Locum CRNA Jobs in Wisconsin

What Life Is Like in the State of Wisconsin

Wisconsin blends vibrant Midwestern cities, lakeside communities, rolling farmland, and expansive rural regions. For CRNAs working locum tenens assignments, the state offers a healthy mix of large integrated health systems, busy community hospitals, and remote critical access facilities that often rely heavily on temporary anesthesia coverage. With its seasonal surgical volume shifts, strong regional medical hubs, and staffing shortages in rural areas, Wisconsin consistently provides a wide range of locum opportunities for CRNAs who want variety, autonomy, and a balanced lifestyle.

1. CRNA Work Environment

• Diverse Practice Settings:
  • CRNAs in Wisconsin work within major systems such as Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin, UW Health, SSM Health/Dean Medical Group, Aurora Health Care/Advocate Aurora, Gundersen Health System, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Bellin Health, and numerous independent community hospitals and ASCs.
  • Locum CRNAs may be placed at Level I trauma centers in Milwaukee or Madison, mid-sized regional hospitals throughout the Fox Valley and central Wisconsin, and small critical access hospitals serving rural northern and western regions.
  • Assignments range from high-acuity academic environments to flexible, broad-scope practice in isolated facilities with limited anesthesia staffing.
• Supervision Model & Scope:
  • Wisconsin generally uses a care-team model, especially in larger systems and teaching facilities. CRNA autonomy varies widely depending on hospital culture and staffing levels.
  • In rural and northern regions, locum CRNAs may function with substantial independence, managing inductions, airways, and regional techniques where credentialed.
  • The Wisconsin Association of Nurse Anesthetists (WANA) advocates for expanded CRNA utilization, safety initiatives, and workforce support across the state.
• Locum Demand & Case Mix:
  • Demand remains steady across the state due to staffing turnover, vacation coverage needs, and reliance on locum providers in remote hospitals.
  • Common case types include general surgery, orthopedics, OB, ENT, GI scopes, cardiology procedures, and urology.
  • Academic centers may include trauma, cardiovascular surgery, neuro, thoracic, and high-acuity oncology cases, while rural hospitals often need flexible CRNAs to cover OB, ER cases, and on-call responsibilities.

2. Wisconsin Licensing & Travel Notes

• Licensure: CRNAs must hold a Wisconsin RN license and Advanced Practice Nurse Prescriber (APNP) certification where required. Verification with the Wisconsin Board of Nursing or a locum agency is recommended ahead of onboarding.
• Turnaround Time: Licensing can take several weeks depending on volume and verification delays. Early application is advised, especially for providers new to the region.
• Malpractice Coverage: Typically provided by locum agencies; system-employed locums may receive coverage through hospital policies. Always confirm limits and tail requirements.
• Nearest Airports: Milwaukee Mitchell International (MKE) and Dane County Regional (MSN) serve the state’s major metros. Green Bay (GRB) and Appleton (ATW) support the Fox Valley, while Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA) and others provide regional access.
• Travel Considerations: Winter weather impacts travel throughout the state, especially in northern and lake-effect regions. Four-wheel-drive rentals are strongly recommended during winter months.

3. Cost of Living

• Housing & Short-Term Stays:
  • Wisconsin’s housing costs vary by region but are generally moderate. Madison and Milwaukee areas are pricier, while central, western, and northern regions offer more affordable options.
  • Extended-stay hotels, short-term rentals, and agency-arranged housing are common solutions for locum CRNAs, especially near medical hubs like Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Eau Claire.
• Everyday Expenses:
  • Groceries, utilities, and transportation are in line with national averages, though heating costs rise in winter due to long, cold seasons.
  • Parking is generally easy outside urban cores, and suburban/rural assignments typically include free hospital parking.
• Financial Trade-Offs:
  • Locum pay ranges from moderate to high depending on case complexity, autonomy, and remoteness. Northern and rural assignments may offer premiums.
  • Assignments including call, weekend shifts, or flexible scheduling options can significantly increase total compensation.

4. Major Cities & Assignment Locations

• Milwaukee & Southeastern Wisconsin:
  • The state’s largest metro, Milwaukee offers large academic centers, trauma programs, and high-volume community hospitals.
  • Assignments here may include cardiac, neuro, high-acuity surgical specialties, and busy outpatient centers.
  • Suburban hospitals in Waukesha, Racine, and Kenosha provide strong elective surgery volume and stable locum opportunities.
• Madison & South-Central Wisconsin:
  • Madison is home to UW Health and SSM Health, offering complex case mixes, teaching environments, and a large network of outpatient surgical centers.
  • CRNAs here may manage a balance of high-acuity academic ORs and structured care-team environments with predictable schedules.
• Fox Valley (Appleton, Green Bay, Oshkosh):
  • The Fox Valley region features busy community hospitals and surgical centers with consistent elective volume.
  • Assignments often include general surgery, ortho, GI, ENT, and OB, with stable staffing models and strong support teams.
• Central & Western Wisconsin (Wausau, Eau Claire, La Crosse):
  • Marshfield Clinic, Gundersen Health System, and other regional hospitals anchor strong mid-sized markets with diverse surgical volume.
  • Locum CRNAs may rotate across multiple campuses or outpatient centers with predictable scheduling and moderate case mix.
• Northern Wisconsin & Rural Areas:
  • Small hospitals and critical access facilities often rely heavily on locum CRNAs for OB coverage, general surgery, and emergency procedures.
  • Assignments offer more autonomy and may include on-call duties, higher pay rates, and close-knit OR teams.

5. Lifestyle & Recreation

• Outdoor Activities:
  • Wisconsin is known for its lakes, forests, and seasonal recreation—boating and fishing in summer, hiking in fall, and snowmobiling and skiing in winter.
  • The state parks and northern lake regions provide quiet escapes for locum CRNAs between shifts.
• Culture & Food:
  • The state’s cultural identity blends Midwestern hospitality, farm-to-table dining, supper clubs, craft beer, and famous Wisconsin cheese.
  • Milwaukee and Madison feature vibrant arts scenes, sporting events, music festivals, and diverse food options.
• Climate:
  • Wisconsin experiences all four seasons, with long, cold winters and warm, pleasant summers.
  • Locum CRNAs should prepare for winter travel delays, icy roads, and snow accumulation—especially in northern regions.

6. Things CRNAs Should Know

• Transportation & Commuting:
  • A personal vehicle is necessary for most assignments. Public transit is available in major cities but limited elsewhere.
  • Winter driving skills and proper vehicle selection are important due to seasonal weather conditions.
• Scheduling & Workload:
  • Large systems may have fast-paced ORs with high case complexity, while rural hospitals offer moderate volume with broader responsibilities.
  • CRNAs should confirm expectations around call, OB coverage, and regional anesthesia during the onboarding process.
• Practice Culture & Onboarding:
  • Credentialing varies widely between systems; academic centers may require more documentation than smaller hospitals.
  • Clear communication about autonomy, supervision, and procedural expectations ensures smooth transitions.
• Professional Community:
  • WIANA provides education, advocacy, and networking resources for CRNAs statewide.
  • Locum CRNAs who return to Wisconsin often develop long-term working relationships with regional hospitals and enjoy predictable assignment rotations.