As a teenager, Tammy Dunson dreamed of working in medicine as a psychologist to help others, especially children. She graduated high school, married, had a daughter, and then eventually took a job at her local doctor’s office as a certified nursing assistant.
She loved the work, and it became her passion, one that was evident to others. One day, the doctor looked at her and said, “You know God created you to be a nurse, right?”
Over the next decade, the doctor provided Tammy with comprehensive training under his license. As her career progressed, Tammy contributed to a community clinic dedicated to serving underprivileged individuals lacking health insurance. She worked for seven years at the clinic, gaining even more hands-on training from doctors who guided her toward becoming a nurse practitioner.
The profound impact of her work inspired Tammy to dream of one day opening a free clinic of her own. For now, she works toward achieving her financial milestones and gaining diverse experience by accepting locum tenens nurse practitioner positions in various healthcare settings.
A few years ago, Tammy decided to relocate to Tennessee to be closer to her ailing brother. This unexpected change led her to a position with a local hospital, where she discovered a newfound appreciation for the inpatient care setting, a significant shift from her previous outpatient work. While there, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Cumberland University and, in May 2020, graduated as an NP from Tennessee State University.
“There were a lot of times I wondered if I need[ed] to finish,” she recalled, “but God had a calling, and I see why now. I have several family members who have been misdiagnosed for years. My daughter struggled with her health and went for 15 years without a proper diagnosis. This experience has made me a better provider because I take the time to look at the whole picture. I’m really cautious and see each patient as a whole.”
Currently, Tammy is employed full-time as a hospitalist at a psychiatric hospital. Her work schedule is structured around a seven-days-on, seven-days-off rotation, which affords her the flexibility to pursue locum tenens work during her weeks off. Her primary motivations for taking on additional shifts are to accelerate the repayment of her student loans and to support a very personal cause—her niece’s wedding.
Looking for Locums
At first, Tammy struggled to find suitable locum positions. But one day, as if by divine intervention, she met Interim Physicians’ Lauren Roberts, her first—and only—locum tenens recruiter.
“I was sitting in my office at the hospital, and I got a text message asking if I was available during a set of dates,” she remembered. “So I looked at my calendar, and I happened to be free. I just said yes! It was an amazing hospital with amazing doctors.”
Tammy continued, “Lauren is amazing. She’s upbeat, positive, encouraging, and always available when I need her. She keeps me in touch with everything and is always willing to be my advocate.”
Tammy currently practices in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, and is in the process of becoming credentialed in Arizona.
“Right now, I’m really looking forward to expanding and growing,” she said. “I truly love where I work, and I know God opened that door for a reason. Now, he’s opened this one with locum tenens. I’ve only had good experiences with Interim, and I’ve already told some of my co-workers that they need to start traveling on their days off. I just know that it’s a great experience and would benefit their lives.”
What’s next for Tammy?
As she looks ahead, her future—and that of her family—is marked by determination and a clear vision. Rooted in an early aspiration to become a child psychologist, her career trajectory has evolved over the years but continues to balance personal fulfillment with her ambition to serve others.
Through Interim, she found an environment that supports her professional growth and aligns with her long-standing values of care and community assistance. Lauren and the team at Interim have played a pivotal role in this journey.
“They’ve all been so kind to me and helpful in trying to make sure that all my needs are accommodated,” Tammy shared.
And we’re committed to supporting Tammy as she works towards her financial objectives, eagerly anticipating the day she realizes her dream of opening a free clinic.
