The Differences: CRNA Locum Work vs. PRN Work
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) often seek diverse opportunities to expand their careers and meet the demands of the healthcare industry. Two popular options for flexible employment are locum work and PRN (as-needed) work. This article aims to delineate the key distinctions between CRNA locum work and PRN work, shedding light on the unique aspects of each.
| Aspect | Locum CRNA Work | PRN CRNA Work |
|---|---|---|
| Employment model | Temporary contract-based assignments | As-needed shifts |
| Typical duration | Days to months | Single shifts or short blocks |
| Tax classification | Often independent contractor (1099) | Typically employee (W-2) |
| Geographic scope | Local, regional, or multi-state | Usually local |
| Income consistency | Variable between assignments | More predictable within one facility |
Key Insight
Although locum and PRN roles are often grouped together, they serve different staffing needs and offer distinct tradeoffs in autonomy, stability, and administrative responsibility.
CRNA Locum Work
Locum tenens work, commonly referred to as “locum work,” involves CRNAs providing temporary services to healthcare facilities to cover staff shortages, leave periods, or specific projects. CRNAs engaging in locum work are essentially independent contractors who step in to fulfill the role of regular staff members for a predetermined period.
Locum assignments are often used to address longer coverage gaps, such as extended leaves, staffing shortages, or difficulty recruiting permanent anesthesia providers. As a result, locum CRNAs are frequently expected to integrate quickly and function with a high degree of independence.
Because assignments are temporary, locum CRNAs may encounter greater variability in facility policies, electronic medical records, anesthesia protocols, and team dynamics from one assignment to the next.
| Characteristic | What It Means in Practice |
|---|---|
| Contract-based work | Defined start and end dates |
| Higher administrative burden | Licensing, credentialing, and taxes managed independently |
| Broader exposure | Multiple facilities and practice models |
Key Characteristics of CRNA Locum Work
Temporary Assignments:
Locum tenens positions are typically short-term assignments, ranging from a few days to several months, depending on the needs of the healthcare facility.
Variety of Settings:
CRNAs in locum work may find themselves working in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and surgical centers, gaining exposure to different organizational structures and patient populations.
Travel Opportunities:
Locum work often involves traveling to different locations, offering CRNAs the chance to explore diverse regions and healthcare environments.
Independent Contractor Status:
CRNAs working as locum tenens are usually considered independent contractors, responsible for managing their taxes, insurance, and other professional obligations.
PRN Work for CRNAs
PRN work, or per diem work, refers to part-time or intermittent positions where CRNAs are employed on an as-needed basis. In PRN roles, CRNAs may work irregular hours, filling in for absent staff members, covering peak times, or addressing temporary increases in patient demand.
PRN roles are commonly used by facilities to maintain staffing flexibility without committing to additional full-time hires. As a result, PRN CRNAs often work within familiar environments and established teams.
Unlike locum assignments, PRN work typically does not involve formal contracts with defined end dates. Instead, shift availability may fluctuate based on census, seasonal demand, or staffing changes.
| Characteristic | What It Means in Practice |
|---|---|
| Shift-based scheduling | CRNAs choose individual shifts |
| Lower administrative burden | Taxes and payroll handled by employer |
| Facility familiarity | Often recurring work in the same location |
Key Insight
PRN work often offers flexibility without the complexity of travel, licensing, and independent contractor status.
Key Characteristics of CRNA PRN Work
Flexible Scheduling: PRN work offers CRNAs flexibility in choosing when they want to work. They may accept shifts based on their availability and the facility’s staffing needs.
Supplemental Income:
PRN work is often taken on as a supplement to a CRNA’s primary full-time position, providing additional income without the commitment of a regular schedule.
Varied Work Environments:
Similar to locum work, PRN positions can expose CRNAs to various healthcare settings, allowing them to broaden their clinical experiences.
Potential for Consistency:
While PRN work is inherently flexible, some CRNAs may find consistent opportunities within a specific facility, providing a balance between flexibility and regularity.
Comparison
| Consideration | Locum Work | PRN Work |
|---|---|---|
| Commitment level | Moderate to high during assignment | Low, shift-by-shift |
| Travel expectations | Common | Rare |
| Scheduling control | Between assignments | Per shift |
| Long-term continuity | Limited | Possible within one facility |
Duration and Commitment:
Locum work is typically short-term and involves a more substantial commitment of time compared to PRN work, which is characterized by its intermittent and flexible nature.
Independence vs. Regularity:
CRNAs in locum work often enjoy the independence of being independent contractors, while PRN work may offer a balance of flexibility and potential for consistent shifts within a single facility.
Travel Considerations:
Locum work frequently involves travel to different locations, whereas PRN work may involve travel within a local area or region.
Career Stage Considerations
The suitability of locum or PRN work often changes over the course of a CRNA’s career.
| Career Stage | Common Preference | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Early career | PRN | Skill development in familiar settings |
| Mid-career | Locum or PRN | Flexibility and income optimization |
| Late career | Locum | Reduced long-term commitments |
Key Insight
Neither locum nor PRN work is inherently tied to seniority. The better fit depends on comfort with variability, travel, and administrative responsibility.
Locum and PRN CRNA roles represent two distinct approaches to flexible employment. Locum work emphasizes temporary coverage, geographic mobility, and independence, while PRN work prioritizes shift-level flexibility within more familiar environments.
Understanding how each model operates in practice allows CRNAs to select opportunities that align with their career goals, lifestyle needs, and tolerance for uncertainty. Many CRNAs transition between locum, PRN, and permanent roles over time as their priorities evolve.
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