Ebony’s mentorship set Alaysia up for success as soon as she graduated.
Alaysia knew experience was the key to getting locum jobs. She started upskilling through a full-time job and local classes. One year later, she left her staff job to pursue locum tenens full-time.
Locum tenens changed her finances immediately. She earned more in two weeks than she had in a month of W2 employment!
During Paychecks2Profit, Alaysia connected with Consilium and quickly realized their approach supported her goals. That partnership led to her next assignment with the Indian Health Service in Arizona, serving communities that often struggle to access care.
Locums gave Alaysia the financial and time freedom to launch NP Luxe CPR. With a few months of locum work each year, she has the flexibility to grow her company and provide CPR certification to providers and businesses.
Today, Alaysia continues locum tenens and partners with Consilium to ensure providers are CPR-ready before they start an assignment.
Alaysia’s Same-Day CPR Certification
Consilium: Your Partner in Locum Tenens
Whether you want to travel, earn more, spend more time with family, or build your own business, locum tenens can help you get there.
Consilium is proud to support Ebony, Renema, Alaysia, and countless others who shape their careers on their own terms.
If you’re looking for a true partner in your locum tenens journey, contact Consilium Staffing today!
