The Benefits of CRNA Travel Jobs
Anesthesia practice has come a long way since the first nurse anesthetists administered chloroform during the Civil War. Every year brings greater possibilities for independent practice and greater choices for choosing your workplace settings.
In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse anesthetists have great professional career momentum with 2023 numbers showing increasing salary ranges and a host of practice locations from which to choose, including:
- Physician offices
- General medical and surgical offices
- Outpatient care centers
- Colleges, universities, and professional schools
- Specialty hospitals
Top Paying States for Nurse Anesthetists
While CRNAs will find great opportunities across the country, the highest-paying salaries for CRNAs can be found in the following states. Click on each state to explore great locum tenens opportunities.
Benefits of Locum Tenens CRNA Jobs
The professional and personal benefits of locum tenens nurse anesthetist jobs may be just what you've been seeking. Just like with permanent positions, traveling CRNAs can administer anesthesia in a variety of inpatient or outpatient settings. But these temporary assignments can add flexibility, extra income, travel benefits, and other lifestyle perks to your career options.
In its 2023 Best Jobs Ranking, U.S. News Ranked Nurse Anesthetists:
- #10 in Best Health Jobs
- #12 in Best STEM Jobs
- #25 out of the 100 best jobs (all categories)
- Career growth of 11.8% between 2021-2031
U.S. News bases its rankings on a number of factors, and the researchers found that compensation and opportunities for growth are higher than average for CRNAs, but ranked them lower than average in the area of flexibility regarding alternative work schedules and work-life balance.
Whether working in hospitals, surgery centers, or other outpatient clinics or practices, CRNAs enjoy helping patients and developing an appropriate plan for anesthesia care, especially when allowed to practice at the full extent of their training.
How Many States Grant CRNAs Full Independent Practice Rights
As of this publication, 31 states have granted CRNAs independent practice without requiring physician supervision. However, nurse anesthetists can practice in all 50 states and U.S. territories and are the anesthesia providers of choice for the Veteran's Administration. CRNAs are also the main anesthesia providers in many rural areas of the country.
Upcoming Practice Changes for CRNAs
Preparation for practicing as a nurse anesthetist is changing, and starting in 2025, all CRNAs will need a doctoral degree to qualify for entry to practice.
Average Salaries for CRNAs
BLS researchers noted that the mean hourly wage for nurse anesthetists was $98.93, with salaried CRNAs making $205,770.
The locum jobs currently available from AMN Healthcare show that current locum tenens CRNA pay rates can range up to $197/hr.
Men Also Enjoy the Profession
The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists reports that nearly 41 percent of CRNAs are men, compared to other nursing jobs where men account for closer to 10 percent of the workforce.
Further Benefits of CRNA travel jobs
Traveling CRNAs can earn excellent salaries as noted above and have the opportunity to choose where and when they want to work, in part-time or full-time temporary assignments across the country. Their salary rates and other benefits are guaranteed by contract.
As locum tenens providers, they step in for anesthesia practitioners during short-term vacancies, vacations, patient census fluctuations, and other periods of transition.
Some Additional Benefits of Travel CRNA Assignments Include:
- Career-building nurse anesthesia jobs in top facilities
- The freedom to choose the practice setting, location, and schedule
- Job placement assistance from a dedicated CRNA recruiter
- Licensing and credentialing assistance for each travel assignment
- Free housing, paid travel, excellent compensation, and professional liability coverage
- The chance to try out a new city or visit loved ones during assignments
Nurse anesthetists may choose locum tenens assignments at nearly any stage of their careers, as solo adventures or as a chance to travel with a spouse, family, best friend, and/or pet.
