What Is Locum Tenens for CRNAs?

Locum tenens is a work arrangement that allows Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to provide temporary anesthesia services at healthcare facilities on a short-term or extended basis. Rather than holding a permanent staff position at a single hospital or surgical center, locum CRNAs take on assignments that fill staffing gaps, cover leaves of absence, or support facilities during periods of increased demand.

For many CRNAs, locum tenens offers an alternative way to practice anesthesia while maintaining professional flexibility. However, it also comes with unique logistical, financial, and lifestyle considerations that differ from permanent employment.

This guide explains what locum tenens means, how locum assignments work for CRNAs, and who this type of work may be best suited for.

What Does “Locum Tenens” Mean?

The term locum tenens comes from Latin and translates to “one holding a place.” In healthcare, it refers to clinicians who temporarily fill in for another provider or help meet short-term staffing needs.

In the context of anesthesia, locum tenens CRNAs step into facilities that require qualified anesthesia coverage for a defined period of time. These assignments can range from a few days or weeks to several months, depending on the facility’s needs.

Locum tenens has been used in medicine for decades, particularly in specialties where staffing shortages, geographic challenges, or fluctuating patient volume make permanent coverage difficult. For CRNAs, locum work has become increasingly common as anesthesia services expand across rural hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and high-volume procedural facilities.

How Locum Tenens Work for CRNAs

Locum tenens assignments for CRNAs are typically structured as temporary contracts rather than permanent employment. A CRNA agrees to provide anesthesia services at a specific facility for a defined time period under agreed-upon terms related to schedule, compensation, and responsibilities.

Assignments can vary widely in length and scope. Some locum CRNAs accept short-term coverage roles lasting only a few weeks, while others work extended assignments that continue for several months or longer. In some cases, a locum assignment may evolve into a recurring or long-term arrangement if both the CRNA and the facility find the relationship mutually beneficial.

Facilities that commonly use locum CRNAs include:

• Community and regional hospitals
• Rural hospitals with limited anesthesia staff
• Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs)
• Specialty surgical facilities
• Facilities covering maternity leave, medical leave, or unexpected vacancies

Because anesthesia coverage is essential for many surgical and procedural services, locum CRNAs play a critical role in maintaining access to care when permanent staffing is unavailable or insufficient.

Common Assignment Structures

Locum tenens CRNA assignments are not one-size-fits-all. The structure of each assignment depends on the facility’s needs, case volume, and staffing model.

Full-Time Blocks

Some locum assignments require full-time coverage during the contract period. This may involve working five days per week with a consistent daily schedule, similar to a permanent role but without a long-term commitment.

These assignments are often used to cover open positions while a facility recruits permanent staff.

Weekday-Only Coverage

Many facilities seek locum CRNAs for weekday-only schedules, particularly in ambulatory surgery centers or hospitals with predictable elective case volume. These roles may appeal to CRNAs who prefer regular hours without weekend or overnight responsibilities.

Call vs. No-Call Roles

Locum assignments vary in whether call coverage is required. Some roles include weekday or weekend call responsibilities, while others are strictly no-call positions. Call expectations are typically defined in advance and can significantly influence workload and lifestyle during the assignment.

Understanding the assignment structure is an important part of determining whether a particular locum opportunity aligns with a CRNA’s preferences and professional goals.

Who Uses Locum CRNAs?

Healthcare facilities turn to locum CRNAs for a variety of reasons, most of which relate to maintaining consistent anesthesia coverage.

Staffing Gaps

Facilities may experience temporary staffing shortages due to resignations, retirements, extended leave, or difficulty recruiting permanent anesthesia providers. Locum CRNAs help bridge these gaps and ensure continuity of care.

Seasonal Demand

Some hospitals and surgical centers see seasonal fluctuations in patient volume. Facilities in vacation destinations or regions with seasonal populations may rely on locum CRNAs during peak periods to meet increased demand.

Rural vs. Urban Needs

Rural and underserved areas often face ongoing challenges in recruiting permanent anesthesia staff. Locum tenens allows these facilities to maintain services while continuing long-term recruitment efforts. Urban facilities may also use locum CRNAs to manage sudden increases in volume or unexpected staffing changes.

In each of these situations, locum CRNAs provide flexibility and stability for facilities that would otherwise struggle to maintain anesthesia coverage.

How CRNAs Find Locum Jobs

CRNAs can find locum tenens opportunities through several channels, each with its own advantages and considerations.

Staffing Agencies

Many locum CRNA positions are coordinated through staffing agencies that specialize in anesthesia or advanced practice roles. These agencies often assist with credentialing, scheduling, and logistics, which can simplify the process for CRNAs new to locum work.

Direct Facility Postings

Some hospitals and surgical centers advertise locum opportunities directly, particularly if they have ongoing or predictable coverage needs. Working directly with a facility may allow for more control over scheduling and contract terms.

Specialty Job Boards

Specialty job boards focused on nurse anesthesia or locum tenens work aggregate opportunities from multiple sources in one place. These platforms allow CRNAs to browse and compare assignments without relying on a single agency or employer.

Regardless of the method used, CRNAs should carefully review assignment details, expectations, and contract terms before accepting a locum position.

Is Locum Tenens Right for Every CRNA?

While locum tenens can be a rewarding option, it is not necessarily the best fit for every CRNA.

Experience Requirements

Most facilities prefer locum CRNAs who are clinically experienced and able to adapt quickly to new environments. New graduates may find fewer locum opportunities available until they have gained sufficient independent practice experience.

Personality Fit

Locum work often requires flexibility, adaptability, and comfort with change. CRNAs who enjoy variety and independence may thrive in locum roles, while those who prefer routine and long-term team integration may find permanent positions more satisfying.

Career Stage Considerations

Some CRNAs use locum tenens work early in their careers to gain exposure to different practice settings, while others transition to locum work later for greater schedule control. Career goals, family considerations, and financial planning all play a role in determining whether locum tenens is a good fit.

Evaluating these factors honestly can help CRNAs decide whether locum work aligns with their professional and personal priorities.

Locum tenens for CRNAs involves providing temporary anesthesia services to facilities that need short-term or extended coverage. These assignments vary widely in structure, duration, and expectations.

For some CRNAs, locum work offers professional flexibility and exposure to diverse practice environments. For others, permanent roles may provide greater continuity and stability.

Understanding how locum tenens works in practice — including assignment structures, facility needs, and personal fit — allows CRNAs to make informed decisions about whether this type of work aligns with their career goals.