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What Are Locum Tenens CRNA Jobs?

Locum tenens CRNA roles are temporary assignments in which Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists provide anesthesia services to cover leaves, staffing gaps, new service lines, or seasonal volume. Contracts typically run from a few weeks to several months, with options to extend. Locums work is usually 1099-based, offering professional autonomy and the ability to choose when and where to take assignments.

Unlike permanent W-2 employment, locum tenens arrangements commonly include premium billable rates and travel-related reimbursements. Many engagements also provide housing or a stipend, rental car or mileage, and malpractice coverage arranged through the agency or facility.

Benefits of Locum Tenens CRNA Work

1. Control Over Schedule and Location

Locums allows CRNAs to accept assignments that fit their preferred calendar and geography. You can stack back-to-back contracts for steady work, build in breaks for family time or travel, or target specific regions and practice settings that align with your goals.

2. Competitive Compensation

Because facilities are paying for immediate, flexible coverage, locum CRNA rates are often higher than comparable salaried roles. Many contracts pay a daily or hourly rate with overtime differentials, call stipends, and travel/housing support. Experienced clinicians who can start quickly or cover hard-to-staff locations may command especially strong packages.

Tip: Clarify what is included (base rate, call, overtime, travel, lodging, per diem, and malpractice terms) before signing to avoid surprises.

3. Variety of Cases and Skill Growth

Locums work exposes you to different EMRs, anesthesia models (ACT vs. independent), case mixes (general surgery, ortho, ENT, GI, OB, cardiology), and facility sizes—from rural critical access hospitals to large academic centers. This breadth sharpens adaptability, broadens your clinical portfolio, and expands your professional network.

4. Business & Tax Flexibility

As an independent contractor, you can structure your practice as a sole proprietor or entity, track deductible business expenses (travel, CME, licenses), and plan quarterly taxes. With good bookkeeping and advice, many CRNAs find the financial flexibility attractive compared to traditional employment.

5. Pathway to Permanent Fit

Short-term assignments are a low-risk way to “try before you buy.” If you love a site’s culture, schedule, and case mix, locums can transition into a permanent offer with a clear understanding of the day-to-day expectations.

Challenges of Locum Tenens CRNA Work

1. Benefits Are Not Built-In

Most locum roles are 1099 and do not include employer-sponsored benefits. CRNAs should plan to manage:

• Health, disability, and life insurance
• Retirement savings (Solo 401(k) or IRA)
• Paid time off (self-funded between assignments)

2. Variable Workload and Income

Assignment volume can fluctuate with market needs, credentialing timelines, and seasonal demand. Many locum CRNAs keep multiple opportunities in the pipeline, maintain active state licenses, and stay responsive to agencies to help ensure consistent bookings.

3. Rapid Onboarding & New Environments

Each site may have different protocols, surgeons’ preferences, and EMR workflows. Success in locums requires comfort with quick orientations, strong communication, and the ability to integrate smoothly with new teams while maintaining high standards of safety and efficiency.

Note: Confirm details up front—call expectations, case types you will and will not cover, supervision/independence level, and support resources (techs, ultrasound, equipment).

4. Licensing, Credentialing, and Compliance

Processing new state licenses, payer enrollments, hospital privileges, and background checks can add lead time before a start date. Keeping documents current (case logs, references, certifications, immunizations) and responding quickly to requests helps streamline approvals.

5. Malpractice Coverage Nuances

Clarify whether the agency or facility provides malpractice insurance, the limits, whether it’s claims-made or occurrence, and who pays for any tail coverage. Get these terms in writing within the contract.

Is Locum Tenens Right for You?

Locum tenens CRNA practice suits clinicians who value flexibility, diverse experiences, and the business aspects of independent work. If you are comfortable adapting to new settings, managing your own benefits and taxes, and planning around credentialing timelines, locums can be professionally rewarding and financially compelling.

For CRNAs seeking autonomy, strong earning potential, and the freedom to shape their calendar, locum tenens offers a clear path. With diligent contract review, organized credentialing, and thoughtful financial planning, you can build a sustainable, mobile anesthesia career on your terms.