{"id":6343,"date":"2023-01-25T22:50:18","date_gmt":"2023-01-25T22:50:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/?p=6343"},"modified":"2024-11-05T17:48:50","modified_gmt":"2024-11-05T17:48:50","slug":"8-things-every-travel-crna-should-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/travel-nursing\/8-things-every-travel-crna-should-know\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Things Every Travel CRNA Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re looking for an exciting and lucrative travel healthcare career, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are in high demand across the nation and consistently top the list of <\/span>highest-paid advanced practice registered nurses<\/span><\/a> (APRNs). Travel CRNAs have the opportunity to practice in diverse settings where their specialized skills are most needed while exploring the country and enjoying outstanding pay and perks. But before you pack your bags, make an informed decision by getting the inside scoop on job opportunities, salary, licensure and more.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Become a Travel CRNA?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Healthcare facilities hire travel CRNAs when staff CRNAs take a leave of absence or the facility has skills shortages. You may find a<\/span> travel CRNA career<\/span><\/a> appealing for many reasons. You might crave the freedom and adventure of being mobile while earning a top-notch salary. If you’ve been working in one job for a while and are interested in a change, a travel job enables you to try different settings and locations as you decide on the next steps in your career. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While attractive travel CRNA salaries may be calling your name, you have a better chance of landing a coveted position and succeeding in the role with solid clinical experience behind you. It can be challenging to step into a demanding and unfamiliar environment, especially if the facility has\u00a0an urgent need for your skills. New CRNAs should spend time gaining work experience before hitting the road, with the goal of transitioning to a long and rewarding travel career.<\/span><\/p>\n

8 Insider Tips for Travel CRNA Jobs<\/b><\/h3>\n

Like staff positions, CRNA travel jobs may be available in various inpatient and outpatient settings. However, the flexibility, additional income and lifestyle perks of travel jobs can be a complete game changer for your career. If you’re considering a\u00a0CRNA travel career, here are eight things you should know.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. CRNAs Have a Bright Job Outlook<\/b><\/h4>\n

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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is projecting a 12% growth in nurse anesthetist jobs from 2021 to 2031, according to its May 2021 data. That\u2019s an additional 5,300 new jobs created, bringing the total CRNA workforce from 45,200 to 50,500 over the decade.<\/span><\/p>\n

A primary driving force behind this growth is the nation\u2019s significant aging population, who may need surgical services and better access to healthcare. Anesthesia providers are essential to helping patients manage pain, allowing surgeons, ophthalmologists, podiatrists and other specialists to perform critical procedures and treatments with the least discomfort to their patients.<\/span><\/p>\n

Facilities may also need new nurse anesthetists to fill in skills shortages. A January 2022 ASA Monitor article discussed the potential lack of anesthesiologists as part of the ongoing physician shortage, with the impact felt especially in rural areas. Furthermore, nearly half the current CRNA workforce is aged 50 or over, according to a 2020 article in Geriatric Nursing. As nurse anesthetists retire and exit the workforce, it will create even more openings in the coming decades.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Travel CRNAs Earn More than Staff<\/b><\/h4>\n

Staff\u00a0CRNAs are consistently the highest-paid APRN specialty. In late December 2022, they earned an average of $189,500 per year or $91 per hour based on a 40-hour workweek, according to <\/span>Vivian’s salary data<\/span><\/a>. This level of pay reflects the rigorous education and training needed to care for patients receiving anesthesia. By 2025, all CRNA education programs must result in a doctorate degree, raising the bar for new nurse anesthetists.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although salaries vary by specific job postings, travel\u00a0CRNAs typically earn substantially more than permanent nurse anesthetists. The <\/span>average weekly nurse anesthetist travel salary<\/span><\/a> was $6,195 nationwide, based on Vivian’s data as of January 18, 2023. This weekly salary translates to an hourly rate of nearly $155, about 70% higher than the average staff rate cited above.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED:\u00a0<\/strong>CRNA Salary Guide<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

The following table details the average and maximum weekly salary in the top 10 highest-paying states on this date.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
State<\/b><\/td>\nAverage Weekly Travel Salary<\/b><\/td>\nMaximum Weekly Travel Salary<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pennsylvania<\/span><\/td>\n$8,298<\/span><\/td>\n$11,440<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
New Jersey<\/span><\/td>\n$8,000<\/span><\/td>\n$8,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Massachusetts<\/span><\/td>\n$7,333<\/span><\/td>\n$8,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Wisconsin<\/span><\/td>\n$6,838<\/span><\/td>\n$6,838<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Iowa<\/span><\/td>\n$6,400<\/span><\/td>\n$6,400<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Oklahoma<\/span><\/td>\n$5,900<\/span><\/td>\n$6,100<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nebraska<\/span><\/td>\n$5,611<\/span><\/td>\n$5,756<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
California<\/span><\/td>\n$5,400<\/span><\/td>\n$5,400<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
North Carolina<\/span><\/td>\n$4,800<\/span><\/td>\n$4,800<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Arizona<\/span><\/td>\n$4,699<\/span><\/td>\n$4,699<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Source: <\/i><\/strong>Vivian Health<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/small><\/p>\n

3. You Might Get Extra Perks as a Travel CRNA<\/b><\/h4>\n

\"CRNA\"<\/p>\n

Photo Credit:<\/strong> Image by serhii_bobyk<\/a> on Freepik<\/em><\/small><\/p>\n

As staff shortages create a pressing demand for nurse anesthetists, employers and recruiters are bringing more perks to the table to entice CRNAs to fill travel jobs. In addition to standard benefits such as health insurance and 401(k) plans, some recruiters offer travel nurse anesthetists additional perks like:<\/span><\/p>\n