Do you want to work with greater flexibility, increase your earning potential, and gain new experiences as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist? If so, locum tenens jobs may be the right career opportunity for you. CRNA locum jobs are suitable for every career stage, whether you are a recent graduate, practicing CRNA, or hoping to take a step back from practicing without fully retiring.

Locum tenens is a Latin term meaning "to hold the place of." In the medical staffing field, it is a short-term contract for healthcare professionals. CRNA locum assignments allow medical professionals to travel and broaden their skillset in different work environments while enjoying excellent earning potential, which can greatly enhance job satisfaction.

Current Locum Tenens CRNA Jobs

Often, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists work full-time, but the schedule can vary greatly depending on the practice environment and typical surgical volume. For healthcare professionals seeking a more flexible schedule or temporary work to supplement income, CRNA locum jobs are a great option. Nurse Anesthetists can step in to cover vacancies at a hospital, outpatient surgery center, Level III Trauma Center, or other facilities.

Due to the physician shortage, an increase in elective surgeries, and provider burnout, locum CRNAs have access to a wide variety of job opportunities nationwide. These locum tenens assignments range from brief two-week stints to ongoing, multi-year commitments. While you can search job boards on your own, it's advantageous to work with a staffing agency like Caliber. Through relationships with hospitals and health systems, we have access to jobs that might not be publicly available. And as a provider-centric organization, Caliber acts as your advocate to ensure the work environment meets your preferences.

Understanding Locum Tenens CRNA Roles

When exploring locum tenens opportunities as a CRNA, it's essential to consider the specific duties and the variety of settings you might work in. Options can range from outpatient surgery centers and labor and delivery units to specialized settings like gynecologic oncology centers and physician’s offices. High-intensity environments such as busy trauma centers may also be available, offering diverse clinical experiences.

CRNAs in locum tenens positions benefit from competitive compensation packages that often exceed those of their full-time counterparts. The flexibility of locum work can lead to higher hourly rates and may include additional compensation for overtime, callbacks, and special assignments, enhancing the overall earning potential. When you work with a staffing agency, they can help negotiate rates with the hospital or health system to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Before committing to a locum tenens assignment, it's crucial to fully understand the terms of the agreement. Verify that the compensation, benefits, and accommodations align with your professional needs and personal circumstances to ensure a satisfactory experience. If you're working with a staffing agency, you can lean on your recruiter and ask questions and clarification. They act as a third party to help ensure the assignment is the best fit possible.

Locum tenens roles offer more than just financial incentives; they provide a unique opportunity to deliver care to diverse patient populations and settings. Whether it’s aiding underserved areas or experiencing different regional practices, locum tenens CRNAs enjoy the fulfillment of making significant impacts across various communities. Moreover, partnering with a reputable job-finding service, such as Caliber, can streamline the process, opening the door to new career pathways and adventures in different locations.

3 Reasons a CRNA Might Choose Locum Tenens Work

When healthcare facilities face staffing shortages, locum tenens CRNAs are perfectly positioned to step in. There are numerous benefits for CRNAs considering locum roles:

Flexibility: The demanding hours in the anesthesia field can lead to burnout, making the flexibility of locum tenens roles highly attractive. You can select assignments that sync with your desired schedule, enhancing your work-life balance. Locum roles not only offer the chance to set your own hours but also allow you to travel and explore new locations nationwide. Most facilities provide travel reimbursement, coverage for locum tenens shifts, and even paid housing, making each assignment both a professional opportunity and an adventure.

Competitive Compensation: Locum tenens positions are known for their competitive pay. While earnings vary based on location, qualifications, and the facility's needs, hourly rates for CRNAs typically range from $91 to $167. With locum assignments, CRNAs see an average of about $30 more per hour than the rates of full-time positions, giving locum CRNAs a financial edge along with flexible scheduling.

Skills and Networking: Diving into locum tenens work exposes you to diverse patient populations and medical environments, which can significantly broaden your skill set and refine your expertise. This type of work provides ample opportunities to network with healthcare professionals across the country. Building these connections can lead to priority access to sought-after locum assignments and even full-time opportunities down the line. Many of our locum providers choose a "locum-to-perm" option where we help them transition to an assignment if it's a great fit.

Choosing locum work allows CRNAs to take control of their careers in ways that full-time positions often can't match—balancing personal life with professional advancement while exploring new places. Whether you’re looking to escape the burnout of regular hours or aiming to experience healthcare from a new perspective, locum tenens is a great solution to enhance your job satisfaction.

Ready to start the conversation? Reach out to a recruiter today.