The Benefits of Locum Work for CRNAs

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) play a vital role in the healthcare system, providing anesthesia care across hospitals, surgical centers, and other medical settings. While many CRNAs choose traditional full-time employment, an increasing number explore locum tenens work as an alternative career structure.

Locum tenens work allows CRNAs to accept temporary anesthesia assignments at healthcare facilities experiencing staffing needs. These roles differ from permanent positions in terms of scheduling, compensation structure, and administrative responsibilities.

This article explores common reasons CRNAs consider locum tenens work, focusing on practical advantages and real-world considerations rather than guarantees or outcomes.

Flexibility in Schedule:

One of the primary reasons CRNAs choose locum tenens work is the flexibility it provides in scheduling. Locum tenens positions typically allow healthcare professionals to choose when and where they want to work. This flexibility is especially appealing to CRNAs seeking a better work-life balance or those who enjoy the variety of working in different healthcare settings.

Schedule flexibility can take many forms. Some CRNAs accept back-to-back assignments, while others work intermittently throughout the year. The ability to scale work up or down is often cited as a key benefit.

However, flexibility also requires proactive planning. Assignment availability, credentialing timelines, and geographic demand can all influence how flexible a locum schedule truly is.

Diverse Work Environments:

Locum tenens assignments offer CRNAs the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of work environments. From hospitals and surgical centers to clinics and medical facilities, each assignment presents a chance to broaden one’s skill set and adaptability. Exposure to different patient populations and medical teams enhances professional growth and can lead to a more well-rounded anesthesia practice.

Increased Autonomy:

Working as a locum CRNA often involves a degree of autonomy not always found in traditional roles. While collaborating with various healthcare teams, locum tenens providers may have the chance to contribute their expertise, share insights, and adapt to different clinical practices. This level of autonomy can be professionally rewarding and contribute to a sense of accomplishment.

Compensation Considerations

Locum tenens work is often associated with higher hourly or daily rates compared to permanent roles. These rates reflect the temporary nature of assignments, the absence of benefits, and the need for immediate coverage.

However, locum compensation should be evaluated in context. Health insurance, retirement savings, paid time off, and tax planning are typically the responsibility of the CRNA. As a result, higher gross pay does not always translate to higher net income.

Temporary Commitments:

For CRNAs who prefer short-term commitments or wish to explore different geographic locations, locum tenens work provides the ideal solution. Assignments can range from a few days to several months, allowing CRNAs to experience diverse work settings without the long-term commitment associated with permanent positions.

Professional Networking:

Locum tenens work exposes CRNAs to a wide network of professionals within the healthcare industry. Building connections with different healthcare teams, physicians, and administrators can open doors to future opportunities and collaborations. Networking in various settings can also contribute to professional growth and the exchange of knowledge.

Professional relationships formed during locum assignments may also provide insight into facility culture and long-term opportunities. Some CRNAs ultimately transition into permanent roles at facilities where they previously worked as locums.

Job Satisfaction:

The variety and flexibility inherent in locum tenens work often contribute to increased job satisfaction for CRNAs. The ability to choose assignments that align with personal preferences, interests, and career goals fosters a sense of control over one’s professional life, which can positively impact overall job satisfaction.

Locum tenens work offers CRNAs an alternative approach to building a career in nurse anesthesia. Flexibility, variety, and autonomy can be appealing, but these benefits come with tradeoffs related to stability, benefits, and administrative responsibility.

Whether locum tenens work is a good fit depends on individual preferences, career stage, and tolerance for variability. Understanding both the advantages and limitations can help CRNAs make informed decisions about how locum work may fit into their broader professional goals.

Who Locum Tenens Work Often Fits Best

While locum tenens work can appeal to a wide range of CRNAs, it tends to align especially well with certain professional and lifestyle profiles.