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Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)/nurse anesthesiologists play a vital role in the healthcare industry, providing anesthesia services across diverse settings. As the in the US worsens and costs continue to rise, hospitals and health systems increasingly lean on CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists to fill the gap at the same as anesthesiologists. For this reason, the past few years have seen a spike in demand for CRNAs/ nurse anesthesiologists and a corresponding increase in compensation. Will the trend continue? A look at the current data suggests demand is not slowing down, so if you are in the market for a new CRNA/ nurse anesthesiologist job, the outlook is strong.
Several factors are contributing to the rising demand for CRNAs/ nurse anesthesiologists. First, a disproportionate number of physicians anesthesiologists are retiring, just as new technologies and an aging population are driving up demand for surgeries. The Association of American Medical Colleges has long predicted a looming shortage of physician anesthesiologists (along with physicians of almost every specialty). However, when surgeries resumed following the pandemic-driven hold on elective surgeries, it became apparent that the shortage had already arrived. Hospitals and health systems turned to locum CRNAs to keep ORs running. The need for qualified anesthesia professionals grows as surgical volumes increase, particularly in outpatient settings.
When surgeries resumed after the COVID-19 shutdown, hospitals and health systems, desperate to get ORs running again, began paying unprecedented rates to locum CRNAs. When some became aware of how much they could earn as contractors, many left for temporary work, which exacerbated the shortage. Organizations then recognized the need to pay full-time CRNAs/ nurse anesthesiologists more, so compensation increased across the board.
The pace of these increases was not sustainable, however, and despite the ongoing demand for providers, the sense that organizations are in bidding wars seems to have calmed. Anecdotal evidence from the recruitment team at Jackson Physician Search suggests that organizations are now looking beyond compensation as they attempt to retain CRNAs/ nurse anesthesiologists long-term, offering flexibility, support, and improved work-life balance.
While the dramatic spike in 2020 has largely corrected, CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists still earn more than any other advanced practice providers. Salaries have steadily risen in recent years, with additional premium pay opportunities for locum tenens roles.
Factors Affecting Earnings:
Choosing between a full-time or locum tenens position depends on your professional and personal priorities. Full-time roles offer the stability of a guaranteed income, and employers typically provide comprehensive benefits, including healthcare, retirement plans, and paid time off. Opportunities for professional growth and mentorship, not to mention a sense of community and teamwork, are more likely in permanent positions.
On the other hand, locum tenens CRNA work has a higher earning potential and allows you to choose from a variety of settings and locations. The ongoing exposure to diverse clinical environments can build a broader skillset and make you more marketable. The flexibility to decide when and where you want to work can be desirable.
While locum tenens roles can be lucrative, new graduates and those seeking career stability will likely benefit more from starting in permanent positions. Over time, these roles can pave the way for locum opportunities later in their careers.
Demand for CRNAs/ nurse anesthesiologists is high, but this doesn’t necessarily mean it will be easy to find a new job, especially if you are fresh out of training. Keep an open mind and be willing to expand your radius to discover more opportunities. Start your online job search with Motion, a cutting-edge career exploration platform powered by the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. Apply to jobs that meet your criteria, but also contact the recruitment firms posting the jobs and talk to them about what you are looking for. These recruiters work with organizations nationwide and may know of multiple opportunities that meet your needs. Carefully evaluate each job to ensure you’ll have the support and exposure needed to grow your career in the desired direction.
The CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist job market offers abundant opportunities fueled by growing demand for surgeries and provider shortages. Rising compensation trends reflect the critical value CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists bring to healthcare teams. At the same time, diverse career options allow professionals to chart their own course in pursuit of both personal and professional goals.
For new graduates, keeping an open mind and focusing on permanent positions will allow them to go where needed as they build experience that will set them up for long-term success. More experienced CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists will have more options available, but they must also be willing to go where needed—whether as a full-time employee or locum tenens CRNA. All those seeking a new opportunity will benefit from consulting with a recruiter who is familiar with the market. With the proper insight, a strong network, and powerful online resources such as AANA’s Motion, you can successfully navigate the job market, finding roles that meet their needs and allow them to provide an essential service to their communities.
If you are seeking your first CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist job or a new one, AANA Motion is the official career platform of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. It allows you to see all the relevant practices in your preferred area so you can be targeted in your job search. If you prefer more personalized recruitment assistance, reach out to the team at Jackson Physician Search–the only recruitment firm endorsed by the AANA.
MOTION is a new career exploration platform purpose-built to help CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists make better-informed career decisions. The map-based platform puts AANA members at the heart of their unique career search.