Let’s dive into the developments and new opportunities shaping your profession.

The job market for CRNAs has expanded since the COVID-19 pandemic. Increased compensation rates, high demand, and unique opportunities for career growth are emerging. This brief article helps put these trends into perspective and offers some strategies for the new year


How Shortages are Driving the Demand

CRNAs are more valuable than ever. According to The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA), the anesthesiology workforce could experience a shortage of 22% by 2033. 

This workforce reduction is due, in part, to general physician shortages and the increase in retirement numbers combined with the aging physician population. Rural facilities are anticipated to be impacted the most, where the decline in the number of anesthesiologists means CRNAs are stepping in to help fill gaps in patient care. Surgical volumes have also rebounded since the COVID-19 pandemic, creating a surge in demand for anesthesia services. Your skill set isn’t just in demand—it can be a necessary piece for keeping operating rooms in rural communities running. 


Expanding Practice Settings: Where CRNAs Are Making an Impact

If you’re looking to make a difference, operating rooms aren’t the only avenue for CRNAs. The landscape of treatment options is steadily evolving. The need for CRNAs is increasing in a variety of settings—your skills can benefit not just hospitals, but ambulatory surgical centers, physician and dental offices, and even the military. Locum tenens opportunities for CRNAs also continue to grow. If you’re looking to try different settings before committing to a location or facility, locum tenens could be right for you. As the demand for expert providers and anesthesia services expands, so do your options. 


The Rise of Locum Tenens: Flexibility Meets Demand

The shortage of CRNAs across the country is no secret, and facilities have found locums to be a helpful solution. Locum tenens providers are closing staffing gaps by working in facilities that need their services most.

Though the demand for CRNAs is pressing, locum tenens is a flexible option for providers seeking more work-life balance and freedom in their schedules. Your locum consultant is here to help you build a schedule that fits your needs and desires, so communicate to them where and how often you prefer to work. Locums is a great way to mitigate burnout and prioritize what’s important to you.

Locum tenens also provides additional benefits by offering opportunities to network with new colleagues and develop your skill set in diverse settings. All of this allows you to make an impact and open doors to satisfying career opportunities on your timeline and schedule.


Compensation Trends: What’s Driving CRNA Salaries

As surgeries resumed after COVID-19, facilities responded to staffing shortages by increasing rates for CRNAs. Due to increasing healthcare needs and rising US costs, this trend continues. CRNAs are among the highest-paid nursing professionals. According to the AANA, the average median pay is $212,650, and locum providers typically earn higher hourly rates than average salaries.

Rural communities have a particularly high demand for CRNAs, where they may often serve as the primary anesthesia provider. This gives you the opportunity to make an impact in places where there is a lack of healthcare resources while earning competitive rates. Your Hayes Locums consultant can help you navigate location options and a compensation and schedule structure to suit your needs.


Turn Market Trends into Career Opportunities

Whether your goals are to earn a higher salary, bring your skills to a different facility, or explore options outside of hospital settings, locums could be a great option for you. Hayes Locums consultants are ready to assist you in finding the right fit.