Locum Tenens CRNA: Complete Guide to Travel Anesthesia

## What is Locum Tenens?

Locum tenens (Latin for "to hold the place of") refers to temporary healthcare positions. For CRNAs, this means working assignments of days to months at facilities needing coverage.

Why CRNAs Choose Locum Work

Locum CRNA Compensation

Hourly Rates (2025)

Annual Earnings Potential

Additional Compensation

• Travel: Flights and mileage usually paid
• Housing: Provided or stipend ($2,000-4,000/mo)
• Rental Car: Often provided
• Malpractice: Covered by facility/agency
• Meals/Per Diem: $50-100/day common

Types of Locum Assignments

Short-Term (Days to 2 Weeks)

• Coverage for vacations, illness
• Weekend warrior opportunities
• Good for testing facilities
• Usually highest hourly rates

Medium-Term (1-3 Months)

• Most common type
• Good income and stability balance
• Time to learn system
• Often extendable

Long-Term (3-12 Months)

• Near-permanent but flexible
• May include benefits
• Lower hourly but more stability
• Can lead to permanent offers

Getting Started with Locum Work

Requirements

Step-by-Step Process

1. Get Licensed in Multiple States

1. Work with Agencies

1. Set Up Your Business

1. Build Your Profile

Top Locum CRNA Agencies

Working with Agencies

• Work with multiple agencies
• Negotiate rates (they expect it)
• Build relationships with recruiters
• Be responsive and professional

• Sign exclusivity agreements
• Accept first offer (negotiate)
• Ghost recruiters
• Forget to verify malpractice coverage

Tax Implications

1099 vs W-2

Tax Deductions for Locum CRNAs

• Travel expenses (beyond first 50 miles)
• Home office (if you have one)
• State license fees
• Professional dues
• Continuing education
• Health insurance premiums
• Retirement contributions (SEP-IRA, Solo 401k)
• Phone/internet (portion business use)

Tax Home Rules

Critical Concept: Your "tax home" determines what you can deduct.

• If you have a permanent residence, travel meals/housing deductible
• If you're full-time nomad, deductions limited
• Maintain "tax home" with duplicate expenses to maximize benefits

Consult a CPA specializing in locum/travel healthcare professionals.

Lifestyle Considerations

Pros

• See new places
• Higher income potential
• No workplace politics
• Control your schedule
• Try before committing to area/facility

Cons

• Away from home/family
• Constantly learning new systems
• No stability/routine
• Must handle own benefits
• Credentialing is ongoing task

Best Candidates for Locum Work

• Single or partner travels with you
• No school-age children (or willing to be away)
• Adventurous personality
• Self-motivated and adaptable
• Good with ambiguity and change

Sample Locum CRNA Schedule

Option A: Work Hard, Play Hard

• 6 weeks on, 2 weeks off
• 50+ hours/week while working
• Extended vacations between assignments
• Annual: $350,000-450,000

Option B: Part-Time Supplement

• Keep part-time permanent job
• Locum 1-2 weekends/month
• Best of both worlds
• Additional $50,000-100,000/year

Option C: Geographic Base

• Home base in desirable location
• Commute to assignments (fly in/out)
• Maintain family/social life
• Annual: $300,000-400,000

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Verifying Malpractice Coverage

1. Underestimating Tax Burden

1. Burning Bridges

1. Not Negotiating

1. Over-Committing

Conclusion

Locum tenens work offers CRNAs exceptional earning potential and flexibility. With proper planning around taxes, licensing, and lifestyle, it can be a rewarding career path—either full-time or as supplement to permanent work.

Guide updated January 2025.