CRNAs, Is A Locum Tenens Position the Right Move for You?

Ever wondered how to become a locum CRNA? It’s a great path if you’re looking for flexibility and autonomy in your nursing career. CRNAs are key players in anesthesia care, working everywhere from remote rural areas to major urban hospitals and even military bases. State regulations are continuously reducing the need for doctor supervision, giving CRNAs even more freedom to work locum tenens jobs across the country. These roles offer not just great pay but also a chance to balance professional growth with personal well-being. No additional qualification necessary; your CRNA credentials open the door to these dynamic and rewarding opportunities.

Exploring Diverse Locum Tenens Roles For Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) have the opportunity to explore a variety of specialized fields. Locum tenens positions offer Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) a unique opportunity to explore various medical specializations without the long-term commitment typically associated with full-time roles. This flexibility is ideal for CRNAs looking to broaden their experience, refine their skills, or discover a niche that aligns with their personal and professional interests. Below, we highlight several specialty areas where locum tenens CRNAs can make significant contributions, tailoring their career paths while meeting critical needs in diverse healthcare settings:

• Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (Urogynecology): In this specialty, CRNAs support the treatment of pelvic floor disorders alongside Urogynecologists, focusing on both medical and surgical care.
• Critical Care Medicine (CCM): CRNAs are vital in critical care units, managing the anesthesia requirements for severely injured or critically ill patients and ensuring that lifesaving procedures can be administered effectively.
• Complex Family Planning: This field involves a range of procedures from pregnancy termination to complex contraceptive services. CRNAs play a key role in managing pain control and anesthesia in these sensitive situations.
• Gynecologic Oncology: Here, CRNAs assist during surgeries and procedures for treating cancers of the female reproductive system, such as cervical and ovarian cancer.
• Reconstructive Surgery: This specialty focuses on surgical correction of physical defects for medical, not cosmetic, reasons. CRNAs help provide necessary anesthesia for patients undergoing these transformative procedures.
• Reproductive Endocrinology: Working with reproductive endocrinologists, CRNAs assist in surgeries and treatments related to infertility, including in vitro fertilization and other reproductive technologies.

So You Think You Want to Locum - Pros And Considerations

Locum tenens positions can enhance both professional life and personal well-being. Let’s cover the most common advantages and explore how any potential challenges are outweighed by the positives:

Benefits of Locum Tenens for CRNAs:

1. Flexible Scheduling: Locum tenens work empowers CRNAs with the ability to control their schedules. CRNAs can choose their hours and the number of shifts they wish to take, allowing for significant work-life balance. This flexibility is particularly valuable in mitigating burnout, a common issue exacerbated by the stresses of the physician shortage.
2. Enhanced Professional Networking: CRNAs working in permanent positions often face limitations in their networking opportunities. Locum tenens roles enable CRNAs to work in diverse settings and meet new colleagues across the country, broadening their professional networks and opening doors to more lucrative and satisfying career opportunities.
3. Higher Earning Potential: Locum tenens positions typically offer higher rates of pay compared to permanent roles. Factors such as specialty, location, and the demand for specific skills can influence earnings, but generally, locum tenens allows for a more lucrative compensation package. Additionally, with the support of a specialized agency, CRNAs can navigate contract negotiations more effectively, ensuring optimal terms.
4. Reduced Burnout: Taking control of your schedule is a proactive strategy to manage and prevent burnout. This control extends to the choice of work environment and type, potentially leading to greater job satisfaction and a healthier work-life balance.

Considerations to Keep in Mind:

While the benefits are substantial, there are a few considerations that CRNAs should be aware of:

• Location Flexibility: Some locum tenens roles may be in less accessible or rural areas, which can be a challenge if you prefer urban settings. However, these positions often come with higher pay to attract candidates and less competition. And remember, the assignment is temporary! You get to test out the location, help in a community that needs your expertise, and then return home.
• Health Insurance: Unlike permanent positions where employers typically provide health insurance, locum tenens professionals need to arrange their own coverage. While this adds an extra step to your responsibilities, it also offers the flexibility to choose a plan that best suits your personal and financial needs.

By carefully weighing these factors, CRNAs can fully leverage the advantages of locum tenens roles to tailor a career that not only meets their financial goals but also supports their lifestyle and professional aspirations.

How to Make More Money As a CRNA

Locum tenens positions offer CRNAs the potential to earn significantly more than in permanent roles. On average, locum tenens CRNAs earn about $32.45 more per hour, translating to a considerably higher annual wage. This increased earning potential allows you to work fewer hours while maintaining or even enhancing your lifestyle.

Top Paying States:

• Illinois
• Massachusetts
• Montana
• New York
• Vermont

For those willing to embrace flexibility, taking assignments in less accessible or rural areas can lead to even higher pay. Specializing in high-demand areas of medicine can also boost earnings further, depending on regional needs.

CRNAs can even supplement full-time income with periodic locum tenens contracts that maximize their earnings and ability to reach financial goals.

Ready for a Locum Role? It's As Easy As 1, 2, 3...

Transitioning to a locum tenens role as a CRNA is seamless when you partner with Caliber. Here’s how to get started:

1. Discover and Apply for Positions: Utilize our job board or chat with a recruiter to find the right locum tenens opportunities.
2. Handle Credentialing and Logistics: Lean on our team to help with credentialing, state licensing paperwork, and other documentation. We also assist with arranging all necessary logistics, including travel, housing, and malpractice insurance, making your transition as smooth as possible.
3. Onboard and Integrate: Once you arrive, we'll check in and make sure you feel supported as you integrate into your new role. If any issues arise, we can help advocate on your behalf with the hospital/facility.

Ready to Start Your Locum Tenens Journey?

Contact a Caliber recruiter today! We manage all the details, allowing you to concentrate on what you do best—providing outstanding care to your patients.