Nurse Practitioner Guide to Locum Tenens Jobs in Idaho

Our recruiters and staffing specialists do not expect you, the provider, to know ins-and-outs of every state in the country. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled information from TripAdvisor, state government pages, and tourist information sources to give you a glimpse into life in Idaho.

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Idaho, known as the “Gem State,” is located in the Pacific Northwest and became the 43rd U.S. state on July 3rd, 1890. The state boasts a rich history tied to its native tribes, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and determined pioneers on the Oregon Trail. Idaho is famous for its agricultural production, including the cultivation of its renowned potatoes. The state also offers a diverse range of natural resources such as timber, mineral deposits, and an abundance of rivers suitable for trout production. Notable landmarks in Idaho include the Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls and Lake Pend Oreille, the state’s largest and deepest lake. 

By combining its rich history, diverse natural resources, and various recreational opportunities, Idaho offers an exciting and unique work and lifestyle experience for those looking to be a part of this magnificent state.

• Visit Boise, the capital and largest city in Idaho, with a population of 190,000, known for its vibrant culture and history tied to the Oregon Trail.
• Explore Coeur d’Alene, Driggs, McCall, Sandpoint, and Sun Valley, which are popular destinations offering a wide range of outdoor recreational activities.

• Witness the breathtaking Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls, often referred to as the “Niagara of the West,” and the deep Hells Canyon, which is deeper than the Grand Canyon

• Experience the state’s diverse landscape, from emerald green hillsides in the panhandle to jagged peaks in central Idaho and the wide open vistas of the Snake River Plain in southern Idaho.
• Discover the state’s rich history by visiting historical sites and museums, including those related to the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the Oregon Trail.

• Boise, Idaho to Salt Lake City, Utah: Approximately 340 miles; around 5 to 6 hours by car.
• Boise, Idaho to Portland, Oregon: Roughly 340 miles; about 5 to 6 hours by car. 
• Boise, Idaho to Seattle, Washington: Around 500 miles; approximately 7.5 to 8.5 hours by car.
• Boise, Idaho to Reno, Nevada: About 420 miles; approximately 6.5 to 7.5 hours by car.
• Boise, Idaho to Missoula, Montana: Approximately 350 miles; around 6 to 7 hours by car. 

What is the Scope of Practice for Nurse Practitioners in Idaho?

In the state of Idaho, NPs are granted full authority by state law to practice medicine. This includes the ability to see patients independently, similar to physicians. They are also authorized to provide diagnoses for a wide range of medical conditions. Furthermore, they have the legal right to prescribe medications as part of their treatment plans. This comprehensive scope of practice enables NPs in Idaho to deliver holistic and efficient healthcare services to their patients.

Can Nurse Practitioners Sign Death Certificates in Idaho?

In the state of Idaho, nurse practitioners have the legal authority to sign death certificates. This responsibility is a significant part of their role in healthcare, as it officially acknowledges the passing of a patient. The ability to sign death certificates allows nurse practitioners to assist in closing a patient’s medical history and provides valuable information for public health records. 

Does Idaho Recognize Nurse Practitioners as Primary Care Providers? 

The state of Idaho, through its statutes and administrative codes, acknowledges the role of nurse practitioners as primary care providers. This recognition is a testament to the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery, where the traditional roles are being expanded to meet the increasing demand for primary care services.

Can Nurse Practitioners Independently Prescribe Schedule II Drugs in Idaho?

In the state of Idaho, nurse practitioners (NPs) are required to fulfill a specific continuing education (CE) requirement in advanced pharmacology. This requirement mandates that they complete a minimum of 10 hours of advanced pharmacology coursework every two years. This is a critical aspect of their professional development and is necessary for them to maintain their ability to prescribe Schedule II drugs. Schedule II drugs, as classified by the Controlled Substances Act, have a high potential for abuse and can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. Therefore, the ability to prescribe these drugs is regulated and requires specific training and education.

Do Nurse Practitioners Qualify for Medical Staff Membership in Idaho?

The facility’s bylaws determine the composition of medical staff in the state of Idaho. These bylaws, which are essentially the rules and regulations that govern the facility, outline the criteria for the selection, appointment, and responsibilities of the medical staff members.

Can Nurse Practitioners Order Physical Therapy in Idaho?

In the state of Idaho, NPs are permitted to make referrals for physical therapy. This means that if a patient’s condition warrants it, a nurse practitioner has the authority to refer the patient to a physical therapist. This referral is typically based on a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s health status and the nurse practitioner’s judgment about the potential benefits of physical therapy for the patient.

Can Nurse Practitioners Sign Handicap Parking Permit Forms in Idaho?

Yes!  In Idaho, NPs have the legal authority to certify disability for parking placards. They are equipped to evaluate a patient’s physical state and make a determination on whether the nature of their disability entitles them to a parking placard.

Can Nurse Practitioners Sign POLST/POST/MOLST/MOST/COLST Forms in Idaho? 

Yes, nurse practitioners are authorized to sign POLST/POST/MOLST/MOST/COLST forms in the state of Idaho. These forms are designed to communicate a patient’s wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment. They are typically used in situations where a patient has a serious illness or is near the end of life. The forms provide specific medical orders that are to be followed by healthcare providers, ensuring that the patient’s wishes are honored. 

Can Nurse Practitioners Sign Do Not Resuscitate Orders in Idaho?

In Idaho, nurse practitioners have the legal authority to sign Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders. These orders are usually endorsed by a doctor following an in-depth conversation with the patient or the individual legally designated to make healthcare decisions on the patient’s behalf. This dialogue encompasses a thorough comprehension of the patient’s health status, potential outcomes, and personal preferences concerning care at the end of life.

What are the Continuing Education Requirements for Nurse Practitioners in Idaho?

In Idaho, NPs are required to fulfill 30 CE hours every two years. This requirement is designed to guarantee that Nurse Practitioners (NPs) continually enhance their expertise and abilities, keep up with the most recent advancements in their profession, and deliver top-tier patient care.