Locum CRNA Jobs in Idaho

What Life Is Like in the State of Idaho

Idaho offers a unique blend of rugged outdoor landscapes, rapidly growing cities, and a healthcare system that depends heavily on skilled anesthesia providers. For CRNAs working locum tenens assignments, Idaho is a state where you will find a surprising mix of high-acuity medical centers, independent rural hospitals, critical access facilities, and a growing number of outpatient surgery centers. The state’s geographic layout, with wide-open spaces and long distances between metro areas, means many hospitals rely on locum CRNAs to maintain OR schedules, cover call, or supplement care teams during seasonal volume increases. Idaho provides a balance of affordable living, steady demand, competitive compensation, and access to extensive recreational activities that appeal to many locum providers looking for both clinical experience and adventure.

1. CRNA Work Environment

• Diverse Practice Settings:
  • St. Luke’s Health System, headquartered in Boise, is Idaho’s largest and most comprehensive healthcare network, offering locum opportunities in multiple regional hospitals and outpatient anesthesia settings.
  • Saint Alphonsus Health System, with locations in Boise, Nampa, and Ontario (across the Oregon border), frequently utilizes locum CRNAs for OR, OB, trauma coverage, and regional anesthesia services.
  • Critical access hospitals in cities such as McCall, Ketchum, Salmon, Sandpoint, and Mountain Home often rely on locums to maintain essential surgical services due to staffing shortages and rural location challenges.
  • Ambulatory surgery centers in Boise, Meridian, and Coeur d’Alene also create steady demand for short-term CRNA coverage, especially for ortho, pain management, and GI cases.
• Supervision Model and Scope:
  • Idaho allows for independent CRNA practice and was an early opt-out state. This gives CRNAs a significant degree of autonomy, particularly in rural hospitals where anesthesia may be primarily CRNA-led.
  • While large health systems may still operate ACT teams, rural facilities often rely entirely on CRNAs to manage anesthesia services with physician support available but not physically present.
  • The Idaho Association of Nurse Anesthetists (IDANA) advocates for CRNAs statewide and supports both resident and traveling providers.
• Locum Demand and Case Mix:
  • Idaho’s rapid population growth, especially around Boise and Coeur d’Alene, has increased surgical volume and therefore demand for anesthesia providers.
  • Common case types include general surgery, OB, ortho, ENT, GI, urology, and trauma. High-acuity trauma cases are concentrated in Boise, while rural hospitals often require more flexible case management and on-call readiness.
  • CRNAs may also encounter outdoor recreation–related injuries, particularly in mountain regions and resort towns during peak tourist seasons.

2. Idaho Licensing and Travel Notes

• CRNAs must hold an Idaho RN license and CRNA certification through the Board of Nursing. Idaho is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, simplifying the process for many locum CRNAs.
• Licensure turnaround is generally faster than many states, often between 2 and 4 weeks, though times vary based on background checks and documentation.
• Most CRNA locum agencies provide malpractice insurance; rural hospitals rarely offer it directly to independent contractors.
• Major airports include Boise (BOI), Spokane (GEG, serving northern Idaho), and Idaho Falls (IDA). Travel between towns often requires long drives on two-lane highways.

3. Cost of Living

• Housing and Lodging:
  • Idaho’s cost of living is generally below the national average, though rapidly growing areas like Boise and Coeur d’Alene have seen rising rents and housing prices in recent years.
  • Short-term furnished housing, extended-stay hotels, and vacation rentals are widely available near major hospital hubs, particularly in Boise and Idaho Falls.
  • Rural communities may have limited lodging options, making early planning essential for locums rotating between remote facilities.
• Everyday Expenses:
  • Groceries, fuel, and utilities are reasonably priced, though prices can increase in isolated towns where supplies must travel long distances.
  • Locums assigned to mountain or resort areas such as McCall, Ketchum, or Sun Valley may encounter higher prices during ski and tourist seasons.
  • Overall, Idaho allows CRNAs to retain a large portion of their income, particularly if housing and travel stipends are provided.

4. Major Cities and Assignment Locations

• Boise and the Treasure Valley:
  • Boise is Idaho’s largest city and home to St. Luke’s Boise, St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, and multiple outpatient facilities.
  • CRNAs working in Boise can expect a broad range of inpatient and outpatient cases, trauma services, and multi-OR environments.
  • Boise’s growing population has led to increased OR volume and consistent locum needs, particularly for coverage during expansions and seasonal staffing gaps.
• Idaho Falls and Eastern Idaho:
  • Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC) in Idaho Falls is one of the region’s major hospitals, offering general surgery, trauma, OB, cardiac, and specialty anesthesia opportunities.
  • The region includes many smaller community hospitals that rely on CRNAs for day-to-day surgery and call coverage.
  • Assignments here combine clinical variety with proximity to Yellowstone, the Tetons, and numerous outdoor attractions.
• Coeur d’Alene and Northern Idaho:
  • Kootenai Health in Coeur d’Alene is one of Idaho’s fastest-growing medical centers, offering high-volume surgical services and periodic locum needs.
  • Surrounding rural hospitals in Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry, and Moscow often rely on locums to maintain anesthesia coverage.
  • Northern Idaho offers a mix of lakes, mountains, and outdoor recreation, appealing to CRNAs who want scenic downtime between shifts.
• Mountain and Resort Regions:
  • Ketchum, Sun Valley, and McCall provide access to small hospitals serving ski resorts and outdoor-heavy communities.
  • Locum CRNAs working in these areas may encounter seasonal fluctuations in surgical volume tied to tourism and recreation patterns.

5. Lifestyle and Recreation

• Outdoor Activities:
  • Idaho is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, skiing, fishing, rafting, backpacking, and mountain biking.
  • Locum CRNAs often select Idaho specifically for its proximity to natural landscapes and national forests.
• Climate:
  • The state experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters, warm summers, and significant snowfall in mountain regions.
  • Seasonal weather affects travel conditions, especially for locums commuting to rural hospitals during winter months.
• Local Culture:
  • Idaho blends Western, agricultural, and outdoor lifestyles, with a culture that values independence, community, and the outdoors.
  • Locum CRNAs often find hospital staff friendly and appreciative of supplemental help, particularly in remote communities.

6. Things CRNAs Should Know

• Transportation and Commuting:
  • Most assignments require driving, as public transportation is limited outside of Boise.
  • Rural hospitals may require long commutes on two-lane roads, and winter driving conditions can be challenging.
• Healthcare Access and System Challenges:
  • Idaho faces ongoing provider shortages, especially in rural regions, which increases reliance on locum CRNAs.
  • Some rural hospitals have limited specialty backup, requiring CRNAs to be confident managing a broad spectrum of cases.
• Professional Community:
  • IDANA supports CRNAs through education, advocacy, and networking opportunities.
  • Locum CRNAs who familiarize themselves with local practice expectations and team dynamics transition more smoothly into Idaho assignments.