What Is a Locum CRNA?

A locum CRNA is a certified registered nurse anesthetist who provides temporary services to healthcare facilities on a short-term basis. Locum tenens work has become increasingly popular among CRNAs in recent years as it offers flexibility, variety, and the opportunity to work in different environments.

How Does Locum Tenens Work?

Locum work involves filling temporary positions at healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices, due to staff shortages, maternity or paternity leave, illness, or vacation. Locum tenens CRNAs are contracted for a specific time period, ranging from a few days to several months, to provide anesthesia services to patients.

5 Benefits of Locum CRNA

Some benefits of being a locum CRNA include the following:

1. Flexibility: In a locum tenens CRNA position, you have the freedom to choose where and when you work. This allows you to customize your work schedule to fit your personal and professional needs.
2. Travel Opportunities: If you enjoy traveling, working as a locum CRNA creates the opportunity to work in different locations across the country (or even internationally), experiencing new healthcare systems, patient populations, and cultures.
3. Higher Pay: Locum tenens CRNAs typically earn competitive pay and higher hourly rates than staff CRNAs. You may also be eligible for compensation packages, including paid travel, housing, and malpractice insurance, which can increase your overall earnings.
4. Professional Growth: Working as a locum CRNA exposes you to new technologies, procedures, and experiences you may not encounter in a traditional setting. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to work with diverse medical teams, which can broaden your clinical expertise and knowledge.
5. Work-Life Balance: Since locum tenens CRNA jobs allow flexibility, many find it easier to balance work responsibilities with personal life. This can help reduce stress and burnout, leading to a better quality of life.

Is Locum CRNA Right for You?

Locum CRNA work is ideal for those who value work-life balance, desire to explore new environments, are adaptable and comfortable working in different healthcare settings, and are passionate about providing patient-centered care. It is also an excellent option for those looking to supplement their income while maintaining a flexible schedule.

Tips and Advice for Incoming or Veteran Locum Tenens

Succeeding as a locum CRNA requires providers to be adaptable, skilled, and personable. Here are a few tips for CRNAs considering a locum tenens position:

• Choose a trustworthy locum tenens agency: A reliable locum tenens agency ensures credible job opportunities and a smooth matching process. Conduct thorough research to find a company with experience placing CRNAs.
• Improve your communication skills: Being an effective communicator will help you build relationships with new teams, understand the expectations at different facilities, and provide high-quality patient care in any setting.
• Stay organized and prepared: Ensure you have all the required documents and certifications ready before starting your locum tenens CRNA job search. Update your professional credentials proactively and maintain a flexible schedule to accommodate lucrative opportunities.
• Enhance your clinical skills: Staying current with the latest advancements in anesthesia care and continually honing your clinical skills will make you a valuable asset to any facility as a locum CRNA.
• Learn to adapt: Each new assignment may have different protocols, technologies, and medical staff. Adaptability and openness to change are crucial for a successful locum tenens CRNA job experience.

Discover How Caliber Can Help You

Caliber is a leading healthcare staffing agency specializing in matching healthcare professionals with temporary positions nationwide. Our team of expert recruiters will assist you in finding the perfect locum tenens CRNA position for your career and lifestyle goals. We are dedicated to matching you with healthcare organizations that offer competitive pay and ensure a seamless working experience.

Caliber offers world-class guidance, recruiting resources, and support before, during, and after assignments, making the process as efficient and hassle-free as possible. Our goal is to handle all the complicated details so you can focus on providing exceptional patient care.

Contact us today to discover how we can help you on your locum tenens journey.

FAQs

What does locum tenens mean in nursing?

Locum tenens is a Latin term that means "placeholder" or "substitute." In nursing, locum tenens refers to temporary jobs available to licensed nurses. A locum nurse may step in to fill a temporary staffing gap, provide coverage for a nurse who is out sick or on vacation, or work in a specialty area on a short-term basis.

What are the benefits of being a locum CRNA?

The benefits of being a locum CRNA include a flexible work schedule, competitive pay rates, the opportunity to work in different healthcare settings, and the chance to explore new locations. Additionally, locum tenens CRNA positions provide professional growth and networking opportunities, as well as a valuable option for balancing work and personal life.

Do locum providers get paid more?

Locum providers usually earn a higher hourly rate than regular full-time employees, depending on their specialty, experience, the location of the job, and the demand for their services.