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Advancing CRNA Career Options with Locum Tenens
This week, January 23–29, the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) celebrates National CRNA Week. All of us at All Star Healthcare Solutions extend our appreciation for the more than 65,000 certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) who administer necessary, pain-relieving, and potentially life-saving anesthetics to patients. Your skills and caring devotion have been lauded by many, earning the profession the distinction of being one of the most trusted, according Gallup.
As a group, CRNAs are diverse, working in a variety of settings and roles: surgical suites, delivery rooms, ambulatory surgical centers as well as dental, ophthalmology, and pain management offices—and as locum tenens professionals. In fact, there are many benefits associated with working locum tenens and adding those contracts to your CV.
Varied Settings
Of course, not every CRNA will work in every type of practice setting. But both short- and long-term assignments present the chance to gather experiences in a variety of practice environments, even within your specialty area, such as large multi-specialty surgical centers or smaller, critical-access hospitals, where you may be called to administer anesthetics in a multitude of cases. Your All Star consultant will seek out locum tenens jobs that best match your practice preferences as well as your skill set.
Mutually Beneficial
Depending on facilities’ specific requirements, temporary jobs exist for CRNAs on the full career spectrum, from the early years to individuals easing into retirement. Locum tenens positions can be used to gain exposure to and instruction from more experienced colleagues, or to share your expertise with others, all while ensuring patients receive high-quality care.
Rural Impact
According to the AANA, CRNAs account for more than 80 percent of the anesthesia providers in rural areas. Indeed, the demand for advanced practitioners in smaller, rural communities remains very high. If supporting critical-access facilities or bringing pain management to local hospitals or clinics that do not offer those services on a regular basis appeals to you, then express those thoughts to your consultant. They can earmark rural contracts as a priority for you.
Schedule Flexibility
Locum tenens professionals exercise greater control over their work schedule than most permanent employees. Temporary contracts run a few days to a few weeks, or longer, and providers have the option to agree to a schedule that suits their needs. That same independence applies to how frequently someone accepts short-term assignments. Whether you choose to move from one locum tenens job to another on a full-time basis, or only occasionally incorporate them into your schedule, the decision is entirely yours.
Earning Potential
Locum tenens providers are compensated at an hourly rate that reflects the region’s job market, or better. Depending on circumstances, such as location, holidays, or urgency of need, facilities may offer a bonus or increased rate. What’s more, your All Star consultant may be able to negotiate on your behalf.
All Star’s “Red Carpet” Service
All Star Healthcare Solutions has dedicated departments to assist CRNAs with our internal credentialing and securing hospital privileges, as well as licensing, including an in-depth understanding of each state’s regulations. We are committed to presenting short-term job possibilities that match your needs and wants, as well as advocating for you throughout the experience, and onto the next one—it’s part of our “Red Carpet” Service.
From everyone at All Star Healthcare Solutions, happy CRNA Week!
To learn more about what’s involved in becoming a locum tenens CRNA — or to enlist the service of our Perm Division to find your next full-time job—call 800-928-0229 to speak with one of All Star’s dedicated consultants, or contact us online today.
