Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice nurses that specialize in anesthesia and are highly trained healthcare experts. Healthcare has witnessed an increased demand for CRNAs, especially in rural areas and trauma centers, due to several factors. An aging population contributing to increased surgical volumes, expanding CRNA scope nationwide leading to more CRNA autonomy, and anesthesia professionals exiting the career for retirement are some critical factors contributing to a shortage of CRNAs in hospitals, ASCs and other healthcare facilities.
Due to increased demand, nurse anesthetists enjoy high salaries along with other benefits. Working as a Locum tenens CRNA provides further flexibility, opportunities, and increased pay. However, they also face some issues that we have explained in this guide. Read this article from start to finish to understand the full scope of CRNAs working as locum tenens and how you can enhance your experience throughout your locum tenens journey.
What is Locum Tenens?
Locum Tenens is a Latin phrase meaning “to hold the place of”. This term is primarily used in healthcare to refer to professionals who work temporarily to fill staffing gaps. The same happens in anesthesiology and more often. Anesthesia is one of the hottest fields for locum tenens. Such providers act as freelancers for healthcare facilities. Facilities contact CRNA recruiting agencies to help them to connect with locum tenens providers in the field. Those professionals who work as locum tenens are highly adaptable to different environments and settings, so they are ready to begin working with any hospital to provide anesthesia services during an increase in surgical volumes or staffing shortage. Locum tenens are becoming a crucial part of the staffing contingency plan of facilities nowadays. Therefore, there is a significant opportunity for CRNAs to explore options across the US when linking up with a company like 1MAC.
Why CRNAs Are in High Demand
We have witnessed an increase in demand for CRNAs over the last few years, and employment is expected to grow by up to 38% by 2032. Several factors are contributing to this trend. The demand for anesthesia is rising compared to the number of professionals available. This increased demand, especially in rural and community hospitals, is encouraging CRNAs to come and fill in the gaps urgently and demand more pay for doing so. Additionally, CRNAs can offer independent anesthesia solutions in many states without the need for physician oversight. So, their ability to function independently is also a significant factor. CRNAs do not require supervision by an anesthesiologist specifically, in many states, and may function completely independently in others. In states where CRNAs do require supervision, this may be provided by a physician or dentist and not necessarily by a physician anesthesiologist.
Pros of Locum Tenens for CRNAs
A significant number of CRNAs are transitioning to work as locum tenens, and there are several benefits for them. Read further to discover key benefits a CRNA working as a locum tenens can expect.
Higher Earning Potential
CRNAs do not get the benefits of permanent staff like healthcare insurance, sick leave, paid time off and more. But they can enjoy much higher pay. Depending on the employer you are working with, CRNA locum tenens jobs offer the potential to earn 20% – 50% more than a fully employed, W-2 anesthesia provider.
Additionally, there is a high likelihood of employers hiring locum tenens CRNA at a premium hourly rate currently due to increased surgical backlog and anesthesia staffing shortages. And filling urgent needs quickly is why an independent contractor usually earns more.
Flexible Scheduling and Work-Life Balance
Independent contractors are not bound by the same limitations that traditional employees face. Plus, they have more control over the assignments they decide to handle, the places they can travel to, and the time they will spend on contract. For anesthesia providers, looking for a better work-life balance to avoid stress, burnout, or reduce working hours while bringing home the same pay, working as a locum tenens is a great option to be your own boss and achieve all listed above.
Freedom to Pursue Passion
Due to flexible scheduling, locum tenens anesthesia providers have the ability to explore more about their passions and personal lives by avoiding nights, calls, weekends and holidays typically covered by the hospital’s W-2 providers. CRNAs can pursue their passions and explore additional skill sets in their spare time. They are not bound to the restrictions and regulations of their employer outside the agreed on contract.
Opportunities to Travel and Explore New Settings
Locum Tenens for CRNAs enables them to secure employment in various cities and travel to rural areas, large cities, and locations where they have not previously worked. It is an excellent opportunity for anesthesia providers who enjoy traveling. Additionally, they will have the chance to work with various different healthcare facilities, enabling them to learn more and become more adaptable, all while exploring different regions of the US.
Building Relationships and a Diverse Clinical Skillset
Contracting temporarily with different employers helps you to explore diverse environments and surgical settings, picking up different ways of giving anesthesia. Providers will have the opportunity to upgrade their skills by being exposed to different anesthetic techniques and trains of thought. Connecting with like-minded people and work colleagues will open doors to further opportunities and help you build a stellar portfolio after working in various private and public healthcare facilities.
Cons of Locum Tenens for CRNAs
Lack of Job Stability and Long-Term Benefits
Some providers are more concerned about their job security rather than high pay. They need consistent payroll and long-term benefits. Working as a locum tenens will never allow you to work permanently with a facility or get benefits that a full-employed CRNA receives. Insurance, tax submission, and retirement planning are not included in locum tenens CRNA coverage and are handled on an individual basis for many locum CRNAs. Although many locum contracts can last for more than a year, if being flexible and jumping around for the next opportunity is not in your wheelhouse then locum tenens might not be the right choice for you.
Adjustment to New Work Environments
Some people thrive in a new workspace with new colleagues. However, it could be difficult or challenging for several providers to adapt to a new work environment, electronic health record (EHR) systems, colleagues, and protocols. Possible gaps in support or team integration can also lead to frustrations and discontinuities in patient care. In a fast paced and understaffed facility, new environments can also lead to burnout quickly.
Licensing, Credentialing, and Paperwork Challenges
Providers working as locums face several challenges regarding documentation and paperwork. Due to traveling to different states for work, CRNAs must manage multiple state licenses, documents, and adapt to state-level regulations, which can be challenging. Staying organized and maintaining your certifications and insurances to practice are a MUST.
How to Succeed as a Locum Tenens CRNA
Don’t be overwhelmed by the cons of being a locum tenens anesthesiologist. You just need to adjust to the environment and follow some tips to get the best out of a 1099 Locum tenens anesthesia contract.
- Stay Organized with Licensing and Documentation: Locum Tenens for CRNA requires managing multiple state-level licences to practice your expertise. So, organizing your licenses and legal documentation will help you avoid restrictions.
- Build Strong Communication Skills: As an independent contractor, you have to change workspaces often and visit several facilities. This will give you an opportunity to work in different cities, rural areas, and professional healthcare settings. To leverage their benefits, you must be highly adaptable and cooperative with your new work colleagues, and communication is the key to mastering connections.
- Work with a Reputable Anesthesia Staffing Agency: Connect with reputable CRNA staffing agencies like 1MAC Anesthesia to avoid searching for CRNA locum tenens positions and job opportunities solo, and get in touch with high-paying facilities fast. We help connect CRNAs with hospitals in multiple different locations.
- Be Adaptable and Open to Learning: Your success as a locum significantly depends on how adaptable you are to new environments. Never feel awkward about adapting to new strategies, frameworks, and protocols. Upgrade your skills by working in different settings and continue strengthening your ability to adapt.
How 1MAC Can Help You Succeed as a Locum?
1MAC Anesthesia is a reputable and trusted platform, providing locum tenens staffing solutions as well as access to fulltime W-2 and 1099 job opportunities. Whether you want to work as a W-2 employee or as a 1099 contractor, our locum CRNA staffing solutions will help you connect with great opportunities. Our app offers the best tools to showcase your expertise. We help facilities navigate through the available database and look for the right provider to complete their staffing gaps. And you could be the one to get hired! Browse the marketplace to see what’s available in your market today.
Conclusion
Locum tenens for CRNAs has its pros and cons. However, with the right approach, you can ensure that your locum tenens contract is significantly more beneficial than a W-2 job in several key areas. If you are ready for a change or want access to a plethora of opportunities to include W-2, 1099, and locum tenens, we highly recommend signing up and sharing your expertise with us. We will connect you with the best hospitals and facilities that are seeking professionals like you, offering a competitive salary. Ensure that you create a compelling profile and include the relevant information. Sign up as a provider on 1MAC now and see what you may be missing in your area.
