Locum CRNA Jobs in Tennessee

What Life Is Like in the State of Tennessee

Tennessee blends growing metropolitan hubs, vibrant music and cultural regions, rolling Appalachian landscapes, and rural communities that depend heavily on regional healthcare systems. For CRNAs working locum tenens assignments, Tennessee offers steady demand across both major academic centers and smaller community hospitals. The state’s mix of high-volume surgical facilities in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga, combined with persistent provider shortages in rural counties, creates a diverse and reliable locum market with opportunities for autonomy, travel, and strong compensation.

1. CRNA Work Environment

• Diverse Practice Settings:
  • CRNAs in Tennessee practice in major health systems including Vanderbilt University Medical Center, HCA/TriStar Health, Methodist Le Bonheur, Ascension Saint Thomas, Covenant Health, CHI Memorial, Erlanger, and Ballad Health.
  • Assignments span Level I trauma centers, large suburban hospitals, high-volume ambulatory surgery centers, GI and endoscopy suites, OB units, and critical access hospitals in the Cumberland Plateau and Appalachian regions.
  • The state’s ongoing population growth—particularly in Middle Tennessee—has increased surgical demand and driven reliance on locum CRNAs for coverage during expansions, staffing gaps, and seasonal surges.
• Supervision Model & Scope:
  • Tennessee is a supervision state, and most major systems use a care-team model with varying levels of anesthesiologist involvement depending on specialty, acuity, and site policies.
  • Rural hospitals and smaller systems often allow CRNAs greater day-to-day autonomy, especially for general anesthesia, airway management, and OB coverage.
  • The Tennessee Association of Nurse Anesthetists (TANA) represents CRNAs across the state and advocates for improved utilization of CRNA skillsets and modernization of state-level practice regulations.
• Locum Demand & Case Mix:
  • Tennessee maintains strong demand for locum CRNAs due to rapid population growth, uneven provider distribution, and challenges recruiting full-time anesthesia staff—particularly outside major metro areas.
  • Case mix can include trauma, cardiac, neuro, OB, ortho, GI, ENT, pediatric cases (in specific facilities), and high-volume general surgery.
  • Rural and small-town hospitals often rely on locums to sustain surgical services, with broader responsibilities and more flexible practice expectations.

2. Tennessee Licensing & Travel Notes

• Licensure: CRNAs must hold an active Tennessee RN license and CRNA certification through the Tennessee Board of Nursing. Requirements may shift over time, so verification with the Board or agency is recommended.
• Turnaround Time: Licensing is generally moderate; delays can arise due to workload volume or background checks, especially for out-of-state applicants.
• Malpractice Coverage: Most locum agencies provide malpractice insurance. Hospital-employed locums may be included under system policies; always verify limits and coverage type.
• Nearest Airports: Major access points include Nashville International Airport (BNA), Memphis International Airport (MEM), Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), and Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA).
• Travel Considerations: Mountainous eastern regions may experience winter weather challenges, while western areas can face severe storms in spring and summer.

3. Cost of Living

• Housing & Short-Term Stays:
  • Housing costs vary significantly. Nashville’s rapid growth has increased prices, particularly downtown and in suburban areas like Franklin, Brentwood, and Hendersonville.
  • Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga remain more affordable, with abundant options for corporate rentals, extended-stay hotels, and short-term housing.
  • Rural areas offer low-cost housing but may require longer commutes or fewer rental options, so agency-arranged lodging can be useful.
• Everyday Expenses:
  • Groceries, utilities, and transportation expenses are near or slightly below the national average, with metropolitan areas trending higher.
  • Parking is easily accessible outside the major downtown areas; Nashville and Memphis may have paid parking near large medical centers.
• Financial Trade-Offs:
  • Locum pay varies by region and autonomy level. Rural hospitals and assignments with call coverage often pay higher premiums.
  • Lower taxes—Tennessee has no state income tax—can significantly increase net take-home pay for traveling CRNAs.

4. Major Cities & Assignment Locations

• Nashville & Middle Tennessee:
  • Nashville’s booming healthcare sector includes major systems, specialty surgery centers, and expanding suburban hospitals with large OR footprints.
  • CRNAs may encounter a high mixture of elective and complex cases, including ortho, neuro, cardiac, ENT, and trauma-related services.
  • The fast-paced environment and significant hospital growth drive continuous demand for locums.
• Memphis & West Tennessee:
  • Memphis assignments often involve trauma, OB, complex general surgery, and high-volume community care.
  • Major systems like Baptist, Methodist, and St. Francis maintain large OR schedules and frequent staffing needs.
  • Rural communities west toward the Mississippi River often face shortages and rely heavily on locum providers.
• Knoxville & the Eastern Region:
  • The Knoxville area includes Covenant Health and UT Medical Center, serving a mix of suburban and Appalachian communities.
  • Case mix includes trauma, ENT, ortho, OB, neuro, and busy outpatient procedural volume.
  • The nearby Smoky Mountains add recreational appeal for long-term locum assignments.
• Chattanooga & Southeast Tennessee:
  • Chattanooga’s Erlanger Health System and surrounding hospitals offer a mix of trauma, cardiac, general surgery, and community practice opportunities.
  • The region balances urban amenities with easy access to scenic outdoor recreation, making it a popular locum destination.
• Rural and Appalachian Counties:
  • Small hospitals in the Cumberland Plateau, Upper Cumberland, and Appalachian regions frequently depend on CRNAs to maintain surgical and obstetric access.
  • These hospitals often provide greater autonomy, broader responsibilities, and higher rate structures.
  • Locums may be crucial for keeping ORs open in communities that struggle to attract permanent providers.

5. Lifestyle & Recreation

• Outdoor Activities:
  • Tennessee offers abundant hiking, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, and mountain trails. Popular areas include the Great Smoky Mountains, Cumberland Plateau, and state parks like Fall Creek Falls.
  • Fishing, boating, and camping are common weekend activities for locum providers stationed near the state’s many lakes and reservoirs.
• Culture & Entertainment:
  • Nashville’s live music scene, restaurants, and cultural venues attract visitors year-round.
  • Memphis offers a deep blues and soul heritage, along with museums, historical sites, and a rich culinary identity.
  • Knoxville, Chattanooga, and smaller cities provide a friendly, slower-paced lifestyle while still offering modern amenities.
• Climate:
  • Tennessee experiences hot summers, mild winters, and variable spring weather.
  • Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes occur seasonally, especially in Middle and West Tennessee.

6. Things CRNAs Should Know

• Transportation & Commuting:
  • A personal vehicle is essential for most assignments, especially outside metropolitan regions.
  • Mountain roads in East Tennessee may be challenging during winter, while traffic congestion in Nashville requires extra planning for morning shifts.
• Scheduling & Workload:
  • Larger systems maintain busy OR schedules with fast turnover and diverse case complexity.
  • Rural hospitals may require CRNAs to provide call, OB coverage, or emergency support outside scheduled hours.
• Practice Culture & Onboarding:
  • Credentialing may vary by system; larger academic facilities typically have more extensive onboarding processes.
  • Locums should clarify expectations around regional blocks, supervision models, and call requirements early in the process.
• Professional Community:
  • TANA provides advocacy, education, and networking opportunities for CRNAs statewide.
  • Locum CRNAs who regularly work in Tennessee often develop strong relationships with local anesthesia teams and secure recurring assignments.