Locum tenens CRNA work-life balance tips

The world of medicine is demanding. Between long hours, administrative tasks and the emotional weight of patient care, achieving a healthy work-life balance can feel impossible. The pandemic only exacerbated fatigue felt by many providers, creating additional strain on an already fragile healthcare system. According to an April 2022  AANA Journal article on burnout, nearly 40% of CRNAs surveyed reported high levels of occupational burnout, with approximately 80% reporting high levels of disengagement and exhaustion.

Despite this, the need for CRNAs is growing rapidly across the U.S. It’s essential that our CRNA workforce continue to grow to meet the increasing demands brought about by our aging population and attrition amongst healthcare providers. One step to accomplish this is to encourage CRNAs to find harmony between their personal and professional lives – and one way to do that is by exploring locum tenens work.

Those who work locum tenens know these jobs offer unparalleled flexibility and autonomy, often with high pay. These factors and the freedoms these jobs allow make this type of work very attractive to many healthcare providers. Still, there are key strategies I share with CRNAs I work with to help them thrive both professionally and personally in their locum tenens careers.

In this article, I will identify steps locum CRNAs can take to promote their work-life balance, including:

• Being schedule savvy
• Maintaining self-care
• Leveraging the system
• Embracing the journey

Maintain self-care

Whether you are using locum work short-term or it’s your full-time career, prioritizing your wellness is essential for longevity in this field.

Embrace the journey

Search for unique ways to enhance each assignment outside of the clinical setting, to unlock the full potential of your locum tenens experience.

• Keep learning: Take advantage of the unique exposure to different settings by seeking out new educational opportunities, to broaden your skillset and stay current with advancements.
• Build your network: Engage with peers during each assignment to create connections that can become valuable resources.
• Give back: Supporting the future of the field can be personally rewarding, so consider volunteering at local clinics or offering to mentor aspiring CRNAs.

By thoughtfully employing self-care strategies like maintaining healthy habits, staying organized and well-prepared, and connecting with your community, you’ll be well on your way to minimizing your stress and creating the work-life balance you crave. And don’t forget, you’re not alone! Take advantage of all the resources Aya Locums offers its clinicians, from initial search to placement and beyond.

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