Meet Josh R.

Provider Type

Family NP

Location of Locum Assignment(s)
Coastal Alaska

Describe your pre-medical and/or pre-locum work experience.

I was an emergency room RN for several years before becoming an APRN. My experience has been in primary care, urgent care, and telemedicine. Prior to WMS, all my practice was around Arkansas. I’ve worked on Kodiak Island and different regions in Alaska.

What drew you to locum tenens work?

I love to travel, but felt vacations are never long enough to truly experience a new place or culture. I thought that locum tenens work would be an excellent way to experience different things while also providing a needed service.

Why did you choose to work with Wilderness Medical Staffing?

I worked with a nurse practitioner a few years ago who had recently done a stint with WMS and was enthralled hearing about it. I love the outdoors, and the opportunity sounded amazing. I thought about it for a while, then finally made the decision to give WMS a call.

What have you enjoyed most about your locum tenens experiences?

There are so many things: beautiful surroundings, different cultures, friendly people, and the feeling of helping a community. I love the vastness of Alaska.

How has your experience been with WMS?

It’s been a great experience. I’ve spoken with other recruiters, but WMS seems to be a smaller, more attentive company that cares about its providers.

What surprised you most about your locum tenens experiences?

The sun being out all the time doesn’t bother me!

What stands out to you about the communities and cultures you have interacted with as a locum tenens provider?

Everyone has been very welcoming and helpful. Alaskans, as a whole, seem to be some of the friendliest people in the country.

What advice do you have for prospective locum tenens providers?

Be flexible. Carry an extra set of work clothes in your carry-on.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve learned while out on assignment?

I learned about native cultures and how different [providing care is] than in the Lower 48. Things operate differently in Alaska; it’s a world on its own. And I had no idea there were so many different kinds of salmon!

Is there anything else you would like to share?

One of the best decisions I’ve made.