We’re near the end of National CRNA Week, and what a gas it’s been! #DadJoke.
As we do during each week or day of recognition for the staffing community’s invaluable providers, today we spotlight how locum tenens agencies have honored these providers who play such an invaluable role in healthcare settings.
But first, some cool things you may not know about CRNAs, as highlighted by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA):
- Their history dates way back to the Civil War when they administered anesthesia care to wounded soldiers on the battlefield.
- CRNAs can practice in any setting where anesthesia is delivered, including OR and obstetrical delivery rooms. They also work in dentists’ offices, assist ophthalmologists, and are continuing their legacy working for the military.
- More than 61,000+ CRNAs are practicing in the US.
- CRNAs can practice without physician supervision in 22 US states and Guam.
This year’s National CRNA Week carries the theme, “Trusted Anesthesia Experts.” Over the past few days, dozens of healthcare staffing agencies nationwide have engaged in inventive campaigns and celebrations that honor these indispensable providers.
During this year’s agency campaign roundup, Locumpedia highlights the myriad ways locums agencies paid tribute to CRNAs by underscoring their commitment to patient care and the pivotal role they play in the healthcare system. Here are a few of the noteworthy campaigns we noticed:
1. All Star Healthcare Solutions Highlights the Many Benefits CRNAs Bring to Hospital Systems
All Star Healthcare Solutions noted how CRNAs improve the many healthcare settings in which they work. CRNAs excel not only in surgical environments but also in emergency departments, pain management clinics, and more.
All Star writes that states offering CRNAs “independent practice rights” help smaller hospitals and rural communities benefit significantly from their expertise. Many rural communities rely on CRNAs as their primary anesthesia provider.
All Star also mentions how ambulatory surgery centers are witnessing a surge in demand for CRNAs as they strive to address the backlog of postponed elective surgeries and accommodate new outpatient procedures.
Read the full article to explore the benefits of adding CRNAs to a medical team.
2. Floyd Lee Locums Celebrates CRNAs with Giveaway
Floyd Lee Locums hosted a giveaway to celebrate CRNA Week. With a few short instructions, applicants and a friend or colleague could easily win a $100 gift card for FIGS premium healthcare apparel.
To have a chance at the gift card, Floyd Lee asks that you:
1. Tag a healthcare friend who “inspires you” in the comments of this LinkedIn post
If selected, the provider and friend they tagged would win a gift card to FIGS. The giveaway, which is exclusively open for US providers, closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 26.
3. Hayes Locums Hears From Longtime Locums CRNA
Hayes Locums kicked off CRNA week by featuring the story of locum tenens CRNA Neal Dupre. Neal has worked as a locum tenens CRNA for over two decades. His journey into the field began when his mother, a nurse, introduced him to the world of CRNAs. Neal had always been interested in science and biology, so he pursued this career path during high school alongside two friends who shared the same aspiration.
He initially worked as a contract employee in Louisiana. When starting a family, Neal transitioned to a full-time CRNA gig, but it didn’t take long to realize that locum tenens offered more flexibility and income potential. Neal said he values the control over his retirement and health insurance locums gives him, which makes up for what he may have lost as a W2 employee.
Neal’s interview offers a glimpse into the world of locum tenens CRNAs and showcases their dedication, adaptability, and profound impact on healthcare. Learn more about Neal’s story of becoming a CRNA and see what advice he offers others interested in the career path.
4. Interim Physicians “Shouts Out” to Its CRNA Partners
Interim Physicians also paid tribute to CRNAs — locums and permanent — for the dedication and commitment to excellence they exhibit for healthier facilities. Interim published a blog post showcasing the indispensable role CRNAs play in rural communities, noting that CRNAs constitute more than 80% of anesthesia providers in those underserved communities.
Interim Physicians also shared a comment from Principal Recruiting Director Lauren Roberts about the work of locums CRNA Billy S., who has worked in locums since 2022.
Interim also wrote about ways to celebrate the work of our CRNAs beyond the operating room. The AANA offers resources to help honor CRNAs throughout the week, including social media materials and opportunities to support CRNAs on both federal and state levels.
5. Vista Staffing Solutions Shares Locums CRNA Story
Vista Staffing shared a series of responses they received from one of their locum tenens CRNA, Calli B, who has been with the team for four years. In the post, Calli talks about what she enjoys most about working as a locum CRNA, what attracted her most to the profession, and advice she’d offer someone looking at locums as a career option.
There was one piece of advice that stood out to us:
“Go into each assignment with a positive attitude and the mindset that you are there to help and willing to learn.”
Read more from Vista and Calli on LinkedIn.
Gratitude for CRNAs Everywhere
From all of us at Locumpedia, we thank locum tenens CRNAs for the crucial part they play in administering safe anesthetics. What’s more, CRNAs are often responsible for going far beyond their job description. The medical world and patients alike look to CRNAs as public health educators and leaders in the hospital and the community where they work.
For those wanting to go beyond celebrating CRNAs for just one week, we encourage you to visit the AANA website and learn about the many ways to become an advocate for CRNAs on a federal or state level. You can do so by becoming a member of the AANA or following along with them for updates on LinkedIn.
